We look at the best RTX 4070 GPUs on the market from Nvidia’s latest mid-range offering
Updated: Nov 13, 2023 6:10 pm
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If you’re looking for the best RTX 4070 GPU in the business, then you’ve come to the right place friend. The RTX 4070 graphics card presents an enticing option for users with older systems, delivering an impressive performance at 1440p and excelling even further at 1080p. Whether you are embarking on a major PC upgrade or building a new system from scratch, choosing the right GPU is crucial. While the RTX 4070 models featured in this round-up exhibit similar performance levels, they cater to diverse budgetary requirements.
At WePC, we prioritize maintaining our buying guides with the latest products, ensuring you receive the most current recommendations. Below, we’ve selected our top three choices for those in need of a quick purchase. For a more in-depth exploration of the market, explore our individual reviews below, covering all the products. Additionally, check out the informational sections further down the page, explaining the various features you need to consider. Also, take a look at our Black Friday GPU deals guide for some great savings this month.
Regarded as the top choice in the mid-range category, the RTX 4070 graphics card may occasionally handle 4K gaming with adjustments, but its true strengths lie in lower resolutions. It excels in ray tracing performance and incorporates DLSS 3 technology, further enhancing visual fidelity and overall gaming experience. When considering the best RTX 4070 graphics card, factors like boost speed, GPU VRAM, and TBP should be taken into account. Boost speed determines the maximum clock speed for improved performance, while VRAM effects processing capabilities. TBP, or total board power, determines the power draw and cooling requirements of the GPU. You can read more about all this in our ‘things to consider’ section below.
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Best RTX 4070 graphics card 2023: reviews
Best overall pick if you’ve got the money
Gigabyte AORUS Master GeForce RTX 4070
Pros
- Fantastic visuals
- Top quality brand
- Dual BIOS
The Gigabyte AORUS GeForce RTX 4070 Master 12G Graphics Cards are ahead of the curve, delivering cutting-edge technology and performance. Powered by NVIDIA’s latest RTX architecture, this graphics card offers incredible speed, impressive visuals, and AI acceleration for gamers and creatives alike. With its enhanced RT Cores and Tensor Cores, it brings ray tracing to life and accelerates performance to new levels.
Additionally, the card features an impressive 12 GB of GDDR6X memory, ensuring a smooth and seamless experience. Whether you’re gaming or creating, the Gigabyte AORUS GeForce RTX 4070 Master 12G Graphics Card will deliver exceptional performance and breathtaking visuals.
The high-performance cooling system and the small factory OC make this GPU stand out as the optimal pick for the best RTX 4070 on the market currently. Its aesthetics are truly striking, with an armada of RBG customizations to boot. The Gigabyte AORUS Master is unmatched in potential.
Best triple fan model
MSI GeForce RTX 4070 VENTUS 3X
Pros
- Impeccable build quality
- Triple fan cooler design
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 is set to be an absolute powerhouse of a graphics card, providing a significant boost in performance, efficiency, and AI-powered graphics. With this graphics card, users can expect to experience ultra-high-performance gaming, exceptionally detailed virtual worlds with ray tracing, unprecedented productivity, and novel ways to create.
The RTX 4070 will be powered by the highly anticipated NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture, which is expected to bring a significant improvement in performance and efficiency compared to its predecessors. Additionally, this graphics card will come equipped with a whopping 12GB of GDDR6X memory, which is sure to deliver an incredibly immersive and responsive experience for gamers and creators alike.
The MSI Ventus boasts less in the form of visuals and more in performance aspects, the Ventus 4070, not unlike the 4070 Aorus Master, possesses a state-of-the-art cooling system that ensures optimal operating temperatures throughout any concurrent task, whether that be gaming or workstation applications.
Best dual fan model
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4070
Pros
- Impressive build quality
- Brilliant aesthetic
- Inexpensive
The ROG Dual GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card sets a new standard in terms of optimal cooling and airflow, which can provide a significant boost in overall performance. This graphics card has been designed to allow for unobstructed and efficient airflow, providing the monstrous GPU with the headroom needed to breathe freely and deliver the ultimate performance.
Moreover, the card’s design is not only optimized for maximum airflow, but it’s also built to be aesthetically pleasing, both inside and out. Each element of the card has been meticulously designed to ensure a balance between form and function. This makes the ROG Duals GeForce RTX 4070 not only a powerful addition to any system but also a visually stunning one.
