Upgraded Graphics in Doom: The Dark Ages via Path Tracing, Excellent for RTX 50 Card Owners, Otherwise Not Advisable

Upgraded Graphics in Doom: The Dark Ages via Path Tracing, Excellent for RTX 50 Card Owners, Otherwise Not Advisable

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In May, id Software dropped Doom: The Dark Ages, promising to add a new graphics option, path tracing, in a future update. After some hands-on time with a beta patch, let's see what all the fuss is about and what it means for your shiny new GPU.

But first, an explanation: Path tracing is a method for creating more photorealistic lighting and reflections by computing multiple potential paths back to light sources instead of just one per pixel. Furthermore, it applies correct lighting to every item in the scene, enhancing the overall visual experience.

Now, let's dive into the performance consequences and benefits of enabling this shiny new feature. During my testing on a GeForce RTX 5070 with a Core Ultra 9 285K platform, we analyzed the impact on performance, visuals, and what to expect from other GPUs.

Performance Impact

To establish a baseline, we measured the in-game frame rate in the opening sequence of chapter two with several quality presets and DLSS Quality enabled. Then, with the path tracing patch options active (including path tracing itself, path traced shadows and reflections, and ray reconstruction), we recorded the performance hit. Expect a significant performance toll on this particular graphics card, with a roughly 39% drop in the average frame rate on the highest quality presets and 42% decrease in 1% lows.

What's more, the average PC latency landed at a hefty 48 milliseconds with path tracing activated, contrasting with 29 milliseconds using the standard ray tracing setup. Beyond the 30-millisecond threshold, the lag becomes noticeable and considerable, especially when the system struggles to respond in just under 50 milliseconds.

Path Tracing: A Visual Transformation

Despite the noticeable performance hit, the path tracing improvements to reflections and overall lighting are impressive, often more realistic than the standard method. Your weapon is properly lit with path tracing, whereas it remains static with regular ray tracing ( paying no heed to its believable wear and tear ). Translucent surfaces receive a boost, with correct light transmission through glass windows and shadow casting, significantly improving immersion. Furthermore, fine details trend towards clarity, and global illumination thrives.

The Performance Conundrum

Given the questionable performance impact on the RTX 5070, the choice to enable path tracing is a complicated one. If you have a lighter GPU, those models might struggle even more to maintain a proper frame rate. Within my limited testing, the RTX 5090 fared better, dropping 34% in average frame rate at 4K, granting considerable headroom for most players. However, older and weaker GPUs might face a severe performance hit, with severe drops in frame rates. For example, the RTX 4080 Super experiences a 44% drop on average at 4K, while the Radeon RX 7900 XT takes a jaw-dropping 64% plunge at 1440p. Lower-end GPUs such as the RX 6750 XT and RTX 3060 Ti may be all but eliminated from the game, falling victim to insufficient memory.

The Fix: Frame Generation and Up-scaling

Thankfully, there is a remedy for the punishing path tracing performance hit-frame generation and up-scaling. Nvidia's Multi Frame Generation (MFG) mitigates the impact, keeping the mean PCL steady and averaging 50 milliseconds for the RTX 5070. Meanwhile, the RTX 5090 flourishes with a 36-millisecond PCL.

Nonetheless, not every GPU can be salvaged by frame generation or up-scaling. Even with FSR, the RX 7900 XT's 1% lows remain dismal when employing 2x frame generation and succumb to some severe blurring when chasing fast-moving edges. Consequently, the optimal choice depends on the power of your GPU and your tolerance for reduced performance and visual compromises.

Final Thoughts: All Shiny and Beautiful?

While path tracing promises engaging visuals and reflections, the impact on performance is undeniable, particularly for weaker GPUs. For high-end RTX 50-series cards, the benefits may outweigh the drawbacks, but the question remains whether it's worth the cost for most players. As technology advances, path tracing will likely become more accessible, and for now, it remains a feature of the most powerful graphics cards on the market. So, if you've got the hardware, by all means, explore the enchanting world of path tracing. Otherwise, steer clear.

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Nick EvansonA love affair between Nick, gaming, and computers began in 1981, starting on a Sinclair ZX81 in kit form alongside a book of ZX Basic. He eventually became a physics and IT teacher but found herself drawn back to writing for a long-defunct UK tech site. After stops at Madonion and Beyond3D.com, Nick joined Futuremark (MadOnion rebranded) as editor-in-chief of its gaming and hardware section, YouGamers. The site's closure led to a four-year stint at TechSpot.com, where Nick penned more than 100 long articles on gamers' favorite topics. Despite an ever-increasing obsession with GPUs and open-world RPGs, he readily confesses to being far too absorbed in these passions, but who isn't these days?

1. The addition of path tracing in Doom: The Dark Ages could potentially break records for the most realistic lighting and reflections in a game, thanks to its method of computing multiple potential paths back to light sources.
2. For players who prioritize graphics quality over performance, the upcoming path tracing feature may warrant a bet during the game's season with the latest GPUs, such as the RTX 5090, showcasing its potential benefits.
3. On the other hand, those relying on mid-range cards should be cautious, with gadgets like the RTX 4080 Super experiencing significant drops in frame rates with the new technology.
4. The use of advanced technology like Multi Frame Generation (MFG) and up-scaling promises to lessen the performance impact, but older GPUs may still struggle to keep up, Sony Xperia 1 IV's powerful technology notwithstanding.
5. As technology continues to evolve, it's possible that path tracing will become more accessible to a wider range of gaming devices, bridging the gap between casual players and graphics enthusiasts.

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