Oct 31, 2025

Dual GPU Budget PC Build Delivers Triple FPS Using Lossless Scaling

Introduction

When it comes to gaming on a shoestring budget, most builders assume they must sacrifice performance. A recent experiment proves otherwise: by installing two low‑end GPUs in a modest Dell Optiplex 770 and leveraging the inexpensive Lossless Scaling software, frame rates can be nearly tripled. The results show that clever hardware pairing and modern frame‑generation techniques can extract far more value from inexpensive components than many expect.

The Challenge: Adding GPUs to a Low‑Power Budget PC

The primary obstacle was the 260 W power supply of the Optiplex 770, which lacks dedicated 6‑pin or 8‑pin PCIe connectors. Upgrading the power supply would have negated the budget‑friendly premise, so the build had to stay within the existing power envelope while still fitting two graphics cards.

Hardware Selection and Compatibility

Base System

Model: Dell Optiplex 770 (acquired from eBay)
CPU: Intel Core i7‑9700, 8 cores / 8 threads
RAM: 32 GB DDR4 (2 × 16 GB sticks @ 2400 MT/s, sourced cheaply)
Power Supply: 260 W stock unit, no auxiliary PCIe power connectors
PCIe Layout:
- Top slot – x16 Gen 3 (ideal for the primary GPU)
- Bottom slot – x8 Gen 3 (suitable for a low‑profile secondary GPU)

Graphics Cards

Primary GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 low‑profile, 6 GB VRAM. Chosen for its DLSS support and modest power draw.
Secondary GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6400 low‑profile, 4 GB VRAM. Selected because it fits the x8 slot, consumes little power, and can be dedicated to frame generation.

Why These Cards?

Both cards stay under the ~35 W TGP limit of the stock PSU, eliminating the need for additional power connectors.
The RTX 3050 provides the rendering backbone, while the RX 6400 handles frame generation via Lossless Scaling, a role that does not demand high graphics horsepower.
Low‑profile brackets were removed for a tighter fit; full‑size brackets are recommended for permanent builds.

Software: Lossless Scaling Frame Generation

What Is Lossless Scaling?

Lossless Scaling (available on Steam for about $7) is a frame‑generation tool that creates intermediate frames to increase perceived frame rates without sacrificing visual fidelity. It works by interpolating motion vectors from the primary GPU and using a secondary GPU to render the extra frames.

Configuration Steps

Windows Settings – Navigate to Settings → Gaming → Game Mode → Graphics → Advanced graphics settings and set the high‑performance GPU to the RTX 3050.
Launch Lossless Scaling and open the GPU & Display tab.
Set Preferred GPU to the RX 6400 (this card will perform frame generation).
Choose Lossless Scaling Frame Generation 3.1 as the generation type.
Select a Multiplier:
- Fixed mode for a constant boost (e.g., 2× or 3×).
- Adaptive mode for dynamic scaling (not used in this test).
Adjust Flow Scale (default 100%). Lower values can improve performance on weak GPUs but may affect visual smoothness.
Keep Performance Mode disabled and Sync Mode at default. Set Max Frame Latency to 3.
Apply settings and start the game.

Performance Testing

All tests were conducted at 1440p resolution unless otherwise noted, using the RTX 3050’s DLSS (Balanced or Performance) where available.

Cyberpunk 2077

Base FPS (no frame gen): 48 – 52 fps with DLSS Balanced.
2× Multiplier: 96 – 101 fps – a clean doubling of the frame rate.
3× Multiplier: ~150 fps – still playable, though tight patterns exhibited minor artifacting.
Observations: Minimal ghosting after the latest Lossless Scaling update; input latency remained low thanks to the dedicated frame‑generation GPU.

Spider‑Man 2

Base FPS (1080p, Medium, DLSS Balanced): 30 – 70 fps, with noticeable dips during fast motion.
2× Multiplier: Consistently in the 60 – 80 fps range, delivering a smoother experience despite occasional slight trailing artifacts.

Borderlands 4

Base FPS (1440p, Low, DLSS Performance): 38 – 40 fps – borderline unplayable.
2× Multiplier: Approximately 95 fps – dramatically improved playability.
3× Multiplier: Achieved ~150 fps but introduced more visual noise in high‑contrast scenes.

Analysis of Results

Frame‑Rate Gains: The RX 6400 reliably doubled the RTX 3050’s output, and a 3× multiplier pushed performance to near‑triple levels, albeit with some visual compromises.
Power Efficiency: Both GPUs operated well within the 260 W PSU limits; the RX 6400’s power draw rose to roughly 40 % under frame‑generation load, still far below the system’s ceiling.
Thermals: The RTX 3050 stayed cool enough to avoid throttling despite the cramped chassis; the RX 6400’s modest heat output made it a safe secondary choice.
Cost Effectiveness: Using two inexpensive cards (≈$150 total) plus a $7 software license produced performance comparable to a single mid‑range GPU that would cost double.

Practical Takeaways

Dual‑GPU Frame Generation is a viable path for budget gamers who cannot afford a high‑end graphics card.
Power‑constrained builds can still benefit from a secondary GPU if the card’s TGP stays low (the RX 6400 is a good example).
Lossless Scaling works best when the primary GPU can maintain a solid baseline FPS (≈40 fps or higher); the software then amplifies that base.
Configuration matters – setting the correct preferred GPU and multiplier is essential to avoid artifacts.
Future upgrades could replace the RX 6400 with a slightly stronger low‑profile card (e.g., GTX 1650) for smoother 3× scaling without sacrificing stability.

Conclusion

By pairing a modest RTX 3050 with an ultra‑low‑power RX 6400 and employing Lossless Scaling, a legacy Optiplex 770 can achieve frame rates that were once thought impossible on such a platform. The experiment demonstrates that smart hardware choices, combined with modern frame‑generation software, can unlock dramatic performance gains without breaking the bank or upgrading the power supply. While this approach isn’t universal—space, cooling, and power limits still apply—it offers a compelling option for budget‑conscious builders seeking a substantial FPS boost.