Knowledge Base

What is NVIDIA Reflex?

NVIDIA Reflex is a technology designed to reduce system latency (input lag) in games. The goal is to provide a more responsive and fluid gaming experience by shortening the time between a player's actions and the result on the screen. Low latency helps players react faster and aim more accurately, especially in competitive games, giving them an advantage.

• System Latency (Input Lag): The delay between a player performing an action (e.g., clicking the mouse) and that action appearing on the screen.
• Reflex Latency Analyzer: A tool used to measure system latency. It works with compatible monitors and mice to accurately determine the latency.
• NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency Mode: A feature that can be enabled in compatible games. It reduces latency by optimizing the synchronization between the CPU and GPU.

What are the Differences Between NVIDIA Reflex 1 and NVIDIA Reflex 2?

NVIDIA Reflex 2 is a more advanced latency reduction solution compared to the original Reflex technology. The main differences are:

• Lower Latency: Reflex 2 offers even lower latency times. It provides a more noticeable improvement, especially in GPU-intensive scenarios.
• Improved Synchronization: It further optimizes the synchronization between the CPU and GPU. This ensures a more consistent and fluid gaming experience.
• Reflex Boost: Reduces latency even further by dynamically adjusting the GPU's clock speed.
• Enhanced Compatibility: Offers compatibility with more games and hardware.

In summary, Reflex 2 is a more optimized and effective latency reduction solution built on top of the original Reflex.

How Does NVIDIA Reflex Work?

The working principle of NVIDIA Reflex is to minimize latency by reducing the queue depth between the CPU and GPU. Normally, frames processed by the CPU are queued to be processed by the GPU. Frames waiting in this queue cause latency. Reflex reduces this queue depth by allowing the CPU to send frames to the GPU faster.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Game Engine Integration: Game developers integrate Reflex into the game engine. This integration optimizes communication between the CPU and GPU.
2. CPU and GPU Synchronization: Reflex allows the CPU to send frames to the GPU faster. This allows the GPU to wait less and process frames faster.
3. Queue Depth Reduction: Latency is minimized by reducing the queue depth between the CPU and GPU.
4. Reflex Low Latency Mode: Players can benefit from these optimizations by enabling Reflex Low Latency Mode in the game settings.

You can review the diagram below to better understand how Reflex works. (Textual description: Normally, frames go from the CPU to the GPU via a queue, and this queue causes latency. Reflex reduces latency by shortening this queue.)

What Should I Do to Enable NVIDIA Reflex?

Follow the steps below to enable NVIDIA Reflex:

1. Compatible Hardware: Make sure you have an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 900 series or newer graphics card.
2. Up-to-date Drivers: Install the latest NVIDIA drivers.
3. Compatible Game: Launch a game that supports Reflex. (For example, Valorant, Fortnite, Apex Legends)
4. Game Settings: In the game's graphics settings, find and enable the "NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency" or similar option.
5. Reflex Latency Analyzer (Optional): If you are using a Reflex Latency Analyzer compatible monitor and mouse to measure latency, make sure these devices are configured correctly.

Example Game Setting (Valorant):

• Settings -> Video -> Graphics Quality -> NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency -> On/On+Boost

How to Use Reflex Latency Analyzer?

Reflex Latency Analyzer is a tool used to measure system latency. It works with compatible monitors and mice.

Step-by-Step Usage:

1. Compatible Hardware: Make sure you have a Reflex Latency Analyzer compatible monitor and mouse.
2. Monitor Settings: Enable Reflex Latency Analyzer from your monitor's menu.
3. Mouse Connection: Connect your mouse to the special USB port on the monitor (usually marked in red).
4. In-Game Settings: Enable Reflex Latency Analyzer in the compatible game. It is usually found in the graphics settings.
5. Measurement: Perform a specific action in the game (for example, shooting). The monitor will automatically measure the latency and display it on the screen.

Important Note: For accurate measurements, your mouse and monitor may need to be calibrated. See your monitor's user manual.

Which Games Support NVIDIA Reflex?

NVIDIA Reflex is supported by an increasing number of games. Some of the popular games include:

• Valorant
• Fortnite
• Apex Legends
• Call of Duty: Warzone
• Overwatch 2
• Rainbow Six Siege
• Destiny 2
• God of War
• Microsoft Flight Simulator
• Cyberpunk 2077

You can visit NVIDIA's official website for a complete list of supported games.

How Does NVIDIA Reflex Affect Performance?

NVIDIA Reflex minimizes system latency while having a minimal impact on performance. In some cases, a performance increase may even be observed. This is because Reflex optimizes the synchronization between the CPU and GPU, allowing resources to be used more efficiently.

However, enabling Reflex on some systems may cause a small drop in FPS (frames per second). This drop is usually acceptable and is offset by the reduction in latency. Especially in GPU-intensive scenarios, performance loss is minimized thanks to the Reflex Boost feature.

Real-Life Examples and Case Studies

Case Study 1: Professional Player Performance

An e-sports team started using NVIDIA Reflex while preparing for a Valorant tournament. Team members stated that they were able to react faster and aim more accurately thanks to Reflex's latency reduction. During the tournament, the team's performance increased significantly and they achieved successes they had not achieved before.

Case Study 2: Average Player Experience

A player enabled NVIDIA Reflex while playing Cyberpunk 2077. The player stated that the game became smoother and more responsive thanks to Reflex's latency reduction. He said that he felt the difference of Reflex, especially in fast-paced combat scenes, and had a more enjoyable gaming experience.

