An unreleased Nvidia RTX 4070 10GB GPU has surfaced, but we'll keep the 12GB

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Tech enthusiasts managed to get a glimpse into Nvidia’s development process with the leak of an unreleased GeForce RTX 4070 GPU. Spotted at a Chinese reseller, this prototype had a unique configuration that never made it to market. Prior to the official RTX 4070 launch, rumors swirled about various configurations, with one of those configurations including 10GB of memory and an AD104-275 GPU, all but confirming that Nvidia indeed explored this design and even sent samples to partners.

On the flipside, we’re more than happy with the 12GB we got in the end – which was certainly welcome when we reviewed the RTX 4070. And although the refreshed 4070 Super model didn’t get any more VRAM, it remains relevant thanks to other upgrades and better value for money.

Leaked RTX 4070 10GB – Image Source: @harukaze5719 via X

What do we know about the RTX 4070 10GB?

The leaked card features the unreleased AD104-275 GPU with 7168 cores, significantly higher than the 5888 cores found in the released RTX 4070. It also boasts faster clock speeds, with a base clock of 2355 MHz and a boost clock of 2520 MHz, exceeding both the standard and Super variants.

However, the memory setup takes a step back. Equipped with only 10 GB of GDDR6X memory on a 160-bit bus, it falls short of the 12 GB and 504.2 GB/s bandwidth offered by the retail versions. The leaked card seems to be a reference Founders Edition design based on the familiar circular cutout on the backplate. It utilizes five GDDR6X memory modules with space for a potential total of eight.

The AD104-275-A1 GPU is clearly labeled, featuring three DisplayPort connectors and a single HDMI port. This leak sheds light on Nvidia’s extensive pre-launch planning process. The company evaluates numerous configurations before selecting the one that best aligns with market needs and performance targets.

Leaked RTX 4070 10GB Specs, Image source: Harukaze5719

Making the right decision

The leaked 10GB RTX 4070 prototype is interesting, but the 12GB version we got likely offers better value. With a wider memory bus and 2 extra GB of VRAM, the 12GB variant provides significant performance gains over the previous generation and handles demanding textures better, futureproofing it for upcoming games.

While the 10GB model might have been cheaper, the performance difference and potential future limitations make the 12GB card the stronger choice for most gamers moving forward, especially those targeting 1440p or the more ambitious 4K.