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The RTX 4070 hit the market and instantly captured the hearts of gamers and tech enthusiasts alike. While prices may not be at their most accessible, this mid-range GPU has proven itself as a formidable contender in the world of graphics cards. In this article, we’ll delve into a head-to-head comparison of the RTX 4070 vs the RTX 4080. Designed for top-tier rigs and delivering exceptional performance, let’s explore how these two GPUs stack up against each other and determine which one might be the best fit for your needs.
RTX 4070 vs RTX 4080: Specs
Let’s dive into the differences between the RTX 4070 and the RTX 4080, two GPUs from NVIDIA’s 40-series lineup. While the RTX 4070 is a mid-range GPU designed for gamers and users who need a balance between performance and price, the RTX 4080 is a high-end powerhouse built to handle demanding tasks and satisfy those who want the best performance possible.
Starting with the architecture, both GPUs are based on the TSMC 5nm process and use NVIDIA’s Ampere architecture. However, the RTX 4080 has more CUDA cores (9728) than the RTX 4070 (5888), which directly translates to more processing power for the 4080. The RTX 4080 also boasts a larger memory capacity, featuring 16GB of GDDR6X VRAM, while the RTX 4070 comes with 12GB of GDDR6X VRAM. This difference in memory capacity will impact how well each card handles high-resolution textures and data-heavy tasks.
Memory bandwidth is another area where the RTX 4080 pulls ahead, with a bandwidth of 716.8 GB/s compared to the RTX 4070’s 504.2 GB/s. This will allow the 4080 to move data more efficiently and contribute to its overall better performance. Additionally, the memory interface width is wider on the RTX 4080 (256 bit) compared to the RTX 4070 (192 bit), further enhancing its memory capabilities.
| Specs | RTX 4070 | RTX 4080 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | AD104 | AD103 |
| CUDA cores | 5888 | 9728 |
| VRAM | 12GB GDDR6X | 16GB GDDR6X |
| Memory Interface Width | 192 bit | 256 bit |
| Memory bandwidth | 504.2 GB/s | 716.8 GB/s |
| Process Technology | TSMC 5nm process | TSMC 5nm process |
| Base clock speed | 1920 MHz | 2205 MHz |
| Boost Clock speed | 2475 MHz | 2505 MHz |
| Graphics Card Power (TDP) | 200W | 320 W |
| MSRP | $599 | 1,199 USD |
When it comes to clock speeds, the base clock of the RTX 4080 is higher at 2205 MHz, compared to the RTX 4070’s 1920 MHz. However, both GPUs have similar boost clock speeds, with the RTX 4070 reaching 2475 MHz and the RTX 4080 topping out at 2505 MHz.
One crucial aspect to consider is the difference in TDP (thermal design power) between these two cards. The RTX 4080 has a TDP of 320W, significantly higher than the RTX 4070’s 200W. This means the RTX 4080 will require more robust cooling and a beefier power supply to handle the increased power demands.
RTX 4070 vs RTX 4080: Performance
When it comes to performance, there’s a notable difference between the RTX 4070 and the RTX 4080, especially when considering ray tracing capabilities. The RTX 4070 struggles to deliver smooth performance at 4K resolution with ray tracing enabled, achieving an average of only 34fps and a minimum of 25fps, according to the majority of public benchmarks available at the moment. This makes games essentially unplayable at 4K with ray tracing on. However, the situation improves at 1440p, where the RTX 4070 can manage a respectable 64fps on average with ray tracing maxed out, and a minimum of 48fps. For those targeting 1080p gaming, the RTX 4070 will deliver solid ray tracing performance, with an average fps floor of 65fps.
In contrast, the RTX 4080 boasts significantly better ray tracing performance across all resolutions. At native 4K, it achieves an average fps of 60 and a minimum of 44 fps, making it a much better option for those who want to experience the best visual fidelity in their games. Overall, the RTX 4080 outperforms the RTX 4070 by a considerable margin of around 65% in gaming scenarios. This performance gap can make all the difference when trying to take full advantage of high-refresh-rate 4K gaming monitors.
However, the real game-changer for both cards is NVIDIA’s DLSS technology. DLSS essentially recovers the fps lost due to ray tracing, especially when set to Ultra Performance mode rather than Quality mode. With DLSS enabled, the RTX 4070 can maintain a minimum fps of 60 at 4K resolution with all settings maxed out, including ray tracing. The RTX 4080, on the other hand, comes close to maintaining a 100 fps minimum framerate at 4K with both DLSS and ray tracing enabled.
In conclusion, the RTX 4080 offers superior performance, especially for those who want to enjoy ray tracing at higher resolutions. However, if your primary focus is playing AAA games at 1080p or 1440p and using your PC for office work, the RTX 4070 may be a more cost-effective choice that still delivers solid performance for your needs.
RTX 4070 vs RTX 4080: Price
The RTX 4070, being the mid-range option of the 40-series, has an MSRP of $599. This makes it a more accessible choice for gamers and content creators who are looking for a balance between performance and cost.
On the other hand, the RTX 4080, as the high-end option in the series, comes with a heftier price tag of $1,199. This price is justified by its impressive performance, especially when it comes to ray tracing capabilities and higher-resolution gaming. However, the substantial price difference may not be worth it for everyone, especially if your primary gaming target is 1080p or 1440p and your workload doesn’t demand top-of-the-line performance.
RTX 4070 vs RTX 4080: Conclusion
In conclusion, the RTX 4070 and RTX 4080 cater to different segments of the market, each with its own unique strengths. The RTX 4070 is an excellent mid-range GPU, offering a fantastic balance between price and performance for gamers and content creators who are budget-conscious. It’s perfect for those who plan on playing AAA games at 1080p or 1440p resolutions and need a reliable GPU for everyday tasks.
On the other hand, the RTX 4080 is a high-end GPU designed for enthusiasts and professionals who demand top-notch performance and cutting-edge features. With its superior ray tracing capabilities and overall gaming performance, it’s the ideal choice for those looking to game at 4K resolution or take advantage of high refresh rate monitors.
Ultimately, the choice between the RTX 4070 and RTX 4080 comes down to your needs, budget, and performance expectations. Both GPUs are powerful and versatile, but the RTX 4070 offers excellent value for the price, while the RTX 4080 is the go-to option for those seeking the best possible gaming experience without compromises.
Is a 4080 worth it over a 4070 Ti?
The RTX 4080 sports about 20% to 30% faster performance metrics over the 4070 Ti, making it quite a well-rounded investment per your budget. If you can afford the RTX 4080’s $1,199 price tag, then it’s certainly worth it, but if you’re just looking for sub-optimal performance in games and not expert-level 3D creation and 4K video, then the 4070 Ti should be just fine.