Common Mistakes Regarding NVIDIA Reflex

Some common mistakes made when using NVIDIA Reflex are:

• Old Drivers: Not using the latest NVIDIA drivers prevents you from using the full potential of Reflex.
• Incompatible Hardware: Using a graphics card or monitor that does not support Reflex will not give the expected results.
• Incorrect Settings: Not enabling Reflex correctly in the game settings does not provide latency reduction.
• Incorrect Use of Reflex Latency Analyzer: Not configuring the Reflex Latency Analyzer correctly can lead to incorrect latency measurements.
• V-Sync: Using V-Sync and Reflex at the same time can increase latency. It is recommended to turn off V-Sync when using Reflex.

NVIDIA Reflex and Other Latency Reduction Technologies

NVIDIA Reflex is not the only solution on the market for latency reduction. Different technologies and methods are also available. However, it can be said that Reflex is more effective than other solutions thanks to its game engine integration and hardware optimization.

Comparison Table:

The Future of NVIDIA Reflex

NVIDIA Reflex is a technology that is constantly being developed. In the future, even lower latency times, more advanced synchronization, and wider game and hardware compatibility are expected. In addition, with the integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning into Reflex, even greater strides can be made in latency reduction.

NVIDIA will continue to work closely with game developers to ensure that Reflex is integrated into more games. This will allow players to experience low-latency gaming across a wider range of titles.

NVIDIA Reflex and Streaming

NVIDIA Reflex can be beneficial not only for gamers but also for streamers. Low latency allows streamers to broadcast games more smoothly and interact with viewers more interactively. Thanks to Reflex, streamers can transmit their in-game actions to viewers more quickly and offer a more professional broadcast experience.

Recommendations for Streamers:

• Use a high-performance NVIDIA graphics card.
• Install the latest NVIDIA drivers.
• Use the NVIDIA NVENC encoder in your streaming software.
• Enable NVIDIA Reflex in the game settings.

NVIDIA Reflex and VR (Virtual Reality)

NVIDIA Reflex can also play an important role in virtual reality (VR) games. Low latency in VR games is critical for players to have a more immersive and comfortable experience. High latency can cause problems such as dizziness and nausea. Reflex can prevent these problems by reducing latency in VR games and provide a more enjoyable VR experience.

Recommendations for VR Developers:

• Integrate Reflex into your VR game engine.
• Offer Reflex as an enableable option in VR game settings.
• Optimize your VR games for high-performance NVIDIA graphics cards.

Different Modes of NVIDIA Reflex: On, On+Boost

NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency mode typically has two different options: "On" and "On+Boost". The main difference between these modes is how the GPU's clock speed is managed.

• On: This mode reduces latency by optimizing synchronization between the CPU and GPU. The GPU's clock speed operates normally.
• On+Boost: In addition to the "On" mode, this mode further reduces latency by dynamically increasing the GPU's clock speed. This provides a more noticeable improvement, especially in GPU-intensive scenarios. However, it may result in higher power consumption and higher temperatures on some systems.

Which Mode Should I Choose?

Which mode you choose depends on your system's specifications and the game's requirements. If your system is high-performance and the game is GPU-intensive, it is recommended to use the "On+Boost" mode. However, if your system is more modest or the game is CPU-intensive, it may be better to use the "On" mode.

It is important to experiment to find the best result. Try both modes and choose the mode that best optimizes your gaming experience.

NVIDIA Reflex and Frame Generation

NVIDIA DLSS Frame Generation is a technology that increases performance by adding new frames between existing frames using artificial intelligence. When used in conjunction with Reflex, it helps manage latency as well as improve performance. While Frame Generation can naturally increase latency, Reflex compensates for this increase, providing a more responsive gaming experience.

How Do Reflex and Frame Generation Work Together?

1. DLSS Frame Generation: Generates frames using artificial intelligence and increases performance.
2. NVIDIA Reflex: Optimizes CPU and GPU synchronization to reduce latency and compensates for the latency increase caused by Frame Generation.

This combination allows you to achieve both high performance and low latency at the same time. This advantage becomes even more pronounced when playing games at high resolutions and detail levels.

NVIDIA Reflex and Code Examples

Here are some code examples for game developers to integrate NVIDIA Reflex into their games:

// Initialize NVIDIA Reflex
#include "nvsdk_ngx.h"

bool InitializeReflex() {
  // Initialize NGX
  if (NVSDK_NGX_Result_Success != NVSDK_NGX_Init(AppId, DriverVersion)) {
    return false;
  }

  // Enable Reflex
  NVSDK_NGX_ParameterSetInteger(NVSDK_NGX_Parameter_EnableReflex, 1);

  return true;
}

// Called at the beginning of the frame
void BeginFrame() {
  NVSDK_NGX_ParameterSetInteger(NVSDK_NGX_Parameter_IsFrameReady, 0);
}

// Called at the end of the frame
void EndFrame() {
  NVSDK_NGX_ParameterSetInteger(NVSDK_NGX_Parameter_IsFrameReady, 1);
  NVSDK_NGX_Run();
}

These code examples demonstrate the basic integration of NVIDIA Reflex. In a real application, you may need to make more complex adjustments according to your game engine and rendering pipeline.

Important Note: These code examples are just examples. It is important to use NVIDIA's official SDK and documentation to integrate NVIDIA Reflex into your game.