When it comes to high-performance graphics cards, Nvidia has been at the forefront of innovation. As we’ve seen over the years, Nvidia often releases the first batch of cards, before launching ‘Super’ variants, which are essentially slightly improved versions of the base card. These are different to the ‘Ti’ versions of the card, which traditionally stood for ‘Titanium’. Again, these offer better peformance than the standard ‘Non Ti’ version of the card. In this article, we will delve into the key distinctions between Nvidia Super and Ti graphics cards, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of what sets them apart.
What does Ti mean on an Nvidia graphics card?
When you delve into the world of Nvidia graphics cards, you’ll often encounter the ‘Ti’ moniker, a short form for Titanium. This designation isn’t just a fancy name; it symbolizes a significant step-up in the graphics card hierarchy. A ‘Ti’ version, typically released following the standard model, is engineered with a superior-quality chip, offering a tangible leap in performance and making it a coveted choice for PC enthusiasts.
The ‘Ti’ models cater to users who demand more from their GPUs — more power, more speed, and more capabilities. They are particularly appealing to those involved in intense gaming, high-resolution video editing, and 3D rendering tasks. For example, in the GeForce RTX lineup, the GeForce RTX 4070 Ti outshines its standard RTX 4070 counterpart with more cores, higher memory, and faster clock speeds, translating into a smoother and more immersive experience – as evidenced in our benchmarking.
Ti cards are more powerful than the base cards
If you’re new to the world of GPUs, the Ti version will be faster than the base card. So, a RTX 4070 Ti will perform better than a standard RTX 4070.
Additionally, manufacturers like Asus and EVGA enhance these Ti versions with innovative cooling systems and optimized PCB designs, further pushing the boundaries of what these cards can achieve. In the context of a Ti card, you’re not just getting a regular video card; you’re investing in a top-tier component that brings out the best in your PC’s visual performance.
Comparatively, if you were to line up an RTX 3080, an RTX 3080 Ti, and an RTX 3080 Super, the Ti version stands out as the powerhouse among them. It’s designed to push the limits of what’s possible in PC gaming and high-end graphical applications, solidifying its position as a premier choice for those who won’t settle for anything but the best.
What does Super mean on an Nvidia graphics card?
The “Super” designation on Nvidia graphics cards represents an upgrade over the standard models in the same lineup. Super variants, like the RTX 4080 Super or GTX 1660 Super, bridge the gap between the base models and the more powerful Ti versions. They are equipped with additional CUDA cores, translating into improved rendering capabilities and enhanced ray tracing performance.
For instance, the RTX 4070 Super not only brings more cores to the table compared to its non-Super variant but also delivers refined performance, particularly in games that heavily rely on ray tracing. This makes the Super cards a go-to choice for users looking for substantial upgrades without stretching to the Ti tier.
The performance boost offered by Super models varies, generally providing a 20% to 30% increase in power compared to the base versions. While the Ti variants are known for their staggering 40% performance uptick, the Super cards strike a balance, offering a significant yet cost-effective enhancement for your gaming PC. In essence, selecting a Super variant like the GTX 1660 Super or RTX 4070 Super means opting for a balanced blend of affordability and high-end performance, tailored for those who want a substantial boost without the premium price tag of Ti models.
Super cards vary in power but usually sit just behind the Ti
Super versions of the card often deliver slightly boosted performance compared with the base model, but not to the level of a Ti. There is only one GPU that is both a Ti and a Super, the RTX 4070 Ti Super.
Now, here’s where it gets confusing. There are also Super versions of Ti cards, for example the 4070 Ti Super. These are the most powerful variant of the 4070 Ti, and would outshine the RTX 4070 and RTX 4070 Ti, which we confirmed in our benchmarking. These are few and far between, in fact, the RTX 4070 Ti Super is the only Ti Super card in the Nvidia GPU portfolio.
Difference between Super and Ti
To better understand the differences between Super and Ti graphics cards, let’s explore various specifications that impact their performance.
Memory: the key to speed and efficiency
When considering Nvidia Super and Ti graphics cards, memory plays a pivotal role in defining their speed and efficiency. Take the Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti Super, for example. It comes with an impressive 16GB of GDDR6X frame buffer, a notable increase from the 12GB found in the standard RTX 4070 Ti. This difference in memory capacity is not just about larger numbers; it directly translates into a more seamless and powerful computing experience, particularly beneficial for complex workflows and demanding applications.
Furthermore, memory bandwidth and base clock speeds are other crucial factors that distinguish these variants. The 4070 Ti Super not only boasts a wider 256-bit memory bus, compared to the 192-bit of the RTX 2070 Ti, but also potentially higher base clock speeds. This combination ensures that data flows more efficiently and rapidly, allowing for quicker rendering times and smoother gaming sessions. This was evidenced in our testing when we compared both cards across our serious of benchmarks.
ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super OC Edition
GPU
AD103
CUDA Cores
8,448
VRAM
16GB GDDR6X
Bandwidth
672.3 GB/s
Memory bus width
256-bit
Base clock speed
2340 MHz
Boost clock speed
2670 MHz
The enhanced memory bandwidth, coupled with the superior frame buffer and base clock improvements, make the Super versions of Nvidia graphics cards a compelling choice. These upgrades facilitate a more robust performance, making them ideal for both gaming enthusiasts and professionals who rely on high-powered GPUs for their creative and technical workflows.
Power consumption: efficiency redefined
Efficiency is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a graphics card, and power consumption plays a significant role in this regard. Again, using the Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti Super as an example, the card consumes only 17W of power for video playback, while the Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti requires 20W. Remarkably, the Super version manages to achieve lower power consumption despite packing more CUDA Cores and offering the same impressive 8K/60Hz or 4K/240Hz gaming performance.
Nvidia also highlights the suitability of the RTX 4070 Ti Super for creators involved in video editing and rendering large 3D scenes, further solidifying its position as a versatile and efficient graphics card.
Conclusion and final thoughts
While it can be confusing, especially given the RTX 4070 Ti Super, there are notable differences between the Ti and Super versions of cards. If you’re wanting pure performance, then opt for the Ti version, which traditionally offer a significant boost over the non Ti version. The Super will offer decent gains, for example the sort of levels we saw when testing the RTX 4080 and the RTX 4080 Super – making it a sensible choice for those upgrading from a third-generation GPU, but not viable for those wanting an upgrade should they already have the base model. For more GPU options, make sure to explore our best GPUs, which we keep constantly updated.
