Modern NVIDIA graphics cards pack an impressive lineup of technologies designed to help users get the most out of their hardware. Yet for many, the abundance of settings and options can feel overwhelming, with useful features often left untouched. Two of the most underrated—but surprisingly powerful—tools that many overlook are RTX HDR and DLSS Override.
RTX HDR: Breathing new life into old games
High Dynamic Range (HDR) comes in several formats, but at its core, it enhances video by expanding the range of color and contrast your display can show. The result is more vibrant, lifelike visuals—provided the game supports HDR. Unfortunately, many titles still lack native HDR support.
That’s where NVIDIA’s RTX HDR feature steps in. Available through the NVIDIA App and compatible with RTX GPUs, RTX HDR uses AI to intelligently upscale standard SDR content into HDR-like visuals. While it doesn’t create true HDR, it delivers a strikingly close approximation, making older games look richer and more dynamic on compatible monitors.
DLSS Override: Taking control of AI upscaling
Another standout capability within the NVIDIA App is DLSS Override, a long-requested feature that finally arrived in mid-2025. Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) has evolved through multiple generations, improving image quality and frame rates with each iteration. DLSS Override lets users take direct control of the technology by applying their preferred DLSS settings globally across all supported games.
Beyond convenience, the feature has powerful flexibility: enthusiasts can try advanced DLSS AI models before developers officially integrate them into specific titles, force-enable DLSS Multi Frame Generation on supported cards, and even activate Deep Learning Anti-Aliasing (DLAA) in games that don’t natively include it.
The NVIDIA App: The ultimate control center
Since its debut in late 2024, the NVIDIA App has steadily grown into an essential one-stop tool for managing your GPU. Users can download drivers, record gameplay, adjust performance settings, apply filters, and now, fine-tune DLSS with ease. It’s also the central hub for discovering hidden NVIDIA technologies like RTX HDR and DLSS Override—though some regions, such as China, currently restrict its use.
For gamers running older or non-NVIDIA cards, free GPU tuning utilities remain a solid alternative. Tools like MSI Afterburner, for instance, can help extend the performance and lifespan of last-generation hardware—proving that with the right tools, even aging GPUs can keep up.
