The RX 7800 XT aims to dominate the 1440p market, and AMD is poised to carve out its niche against its rival. Let’s delve deeper into this head-to-head comparison and determine which graphics card holds the upper hand in the RX 7800 XT vs RTX 4070 duel.
As anticipation built up in the tech community, AMD’s Radeon RX 7800 XT finally had its ‘launch’ at Gamescom, with its release date set for the 6th of September 2023 alongside the RX 7700 XT. This release is not just another addition to AMD’s impressive lineup, but a direct challenger to Nvidia’s mid-range RTX 4070 – which we’ll consider here.
RX 7800 XT vs RTX 4070: Specs
The VRAM is one of the crucial elements in determining the performance of a graphics card, especially when considering high-resolution gaming and extensive multitasking. In this regard, the RX 7800 XT takes a clear lead with its substantial 16GB GDDR6, compared to the RTX 4070’s 12GB GDDR6X. While the GDDR6X of the RTX 4070 promises slightly faster speeds, the sheer volume of the RX 7800 XT’s VRAM provides users with a more expansive space to handle intensive tasks.
| Specifications | RTX 4070 | RX 7800 XT |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | AD104 | Navi 32 |
| CUDA cores | 5888 | 3840 |
| VRAM | 12GB GDDR6X | 16 GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Interface Width | 192 bit | 256 bit |
| Memory bandwidth | 504.2 GB/s | 620.8 GB/s |
| Process Technology | TSMC 5nm process | TSMC 5nm process |
| Base clock speed | 1920 MHz | 1800 MHz |
| Boost Clock speed | 2475 MHz | 2430 MHz |
| Graphics Card Power (TDP) | 200W | 263 W |
| L3 cache | 0 | 64 MB |
| MSRP | $599 | $499 |
Moving onto the memory interface, a broader interface translates to faster data transfer between the GPU and its memory. The RX 7800 XT sports a 256-bit memory interface, which is notably wider than the RTX 4070’s 192-bit. This wider interface, coupled with a higher memory bandwidth of 620.8 GB/s in the RX 7800 XT, as opposed to the 4070’s 504.2 GB/s, ensures a smoother flow of data, enhancing overall performance, especially in data-intensive scenarios.
Lastly, the L3 cache, although not a typical highlight in GPU specs, can be significant in specific use cases. The RX 7800 XT comes equipped with a 64 MB L3 cache, whereas the RTX 4070 doesn’t have any. This L3 cache can reduce memory latency, offering quicker access to frequently used data, thus potentially giving the RX 7800 XT a further edge in some applications.
RX 7800 XT vs RTX 4070: Performance
Based on the benchmark presented by AMD, the RX 7800 XT seems primed to outperform the 4070. However, it’s important to note that these results come directly from AMD, so a degree of caution is advised. A more conclusive judgment would be best reserved until third-party benchmark results are available.
In the head-to-head performance tests provided by AMD at launch, the RX 7800 XT consistently outshined the RTX 4070 in several top-tier games. At 1440p resolution, with the graphics cranked up to their maximum, the RX 7800 XT demonstrated its prowess. It took the lead in games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Cyberpunk 2077, outperforming the RTX 4070 by a remarkable 23%. It also edged ahead in Hogwarts Legacy by 15%, Watchdogs Legion by 13%, Overwatch 2 by 12%, and Red Dead Redemption 2 by 10%.
On the other hand, there were a few instances where the RTX 4070 held its ground better. For example, in Dying Light 2, the RTX 4070 exceeded the RX 7800 XT’s performance by 9%. Similarly, it pulled ahead in Shadow of the Tomb Raider by 11%, Marvel’s Spiderman Miles Morales by 12%, and Doom Eternal by a significant 18%.
Drawing from these results, it’s clear that the RX 7800 XT has showcased its potential to dominate in several high-end games, while the RTX 4070 has moments of advantage in specific titles.
RX 7800 XT vs RTX 4070: Price
When it comes to pricing, AMD consistently manages to stand out, frequently offering competitive prices compared to its counterparts. This trend remains evident in the matchup between the RTX 4070 and RX 7800 XT.
The RTX 4070, priced at $599, is certainly a powerhouse in its category. However, AMD, true to its tradition, undercuts the competition with the RX 7800 XT’s more attractive price tag of $499. This price difference, considering the specs on offer, makes the decision-making process even more compelling for consumers looking for value.
PC Guide view
After a meticulous breakdown of specifications, pricing, and performance, it becomes evident that the RX 7800 XT stands poised to claim the title of the best mid-range GPU in the market. Its potent mix of superior VRAM and enhanced memory interface puts it in a favorable position against the RTX 4070. Although, if you’re looking for the RX 7800 XT for 4K gaming, the 4070 appears to pip it.
While we’ve based our performance analysis on AMD’s provided comparisons, it’s crucial to acknowledge that brand-conducted tests may sometimes lean in favor of their product. However, given the comprehensive advantages the RX 7800 XT seems to offer, it wouldn’t be surprising to see these claims substantiated in real-world applications.
