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If you’re currently planning to upgrade your GPU and are confused between the RTX 4070 and the RTX 4090, then we’ve got you covered.
Both GPUs belong to the RTX-40 series and are some of the most powerful cards available on the market. The 4070 is a mid-range card, while the 4090 is an absolute beast when it comes to performance. But how big is the difference between the two? We’re going to answer this in detail in our RTX 4070 vs RTX 4090 comparison.
RTX 4070 vs RTX 4090: Specs comparison
The RTX 4070 comes equipped with 5,888 CUDA cores, 12 GB of GDDR6X memory, a 192-bit memory interface width, a base clock speed of 1,920 MHz, a boost clock speed of 2,475 MHz, a TDP of 200W, and a memory bandwidth of 504.2 GB/s. The RTX 4090, on the other hand, boasts 18,432 CUDA cores, 48 GB of GDDR6X memory, a 384-bit memory interface, a base clock speed of 2,190 MHz, a boost clock speed of 2,520 MHz, a TDP of 480W, and a memory bandwidth of 1,104.2 GB/s. Although the RTX 4090 offers unparalleled performance, the RTX 4070 delivers exceptional capabilities at a much lower price point.
Considering its position as a mid-range GPU, the RTX 4070 manages to provide an impressive level of performance for gaming and content creation tasks. While the RTX 4090 is undeniably the superior GPU, the RTX 4070 is still an attractive option for those who don’t require the absolute highest performance or have budget constraints.
| Specs | RTX 4070 | RTX 4090 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ada Lovelace | Ada Lovelace |
| CUDA cores | 5,888 | 16,384 |
| VRAM | 12 GB GDDR6X | 24 GBGDDR6X |
| Memory Interface Width | 192-bit | 384-bit |
| Process Technology | TSMC 5nm process | TSMC 5nm |
| Base clock speed | 1920 MHz | 2235 MHz |
| Boost Clock speed | 2475 MHz | 2520 MHz |
| Graphics Card Power (TDP) | 200W | 450W |
| Memory bandwidth | 504.2 GB/s | 1,008 GB/s |
| Memory Clock Speed | 21,000 MHz | 21,000 MHz |
| Interface | PCIe 4.0 x 16 | PCIe 4.0 x 16 |
| Length | 240 mm | 304 mm |
| Width | 2-slot | 3-slot |
| TDP | 200 Watt | 450 Watt |
The RTX 4070 can handle most modern games at high settings and is more than capable of handling content creation workloads such as video editing, 3D rendering, and simulation. In many cases, the RTX 4070 can deliver performance close to the high-end GPUs without the hefty price tag and power requirements.
In summary, the RTX 4070 is an impressive GPU that can hold its own against the high-end RTX 4090 in many scenarios. While the RTX 4090 offers the ultimate performance, the RTX 4070 provides an excellent balance of power, efficiency, and affordability for a wide range of users. When making a decision between the two, it’s crucial to consider your specific needs, budget, and system requirements to ensure you make the most informed choice.
RTX 4070 vs RTX 4090: Performance
Now, coming down to the most important question; which car is better when it comes to performance? Well, the obvious answer is the RTX 4090 because it is currently the most powerful GPU available on the market. However, this does not mean that the RTX 4070 isn’t worth getting.
The real-life performance of the cards can only be determined by conducting in-depth tests. And in our RTX 4070 review and our RTX 4090 review, we tested both GPUs in several games to see how they perform.
It’s important to keep in mind that the RTX 4090 is an absolute powerhouse of a GPU aimed at top-tier gamers and professionals who need the best performance possible. Without any surprise, during our tests, the RTX 4090 was able to handle whatever we threw at it, and this is all thanks to the 24 GB of GDDR6X memory it features. On the other hand, the RTX 4070 performed exceptionally well in 1080p and 1440p gaming, but it struggled a bit during harsh 4K environments. While it was able to perform well in some titles at 4K resolution, it isn’t something that you can rely on for this resolution.
You can find the benchmark results of both cards in three titles below. The following games were tested at 4K resolution with the graphical settings set to ultra.
| Game Name | RTX 4070 | RTX 4090 |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 76 | 184 |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 27 | 74 |
| Doom Eternal | 144 | 285 |
When we put these two GPUs head-to-head, we noticed there was a significant performance gap between them. In most modern games, the RTX 4090 delivered significantly higher frame rates, especially at 4K resolution. This is due to its larger number of CUDA cores, higher clock speeds, and increased memory bandwidth.
However, the RTX 4070 still held its ground, delivering a solid gaming experience at both 1440p and 4K resolutions. With DLSS enabled, you can expect to play many demanding games at high frame rates, even if it won’t quite match the performance of the RTX 4090.
What do you want from your GPU?
Before purchasing a GPU, it is important to keep your requirements in mind. If you’re planning to play games at 1080p or 1440p resolution, then you don’t need anything fancy and will be more than fine with the RTX 4070. On the other hand, if you want the absolute best GPU that can deliver exceptional performance in 4K gaming, then you’d want to go for the RTX 4090.
RTX 4070 vs RTX 4090: Price
Alright, let’s talk about the price difference between the RTX 4070 and the RTX 4090. At the moment, you can get the RTX 4070 for around $529, while the RTX 4090 comes with a heftier price tag of around $1,850. The price could be a little less or more than this, depending on the variant, but it’s still a pretty significant difference. So, let’s break it down a bit more.
The RTX 4090 is undoubtedly a premium GPU, offering top-notch performance for the most demanding gamers and professionals. The high price reflects its cutting-edge technology and exceptional capabilities. If you’re looking for the best of the best and are willing to pay for it, the RTX 4090 is a solid choice.
On the other hand, the RTX 4070 offers an impressive price-to-performance ratio, making it a more attractive option for gamers who want a high-performance GPU without breaking the bank. At nearly half the cost of the RTX 4090, the RTX 4070 still delivers solid performance for gaming and content creation.
Is RTX 4090 overkill?
If you own a 1080p or 1440p display and are not going to be involved in GPU-intensive tasks, then the RTX 4090 will be overkill for you. This is because the 4090 is a high-end card meant for 4K gaming and demanding tasks. For tasks or resolutions that don’t require a powerful GPU, you’ll be more than fine with an RTX 4070.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when comparing the RTX 4070 and RTX 4090, it’s essential to consider your specific needs, budget, and the performance level you’re aiming for. The RTX 4090, being a top-tier GPU, delivers unrivaled performance for those who demand the absolute best for gaming and content creation. However, its hefty price tag makes it a significant investment.
On the other hand, the RTX 4070 offers a fantastic balance of price and performance, making it an attractive choice for gamers seeking a powerful GPU without spending a fortune. While it may not match the sheer power of the RTX 4090, it still provides a high-quality gaming experience for most users.
Ultimately, the choice between the RTX 4070 and RTX 4090 depends on your priorities and budget. If you’re willing to pay for the best performance available, the RTX 4090 is the way to go. But if you’re after a more budget-conscious yet powerful option, the RTX 4070 is a strong contender. Always keep an eye on market prices and compare different models from various manufacturers to ensure you get the best value for your money. Happy gaming.
