Home > GPU

Nvidia RTX 4070 Ti Super vs RTX 4090 – how different are they?

A comparison between two of Nvidia's most powerful graphics cards
Last Updated on January 24, 2024
Msi geforce gtx 1070 RTX 4070 Ti Super vs RTX 4090. Image shows two GPUs on a purple background under the PC guide logo
You can trust PC Guide: Our team of experts use a combination of independent consumer research, in-depth testing where appropriate - which will be flagged as such, and market analysis when recommending products, software and services. Find out how we test here.

Nvidia’s RTX 40 Super series is said to have enhanced AI capabilities that improve the cards’ performance exceptionally. Among the new releases is the RTX 4070 Ti Super, a highly-anticipated card set to be released on January 24th, 2024. The RTX 4070 Ti Super’s launch, raises the question of how this GPU, with its AI capabilities, fares against the most powerful Nvidia GPU, the RTX 4090. This is why we’ve decided to compare the RTX 4070 Ti Super vs RTX 4090; covering their differences and similarities, and ultimately helping you decide which graphics card is for you.

If you’re keen to find out more about the RTX 4070 Ti Super, check out our article on the best case and best monitor for the RTX 4070 Ti Super.

RTX 4070 Ti Super vs RTX 4090 – specs at a glance

SpecificationsRTX 4070 Ti SuperRTX 4090
ArchitectureAda LovelaceAda Lovelace
Processor Size5 nm5 nm
Transistors45,900 million76,300 million
Base Clock2340 MHz2235 MHz
Boost Clock2610 MHz2520 MHz
Memory Clock1313 MHz21 Gbps effective1313 MHz21 Gbps effective
Memory Size16 GB24 GB
Memory Bus256 bit384 bit
Bandwidth672.3 GB/s1,008 GB/s
TDP285 W450 W
Shading Units844816384
SM Count66128
Tensor Count264512
L1 Cache128 KB (per SM)128 KB (per SM)
L2 Cache48 MB72 MB
Price$799$1,599

Specs comparison

The RTX 4070 Ti Super and RTX 4090 are powerful GPUs, but they exhibit distinct differences in their specifications. Here are some of the major talking points from the RTX 4090 and our own testing of the RTX 4070 Ti Super. The transistor count is notably higher in the RTX 4090, with 76,300 million transistors compared to the RTX 4070 Ti Super’s 45,900 million. This suggests a more complex and potentially more capable architecture in the RTX 4090.

The RTX 4070 Ti Super boasts a higher base and boost clock at 2340 MHz and 2610 MHz than the RTX 4090’s 2235 MHz and 2520 MHz, respectively. These clock speed differences may impact real-world performance in various applications, with the RTX 4090 potentially having an edge in certain scenarios.

While the RTX 4090 falls short in terms of clock speeds, this powerhouse GPU creates a huge marginal difference in memory speed. The RTX 4090 comes equipped with a larger 24 GB memory size, surpassing the RTX 4070 Ti Super’s 16 GB. Additionally, the memory bus of the RTX 4090 is wider at 384 bits, providing a higher memory bandwidth of 1,008 GB/s compared to the RTX 4070 Ti Super’s 256-bit memory bus and 672.3 GB/s bandwidth.

The shader and tensor counts are substantially higher in the RTX 4090. It features 16,384 shading units and 512 tensor cores. This is almost twice that of the RTX 4070 Ti Super, which has 8,448 shading units and 264 tensor cores.

Finally, looking at cache sizes, the RTX 4090 has a larger L2 cache of 72 MB compared to the RTX 4070 Ti Super’s 48 MB, suggesting improved data access and retrieval capabilities in the former. Both GPUs share the same L1 cache size of 128 KB per streaming multiprocessor (SM).

RTX 4070 Ti Super vs RTX 4090 – performance

The superior specifications of the RTX 4090, including higher core counts, wider memory bus, and greater VRAM, suggest that it will outperform the RTX 4070 Ti Super in demanding workloads and graphically intensive applications. The RTX 4090’s higher computational power and memory capacity make it better suited for tasks such as 3D rendering, video editing, and gaming at ultra-high resolutions.

This difference in performance can be seen in the OpenCL benchmarks. The RTX 4070 Ti Super is 10% faster than the RTX 4070 Ti. Moreover, it is only around 6% slower than the RTX 4080 However, the difference increases largely as the RTX 4090 comes into the picture. The OpenCL benchmark shows that the RTX 4090 scores 321447 while the RTX 4070 Ti Super only manages a score of 224247. This shows a performance difference of over 30% among both GPUs.

RTX 4070 Ti Super vs RTX 4090 price and value

Priced at $799, the RTX 4070 Ti Super positions itself as a more budget-friendly option, appealing to users who seek a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness. With competitive specifications, this GPU offers a compelling value proposition for those with budget constraints but still demand a solid gaming and rendering experience.

On the other end of the spectrum, the RTX 4090 commands a higher price tag of $1,599. This premium pricing reflects the top-tier specifications and exceptional performance capabilities it brings to the table. Aimed at enthusiasts and professionals with demanding workloads, the RTX 4090’s price aligns with its unparalleled power, making it an investment for those who prioritize cutting-edge performance.

What is better – the RTX 4070 Ti Super or the RTX 4090?

In short, the RTX 4090 is the better card. However, does its power make the price worth it?

The RTX 4090 has certainly made an impact in the GPU world, proving to be a formidable card that many regard as the best on the market. On the other hand, many would argue that a card like the RTX 4070 Ti Super, with its impressive specs and significantly lower price, is the better and more budget-conscious card of the two. Deciding which is better, really depends on how much you’re willing to spend. Yes, the RTX 4090 is more powerful, but if you’re not using all of its functions is it worth it?

✓ Eve’s advice

How much power do you need?

Getting the most powerful GPU on the market does sound like an inticing offer. However, you have to consider what you’ll be using your card for and whether you’ll need all that power.

Final verdict

The differences between the RTX 4070 Ti Super and the RTX 4090 are evident when comparing their specs, price, and performance. After reviewing both cards, we recommend the powerhouse RTX 4090 to someone willing to pay a premium price for a GPU.

While the RTX 4090 delivers unmatched performance, the affordability of the RTX 4070 Ti Super might make it a more practical choice for a broader audience. Evaluate your priorities and budget constraints carefully to determine which GPU aligns best with your needs and delivers the optimal value for your investment.

Eve is a writer and copy editor at PC Guide, who focuses on a broad range of topics but main interest lies in the development of AI technology.