Left 4 Dead 2 with RTX NDT: Stunning Visuals but Significant Performance Drop on RTX 5080

Revamping Left 4 Dead 2: An Examination of the RTX NDT Mod

The newly released RTX NDT mod for Left 4 Dead 2 significantly enhances the game’s visuals, but players should be prepared for a substantial performance trade-off, even with high-end GPUs like the RTX 5080.

Visual Overhaul with RTX Remix

This mod was first unveiled earlier this month, utilizing RTX Remix technology to transform the iconic No Mercy campaign. Players can expect astonishing upgrades including realistic lighting, high-resolution Physically Based Rendering (PBR) materials, and comprehensive ray tracing support.

Performance Impact: A Detailed Look

Recent comparative analysis by MxBenchmarkPC showcases the performance discrepancies between the original version and the RTX-enhanced mod. The side-by-side footage makes it evident that while the visual enhancements are striking, they come at a significant cost to frame rates.

For instance, during a specific sequence at the 1:10 timestamp, the modded version struggles to maintain an average of around 30 FPS at 4K resolution, despite utilizing NVIDIA DLSS in Performance mode. In stark contrast, the original game comfortably operates beyond 500 FPS on the same RTX 5080 setup.

The performance drop is even more pronounced in another segment at 1:29, where the frame rates plummet from the high 500s to approximately 50 FPS. This stark contrast illustrates that even the most advanced gaming hardware is currently challenged by full path tracing, necessitating techniques like upscaling and frame generation to achieve playable frame rates.