Are you in the market for a new graphics card but unsure whether the NVIDIA RTX 4070 would suffice, or if you require the exceptional performance offered by the RTX 4090? This comprehensive guide RTX 4070 vs RTX 4090 highlights the key distinctions between the two options, assisting you in making an informed decision based on your specific requirements.
NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 4070 and RTX 4090 exist on opposite ends of the spectrum, making them an ideal pair for a GPU comparison.
The RTX 4090 represents the pinnacle of GPU technology, serving as the ultimate flagship for gaming. On the other hand, the RTX 4070 is the preferred choice for the average PC gamer seeking high-end performance. By comparing the RTX 4070 and RTX 4090, we can assess the extent to which the average gamer might compromise by opting for the cost-saving option of the RTX 4070, which saves them $1,000. The amount of untapped performance is just one aspect to consider, as that performance might not be particularly relevant in certain cases. For instance, if you are using a 60Hz monitor, there is no need for 200+ frames per second.
RTX 4070 vs RTX 4090: Specification
| RTX 4070 | RTX 4090 | |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ada Lovelace | Ada Lovelace |
| GPU | AD104 | AD102 |
| CUDA Cores | 5,888 | 16,384 |
| Tensor Cores | 184 | 512 |
| RT Cores | 46 | 128 |
| Stream Multiprocessors | 46 | 128 |
| Memory | 12GB GDDR6X | 24GB GDDR6X |
| Memory speed | 21GT/s | 21GT/s |
| Memory bandwidth | 504GB/s | 1,008GB/s |
| Clock speed (base/boost) | 1.9GHz / 2.5GHz | 2.23GHz / 2.52GHz |
| Power connector (reference) | 1x 16-pin or 1x 8-pin (depending on manufacturer) | 1x 16-pin (12VHPWR adapter) |
| Process Technology | TSMC 5nm process | TSMC 5nm |
| TDP (TBP) | 200W | 450W |
RTX 4070 vs RTX 4090: Performance, Architecture, Features, Use Cases, Price
The RTX 4070 is designed to offer exceptional performance, targeting the high-end gaming and content creation market. While specific details are not available at this time, it is expected to provide a significant boost in performance compared to its predecessor, the RTX 3070.
On the other hand, the RTX 4090 is the flagship GPU in the series, aimed at enthusiasts and professionals who demand top-of-the-line performance. It is expected to deliver groundbreaking power and efficiency improvements over previous generations, enabling unparalleled gaming experiences and demanding computational tasks.
Architecture and Features:
Both GPUs are anticipated to be based on NVIDIA’s advanced architecture, featuring enhanced ray tracing capabilities, DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology for improved image quality, and AI-powered enhancements.
The RTX 4090 is likely to boast more advanced features and optimizations compared to the RTX 4070, given its flagship status. It may offer higher CUDA core counts, faster clock speeds, and expanded memory bandwidth, resulting in superior performance across various applications and workloads.
RTX 4070 vs RTX 4090: Use Cases
The RTX 4070 is expected to excel in gaming and content creation, providing excellent frame rates and smooth gameplay in demanding titles, as well as faster rendering times for creative projects.
With its exceptional power and performance, the RTX 4090 will cater to enthusiasts, VR enthusiasts, and professionals involved in fields like 3D modeling, rendering, video editing, and scientific simulations.
RTX 4070 vs RTX 4090: Price
Let’s discuss the price difference between the RTX 4070 and the RTX 4090. As we’re aware, the RTX 4070 has an MSRP of $799, while the RTX 4090 carries a higher price tag of $1,599. This price gap is quite substantial, so let’s delve deeper into the details.
The RTX 4090 is undeniably a premium graphics card that offers exceptional performance, catering to the needs of demanding gamers and professionals. Its elevated price reflects its cutting-edge technology and outstanding capabilities. If you prioritize having the absolute best and are willing to invest in it, the RTX 4090 is a reliable choice.
On the other hand, the RTX 4070 provides an impressive balance of price and performance, making it an appealing option for gamers who desire a high-performing GPU without straining their budget. Priced at almost half of the RTX 4090, the RTX 4070 still delivers solid performance for gaming and content creation tasks.
Also Read: Best RTX 4080 Prebuilt Gaming PC
The Benefits of RTX 4070 and RTX 4090
NVIDIA’s RTX 4070 and RTX 4090 GPUs offer numerous advantages that cater to different user needs and preferences. Let’s explore the key benefits of each graphics card:
Advantages of RTX 4070:
- High-End Performance: The RTX 4070 delivers exceptional performance, making it an excellent choice for gamers and content creators seeking smooth gameplay and rendering capabilities.
- Ray Tracing and DLSS: With advanced ray tracing and DLSS capabilities, the RTX 4070 enables realistic lighting, reflections, and enhanced visuals in supported games and applications.
- AI-Based Enhancements: The GPU’s AI capabilities enhance performance and image quality, providing users with improved graphics and faster processing speeds.
- Versatile Connectivity: The RTX 4070 offers a range of connectivity options, ensuring seamless integration with various displays and devices.
Advantages of RTX 4090:
- Flagship Performance: The RTX 4090 stands as NVIDIA’s flagship GPU, offering unparalleled power and performance for gamers and professionals seeking top-tier experiences.
- Advanced Ray Tracing and DLSS: Building upon the RTX series’ legacy, the RTX 4090 takes ray tracing and DLSS to new heights, delivering stunning visual realism and increased frame rates.
- AI Capabilities and Optimizations: The RTX 4090’s AI capabilities and optimizations further enhance performance, enabling faster rendering and improved efficiency in demanding tasks.
- Expanded Connectivity and I/O Ports: With a wide range of connectivity options and an array of I/O ports, the RTX 4090 offers seamless integration with multiple peripherals, displays, and external devices.
Read: Best RTX 4070 Graphics Cards for 2023
What is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070?
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 made its debut in April 2023 as a graphics card that falls within the midrange category while still delivering high-end performance. However, it may not reach the same level of performance as some of the top-tier graphics cards available, such as the RTX 4080, RX 7900 XTX, and RTX 4090.
The RTX 4070 is built on NVIDIA’s “Ada Lovelace” GPU architecture and incorporates advanced graphics technologies and features, including DLSS 3 upscaling. It utilizes the AD104 GPU, which is also found in the more expensive RTX 4070 Ti, but with certain cores disabled and lower clock speeds.
What is the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090?
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 made its debut in October 2022 as the first GPU of its generation from NVIDIA. Currently, it stands as the fastest and most powerful graphics card available, surpassing its closest competitors, the RTX 4080 and RX 7900 XTX, in terms of performance.
Similar to the RTX 4070, the RTX 4090 is also built on NVIDIA’s ‘Ada Lovelace’ GPU architecture, incorporating the latest graphical advancements like DLSS 3. However, with its remarkable raw performance and extensive feature set, the RTX 4090 comes with a significantly high price tag. In fact, it exceeds the price of any other consumer GPU currently on the market.
Conclusion
When deciding between the two GPUs, users should consider their individual requirements, budget constraints, and the importance of having absolute top-tier performance. While the RTX 4090 is the ultimate choice for those who require the utmost power, the RTX 4070 provides a compelling option that balances performance and affordability.
Ultimately, both the RTX 4070 and the RTX 4090 represent the technological advancements of NVIDIA’s GPU lineup and offer remarkable capabilities in their respective segments. Users should carefully assess their needs and prioritize their preferences to determine which GPU best suits their requirements.
