RTX 2070 Super vs RTX 3070
Choosing within a single family usually comes down to a handful of specs, and the RTX 2070 Super versus the RTX 3070 is no exception. The RTX 2070 Super is up against it here: the RTX 3070 wins 1 of the 3 areas on our scorecard, with gpu & performance as its standout.
At a glance
- GPU & Performance RTX 3070 wins
- Memory Tie
- Power & Thermals Tie
- Price Tie
- GPU & Performance1.3
- Memory3.1
- Power & Thermals3.8
- GPU & Performance5.6
- Memory3.1
- Power & Thermals3.4
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The RTX 3070 has 123% more theoretical FP32 compute
At 20.3 TFLOPS versus 9.1 TFLOPS, this is a decisive lead for the RTX 3070, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. The RTX 3070 has more theoretical compute, which often, but not always, translates into higher frame rates.
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The RTX 3070 has 130% more shader units
If shader units is one of your priorities, this settles it: the RTX 3070 leads clearly with 5,888 to the RTX 2070 Super’s 2,560. Shader units do most of the heavy lifting in games, so more of them usually means more frames per second within the same architecture.
-
The RTX 3070 has 15% more ray tracing units
The numbers aren’t close. The RTX 3070 lists 46 for ray tracing units, while the RTX 2070 Super lists 40. Ray tracing units differ between generations and brands, so the count matters most within the same family.
-
The RTX 2070 Super has
On base clock, the RTX 2070 Super edges out the RTX 3070, 1,605 MHz to 1,500 MHz. The base clock is the guaranteed minimum speed; in games, cards usually run well above it.
Design & Size
- RTX 2070 Super 10.51 in × 2 slots
- RTX 3070 9.53 in × 2 slots
Size-wise, the RTX 2070 Super takes up more space, and the RTX 3070 is easier to fit where room is tight.
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 2070 Super | RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | 10.51 in | 9.53 in |
| Slot width | 2 slots | 2 slots |
| Display outputs | N/A (not specified) | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.1 |
GPU & Performance
RTX 3070 leads
In this area the RTX 3070 has a lead the RTX 2070 Super can’t close. The RTX 3070 pulls ahead with 123% more theoretical FP32 compute. FP32 compute is a theoretical peak that combines shader count and clock speed, a quick way to size up raw power. The RTX 2070 Super wins here with. That makes the RTX 3070 the natural choice for buyers focused on gpu & performance.
FP32 compute
RTX 2070 Super: 9.1 TFLOPS RTX 3070: 20.3 TFLOPS Architectures use their compute differently, so treat the gap as a guide and look at game benchmarks for the details.
Shader units
RTX 2070 Super: 2,560 RTX 3070: 5,888 The RTX 3070’s extra shaders give it more raw muscle, although comparisons across different architectures aren’t one-to-one.
Memory
Too close to call
On paper, the memory comparison ends all square. Bottom line for memory: it’s a wash.
Features
The RTX 2070 Super and the RTX 3070 differ on features in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Power & Thermals
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to power & thermals. The takeaway: power & thermals is not where these two differ.
Full Specifications
GPU & Performance
| Spec | RTX 2070 Super | RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Turing | Ampere |
| GPU die | TU104 | GA104 |
| Process | TSMC 12nm FFN | Samsung 8N |
| Shader units | 2,560 | 5,888 (winner) Most shader units |
| Ray tracing units | 40 | 46 (winner) |
| Base clock | 1,605 MHz (winner) | 1,500 MHz |
| Boost clock | 1,770 MHz | 1,725 MHz |
| FP32 computeTheoretical peak; AMD counts dual-issue, so compare within a brand only | 9.1 TFLOPS | 20.3 TFLOPS (winner) |
Memory
| Spec | RTX 2070 Super | RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory type | GDDR6 | GDDR6 |
| Memory bus | 256-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory bandwidth | 448 GB/s | 448 GB/s |
Features
| Spec | RTX 2070 Super | RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling | DLSS Super Resolution | DLSS Super Resolution |
| Frame generation | No DLSS Frame Generation | No DLSS Frame Generation |
| PCIe interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
Power & Thermals
| Spec | RTX 2070 Super | RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| Total board power | 215 W | 220 W |
| Recommended PSU | 650 W | 650 W |
| Power connector | 1x 8-pin + 1x 6-pin | 1x 12-pin |
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 2070 Super | RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | 10.51 in | 9.53 in |
| Slot width | 2 slots | 2 slots |
| Display outputs | N/A (not specified) | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.1 |
Price
| Spec | RTX 2070 Super | RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price (MSRP) | $499 | $499 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
There’s no launch price gap between the RTX 2070 Super and the RTX 3070.
All prices are official US launch prices, last checked October 2020. Actual prices at stores may differ.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the RTX 2070 Super if…
- you want the higher guaranteed base clock (1,605 MHz vs 1,500 MHz)
- you’d rather not pay for improvements you won’t use
- you prefer a larger card and have the room for it
Choose the RTX 3070 if…
- you want more theoretical compute (20.3 TFLOPS vs 9.1 TFLOPS)
- you want more shader units working on every frame (5,888 vs 2,560)
- you play with ray tracing switched on (46 vs 40 RT units)
- you’re buying fresh and prefer the more recent model
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the RTX 2070 Super or the RTX 3070?
The RTX 3070 makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you specifically want, where the RTX 2070 Super has the edge.
Should I upgrade from the RTX 2070 Super to the RTX 3070?
If those changes matter to you, yes: the RTX 3070 adds 123% more theoretical FP32 compute, 130% more shader units and 15% more ray tracing units compared with the RTX 2070 Super.
Is the RTX 2070 Super bigger than the RTX 3070?
Going by the official dimensions, the RTX 2070 Super is the bigger of the two at 10.51 in. The RTX 3070 measures 9.53 in.
Does the RTX 2070 Super perform better than the RTX 3070?
Going by the specs, the RTX 3070 comes out ahead: it offers 123% more theoretical FP32 compute and 130% more shader units.
Executive Summary
In-house decisions like the RTX 2070 Super versus the RTX 3070 are where I think it’s easiest to overspend or underspend. For me, the deciding factor is that only the RTX 3070 gives you 123% more theoretical FP32 compute. I’d also count 15% more ray tracing units in the RTX 3070’s favor. On the other side, the RTX 2070 Super brings, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
The RTX 2070 Super makes sense for anyone who values base clock; the RTX 3070 for anyone who values gpu & performance.
My pick: the RTX 3070, unless you’d trade the rest for, in which case the RTX 2070 Super earns its place.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.