Hey there, tech enthusiasts and gaming aficionados! Are you trying to decide between the NVIDIA RTX 4070 Super and the RTX 4070? You’ve come to the right place. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down the key differences, performance metrics, and value propositions of these two graphics powerhouses. Let’s dive in and find out which one might be the perfect fit for your rig!
The Basics: What Are We Comparing?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s quickly recap what we’re dealing with:
- NVIDIA RTX 4070 Super: The newer, beefed-up version of the 4070
- NVIDIA RTX 4070: The original model in the 4070 series
Both cards are part of NVIDIA’s cutting-edge RTX 40 series, built on the Ada Lovelace architecture. But as we’ll see, some key differences set them apart.
Related:
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4070 Super EVO Review
Specifications Showdown
Let’s start by comparing the raw specs of these two GPUs:
Specification | RTX 4070 Super | RTX 4070 |
---|---|---|
CUDA Cores | 7,168 | 5,888 |
Base Clock | 1,980 MHz | 1,920 MHz |
Boost Clock | 2,475 MHz | 2,475 MHz |
Memory | 12GB GDDR6X | 12GB GDDR6X |
Memory Bandwidth | 504.2 GB/s | 504.2 GB/s |
TDP | 220W | 200W |
As you can see, the Super variant comes with more CUDA cores and a slightly higher base clock, which translates to improved performance in most scenarios.
Performance Comparison
Now, let’s talk about what matters – performance! We’ll look at various benchmarks and real-world gaming scenarios to give you a clear picture.
Performance Metric | RTX 4070 Super | RTX 4070 |
---|---|---|
1080p Gaming | Excellent, 15-20% higher FPS | Very good |
1440p Gaming | Often hits 144+ FPS | May struggle with 144 FPS in demanding games |
4K Gaming | 60+ FPS with some tweaks | Requires more compromises |
Ray Tracing | Improved capabilities | Good, but falls behind Super |
Content Creation | Better suited | Capable, but slower in intensive tasks |
According to independent benchmarks from TechPowerUp, the RTX 4070 Super offers about 15% better performance on average than the RTX 4070.
Power Efficiency and Thermals
With great power comes… well, power consumption. Let’s look at how these cards handle the heat:
Aspect | RTX 4070 Super | RTX 4070 |
---|---|---|
Power Consumption | Higher TDP at 220W | More efficient at 200W TDP |
Thermals | Runs a few degrees hotter | Slightly cooler operation |
Cooling Solutions | Both benefit from NVIDIA’s improved designs and AIB partner options |
Price-to-Performance Ratio
Now, let’s talk about the all-important factor – value for money:
Aspect | RTX 4070 Super | RTX 4070 |
---|---|---|
MSRP | $599 | $549 (often discounted) |
Performance per Dollar | Better raw performance, higher cost | Excellent value, especially when discounted |
Long-term Value | May age better due to higher specs | Great for current games, may show age sooner |
Which One Should You Choose?
The decision between the RTX 4070 Super and RTX 4070 ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budget. Here’s a quick guide:
Choose the RTX 4070 Super if:
- You want the best performance in the 4070 class
- You’re into 1440p high-refresh-rate gaming
- You do content creation alongside gaming
- You have a bit more budget flexibility
Go for the RTX 4070 if:
- You’re primarily gaming at 1080p or 1440p/60Hz
- You’re on a tighter budget
- Power efficiency is a priority
- You find a good deal on one (they’re often discounted now)
Remember, both cards are excellent choices and will provide a great gaming experience. The Super variant just pushes things a bit further.
Conclusion
The NVIDIA RTX 4070 Super brings a notable performance boost over the already impressive RTX 4070. With about 15% better performance on average, it’s a solid choice for those who want to squeeze out every last frame. However, the RTX 4070 remains an excellent option, especially if you can find it at a discounted price.
Whichever card you choose, you’re getting a piece of cutting-edge graphics technology that will serve you well in today’s games and beyond.