Overall, this graphics card is an excellent choice for gamers and content creators who demand the best performance and optimal cooling solutions. With its superior airflow design and striking aesthetics, the ROG Dual GeForce RTX 4070 is sure to impress even the most discerning users.
A great AIB from GIGABYTE
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC
Pros
- Inexpensive
- A brand you can trust
- Factory overclocked
The GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12G Graphics Card is a technological marvel that sets the bar high for high-performance graphics cards. Equipped with the latest RTX architecture from NVIDIA, this graphics card is designed to deliver stunning visuals, lightning-fast frame rates, and AI acceleration for gaming and creative applications.
The enhanced RT Cores and Tensor Cores of the GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12G graphics card make it possible to achieve the most realistic and immersive gaming experience. The 12 GB of GDDR6X memory allows for high-speed data transfer rates and smoother gameplay, making it the perfect choice for gamers and content creators alike.
Moreover, the WINDFORCE cooling system of this graphics card is optimized to provide superior thermal performance, ensuring that the GPU remains cool even during extended gaming sessions or heavy workloads. This ensures maximum stability and reliability, providing peace of mind to users.
Best budget pick
PNY GeForce RTX 4070 VERTO EPIC-X
30.5 x 11.94 x 4 cm; 848.22 Grams
Pros
- 2475 MHz boost clock
- embedded RGB
- Three fan cooling solution
Gamers and creators alike will be blown away by the unprecedented speed and AI-powered graphics of the PNY GeForce RTX 4070 VERTO EPIC-X. Powered by the ultra-efficient NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture, these GPUs provide a quantum leap in both performance and visual quality. With ray tracing capabilities and ultra-high FPS gaming with low latency, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the action. Experience revolutionary new ways to create and speed up your workflow with AI-accelerated performance featuring DLSS 3.
The NVIDIA PNY GeForce RTX 4070 VERTO EPIC-X is one of the most exciting offerings from this series. Featuring the Ada Lovelace architecture and 12 GB of GDDR6X memory, it delivers fast ray tracing, AI-accelerated performance, and new ways to create. With electrifying EPIC-X RGB lighting, you can enjoy a customizable lighting experience with endless ARGB lighting possibilities.
The NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture brings new Streaming Multiprocessors, 3rd generation Ray Tracing Cores, and 4th generation Tensor Cores to the table. Built on a new custom TSMC 4N process, it runs at blazing-fast clocks and features a large L2 cache for improved performance. The result is unparalleled gaming and creating an experience that’s sure to impress.
RTX 4070 base specifications
These are the base specifications of the Founders Edition of the RTX 4070. AIB GPU specifications may differ slightly thanks to factory OCs or increased power demands.
Here are the RTX 4070 specifications as we know them so far.
- Process: 4nm TSMC
- CUDA cores: 5,888
- Base clock: 1,920 MHz
- Memory Size: 12 GB
- Boost clock: 2,475 MHz
- Memory clock: 21 Gbps
- Memory bandwidth: 504 GB/s
- TBP: 200W
- PCIe interface: Gen4 x 16
- MSRP $599
RTX 4070 performance
The RTX 4070 sits at the edge of high-end, making it ideal for 1440p gaming in general, or at a high refresh rate in 1080p. According to TechSpot and its review of the RTX 4070, it did pretty well across the 13 games that they tested it on.
In 1080P over 13 games, the RTX 4070 managed an FPS average of 126 FPS, that’s the same as the RX 6800 XT and better than the RTX 3080. The RTX 4070 is just 7% slower than the top-dog 6000 series flagship, the RX 6900 XT. In 4K, the RTX managed to astound, with an average FPS of 69, nice. That’s the same again as the RX 6800 XT, but this time, the 4070 falls short of the RTX 3080, as it trails behind by 2 FPS. Unfortunately, however, the RTX 4070 was a whole 20% slower in 4k than the 4070 Ti.
If you would like to read more about the RTX 4070 performance, please see TechSpot’s review.
Best RTX 4070 graphics card – things to consider
When considering the best RTX 4070 graphics card, there are several key factors to look for in order to ensure an optimal gaming or creative experience.
Boost speed
GPU boost frequency is the maximum clock speed that a graphics processing unit (GPU) can reach under ideal conditions. When a workload is utilizing all of the available processing resources and the GPU is operating within its power and temperature limits, the GPU will automatically increase its clock speed to its boost frequency in order to deliver improved performance.
