While the modern PCSX2 (Qt/v2.0+) has moved to integrated Vulkan/DX12/OGL renderers, the DX11 plugin is still functionally robust for users running legacy builds. Why Use the GSdx 11 Plugin?
To understand GSdx 11, you must first understand the old PCSX2 architecture. Before the 1.6/1.7 unification, PCSX2 was modular to a fault. The Graphics Synthesizer (GS) was handled by external DLLs (plugins). You had one for sound (SPU2-X), one for controller input (LilyPad), and one for graphics.
The sweet spot for mid-range gaming setups. Pcsx2 Gsdx 11 Plugin
Set the internal resolution to a multiple of native (e.g., 2x, 3x). Never use a custom resolution like 1920x1080 directly, as it breaks alignment in many PS2 games. The GSdx 11 plugin's upscaling routines are optimized for multipliers.
allows you to play games in 720p or 1080p, making jagged PS2 edges look crisp and modern. Anisotropic Filtering While the modern PCSX2 (Qt/v2
Because GSdx 11 outputs a standard DirectX 11 buffer, you can inject (SMAA, Ambient Light, Depth of Field). Install ReShade in pcsx2.exe as a DirectX 10/11 application.
Enable HW Hacks and adjust the Skipdraw offset (usually setting it between 1 and 3 will bypass the broken blur effect). Severe FPS Drops in Hardware Mode Before the 1
Some notable features of the GSdx 11 plugin include:
It offers bilinear filtering, which smoothes out stretched textures.