As a long-time RPG player and computer scientist with 15 years in tech, I understand the importance of choosing the right graphics card. Today, I’m breaking down the AMD RX 9070 vs RTX 5070 comparison to help you make the best decision for your gaming setup in 2025.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary: RX 9070 vs RTX 5070
Both the RX 9070 and RTX 5070 launched in March 2025 at $549 MSRP, but they’re very different beasts. The RX 9070 typically outperforms the RTX 5070 by 8-12% in most games, while offering 16GB of VRAM compared to the RTX 5070’s limited 12GB. Here’s what you need to know:
- Performance: RX 9070 leads in most games (8-12% advantage)
- VRAM: RX 9070 has 16GB vs RTX 5070’s 12GB
- Upscaling: RTX 5070 uses DLSS 4, RX 9070 uses FSR 4
- Power: RX 9070 is surprisingly efficient, matching the RTX 5070
Performance Comparison: RX 9070 vs RTX 5070
1440p Gaming Performance
At 1440p, the RX 9070 vs RTX 5070 performance shows AMD’s card leading in most scenarios. Much like the previous generation where the RTX 4060 Ti showed similar advantages over its non-Ti counterpart, both current-gen cards perform admirably:
- Cyberpunk 2077: RX 9070 delivers 129 FPS vs RTX 5070’s 108 FPS (17% faster)
- Call of Duty: RX 9070 outperforms RTX 5070 by 14%
- Doom Eternal: RX 9070 achieves 387 FPS vs RTX 5070’s 316 FPS
The only exception is CS2, where the RTX 5070 performs 7.5% better due to NVIDIA-optimized drivers, similar to how NVIDIA GTX and RTX cards perform differently in various scenarios.
4K Gaming Performance
The RX 9070 vs RTX 5070 4K performance varies by game, but VRAM makes a huge difference:
- Indiana Jones: The Great Circle: RTX 5070 crashes at max settings due to VRAM limits
- Cyberpunk 2077: RX 9070 maintains 60+ FPS while RTX 5070 struggles
- Horizon Forbidden West: Both perform well, but RX 9070 has more headroom
Ray Tracing Performance
While the RX 9070 RTX 5070 ray tracing comparison shows the RTX 5070 maintains a lead, AMD’s RDNA 4 architecture has closed the gap significantly. Maintaining proper driver updates is crucial for optimal ray tracing performance on both cards:
- In light ray tracing: RX 9070 matches or exceeds RTX 5070
- In heavy ray tracing: RTX 5070 leads by 12-20%
- With upscaling enabled: The gap narrows further
VRAM: 16GB vs 12GB – A Critical Difference
The RX 9070 vs RTX 5070 VRAM comparison reveals a major advantage for AMD:
Real-World VRAM Usage
- Indiana Jones requires 16GB for maximum settings
- The RTX 5070’s 12GB VRAM causes crashes and stuttering
- Modern games are increasingly VRAM-hungry
As an RPG enthusiast, I’ve tested both cards extensively. The RX 9070’s 16GB VRAM provides peace of mind for future games, while the RTX 5070’s 12GB already struggles with current titles at maximum settings. This limitation has led many RTX 4090 users to overclock their cards to maintain performance with higher VRAM demands.
FSR 4 vs DLSS 4: The Upscaling Battle
The RX 9070 FSR 4 vs RTX 5070 DLSS 4 comparison shows both technologies have unique strengths. For the best experience with GeForce cards, ensure you’re using the correct keyboard shortcuts to access DLSS features quickly:
FSR 4 (AMD)
- Surpasses DLSS 3 CNN model in image quality
- Matches DLSS 4 in many scenarios
- Works on older AMD GPUs with updates
DLSS 4 (NVIDIA)
- Transformer model provides superior detail
- Multi-Frame Generation exclusive to RTX 50 series
- Better visual fidelity in complex scenes
Power Efficiency: RX 9070 RTX 5070 Power Draw
Surprisingly, the RX 9070 RTX 5070 power efficiency shows AMD matching NVIDIA. With proper driver installation, both cards deliver optimal performance:
- RX 9070: 0.42-0.43 FPS/W in most games
- RTX 5070: Similar efficiency at 0.36-0.48 FPS/W
- Power draw: RX 9070 uses ~250W, RTX 5070 uses ~250W
Pricing and Value: RX 9070 RTX 5070 Price Comparison
While both cards launched at $549 MSRP, real-world pricing tells a different story:
- RX 9070: Currently selling for ~$699
- RTX 5070: Often priced at $750+ with limited stock
- Value proposition: RX 9070 offers better price-performance ratio
Should I Buy RTX 5070 or RX 9070?
As someone who’s tested both cards extensively, here’s my recommendation. However, if you’re experiencing any NVIDIA GeForce installation issues, consider the RX 9070 as a simpler alternative:
Choose the RX 9070 if:
- You prioritize raw gaming performance
- You need more VRAM for future-proofing
- You want better value for money
- You play at 1440p or 4K
Choose the RTX 5070 if:
- You prioritize ray tracing performance
- You want the absolute best upscaling (DLSS 4)
- You’re into content creation work
- You need better NVIDIA GeForce Overlay integration
The Bottom Line: Which GPU Is Better?
The RX 9070 is the better graphics card for most gamers in 2025. Its superior performance in rasterization, 16GB of VRAM, and better availability make it the smarter choice. While the RTX 5070 excels in ray tracing and features DLSS 4, the significant VRAM limitation and similar pricing make it harder to recommend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RX 9070 better than RTX 5070 for 1440p gaming?
Yes, the RX 9070 outperforms the RTX 5070 by 8-12% in most 1440p games.
Can the RTX 5070 run 4K games?
While capable of 4K gaming, the RTX 5070’s 12GB VRAM limits it in demanding titles like Indiana Jones.
Which has better ray tracing: RX 9070 or RTX 5070?
The RTX 5070 leads in ray tracing by 12-20%, but AMD has closed the gap significantly with RDNA 4.
What’s the difference between RX 9070 and RTX 5070 upscaling?
The RTX 5070 uses DLSS 4 Transformer, while the RX 9070 uses FSR 4. Both are excellent, with DLSS 4 having a slight edge in image quality.
Remember, the best GPU depends on your specific needs and budget. Whether you choose the RX 9070 or RTX 5070, both are capable cards that will handle modern games excellently.