A higher GPU boost frequency generally means that the GPU can process more data and perform calculations faster, resulting in improved performance and higher frame rates in games or faster processing times in other applications.
However, the actual performance gain achieved by increasing the GPU boost frequency will depend on a variety of factors, including the specific workload being performed, the quality of the software implementation, and the efficiency of the cooling system. If you’re wanting true balls-to-the-wall performance, you’re going to want to choose the best RTX 4070 with the highest core boost frequency.
GPU VRAM
VRAM is a type of memory that your GPU uses to store data and instructions needed for processing graphical tasks. The amount of VRAM a GPU has can affect its performance, particularly when working with large datasets or high-resolution graphics. GPUs with more VRAM can handle larger amounts of data at once, resulting in faster processing times and improved performance.
However, the impact of VRAM on performance can vary depending on the specific workload and the efficiency of the software used to leverage the GPU’s processing power. Additionally, larger VRAM sizes typically come at a higher cost, both in terms of the cost of the GPU itself and the power consumption required to operate it. All of the RTX 4070s have the same amount of VRAM so you’re safe there, just felt like educating.
GPU TBP
The TBP of a GPU is the maximum amount of power that the GPU can draw from the PSU and the amount of power that the cooling system is capable of dissipating. The TBP of a GPU can affect its performance in a few ways.
Firstly, if the TBP of a GPU is too low for the specific workload, it may not be able to maintain the required clock speeds for optimal performance, which can result in lower frame rates or slower processing times. This can be particularly problematic in workloads that require sustained high levels of GPU utilization, such as gaming or machine learning.
A high TBP can lead to increased power consumption and heat generation, which can impact system stability and increase the risk of thermal throttling or hardware failure. This can be mitigated by using an efficient cooling system and ensuring that the PSU is capable of delivering the required power without overheating or causing voltage drops.
TBP ties into cooling and is an important metric, as some AIB RTX 4070s will produce more heat thanks to the factory overclocks. That’s about the base of the knowledge you need to pick out the best RTX 4070 graphics card. AIBs won’t be able to change much more anyway. It’s against Nvidia rules.
Final Word – should you buy one of these GPUs?
In conclusion, the RTX 4070 is an incredible mid-range graphics card that offers impressive performance, particularly in lower resolutions and with ray tracing capabilities. When looking for the best RTX 4070 graphics card, several options stand out.
The Gigabyte AORUS RTX 4070 Master delivers cutting-edge technology and performance, with enhanced RT Cores and Tensor Cores for realistic ray tracing and AI acceleration. It boasts 12 GB of GDDR6X memory for smooth experiences in gaming and content creation.
For those seeking optimal cooling, the MSI GeForce RTX 4070 12GB VENTUS 3X stands out with its triple-fan design. It promises ultra-high-performance gaming and detailed virtual worlds.
The ASUS GeForce RTX 4070 12GB GDDR6X is a dual-fan option that offers optimal cooling and airflow. Its design combines functionality and aesthetics for a visually stunning addition to any system.
The GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12G impresses with its superior thermal performance and stunning visuals. It combines the latest RTX architecture with 12 GB of GDDR6X memory for an immersive gaming and creative experience.
For budget-conscious users, the PNY GeForce RTX 4070 VERTO EPIC-X offers unprecedented speed, AI-powered graphics, and customizable lighting. It delivers a high-performance experience at an affordable price.
Ultimately, choosing the best RTX 4070 graphics card depends on individual needs and preferences, but the options mentioned above provide a solid starting point for those looking to upgrade their gaming or creative systems.
Best RTX 4070 FAQs
Is the RTX 4070 an RTX 4080?
Nvidia did plan to release a different version of the RTX 4080 but was met with backlash over the ridiculous price. Instead, Nvidia discontinued this version of the 4080, and rebranded it the 4070 Ti, as it only had 12GB of VRAM.
So no, this 4070 was always planned, it was the 4070 Ti that was the discontinued RTX 4080 12GB.
Does the RTX 4070 have less VRAM than the RTX 4070 Ti?
No, the RTX 4070 has the same amount of VRAM as the RTX 4070 Ti, the memory is even the same speed. A lot of the RTX 4070 is the same as the RTX 4070 Ti, bar clock speeds.
Is the RTX 4070 good?
The RTX 4070 is a solid choice for gamers who want the power of the RTX 40 series without breaking the bank. This is a reasonably priced 40-series GOU compared to all the rest.