RTX 3070 Ti vs RTX 4070
It’s an in-house decision: the RTX 3070 Ti and the RTX 4070 are both part of the same lineup. The numbers lean one way: the RTX 4070 comes out ahead in 2 of the 3 areas we compared, with its clearest lead in the gpu & performance category.
At a glance
- GPU & Performance RTX 4070 wins
- Memory Trade-off
- Power & Thermals RTX 4070 wins
- Price Tie
- GPU & Performance3.3
- Memory2.3
- Power & Thermals1.4
- GPU & Performance4.6
- Memory3.6
- Power & Thermals7.0
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
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The RTX 4070 has 4 GB more VRAM
The RTX 4070 doesn’t just edge this one; 12 GB against 8 GB is a lead you’ll feel. Newer games tend to ask for more video memory, so the RTX 4070’s extra VRAM helps the card age better.
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The RTX 4070 has 34% more theoretical FP32 compute
Big gap, real consequences. The RTX 4070’s 29.1 TFLOPS versus the RTX 3070 Ti’s 21.7 TFLOPS changes how the two compare in daily use. FP32 compute is a theoretical peak that combines shader count and clock speed, a quick way to size up raw power.
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The RTX 4070 has 90 W lower board power
The RTX 3070 Ti is clearly behind on total board power (290 W against 200 W), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. Lower board power means less heat, quieter cooling and a smaller impact on your electricity bill.
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The RTX 3070 Ti has 21% more memory bandwidth
On this line of the spec sheet, the RTX 3070 Ti is in a different league: 608 GB/s, next to 504 GB/s for the RTX 4070. The RTX 3070 Ti has more bandwidth to work with, helping it hold up in memory-heavy games.
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The RTX 4070 has a 40% higher boost clock
For boost clock, the RTX 4070 leads by a wide margin: 2,475 MHz versus 1,770 MHz. Clock speeds are only comparable within similar architectures; across generations, they tell you less.
Design & Size
- RTX 3070 Ti 10.63 in × 2 slots
- RTX 4070 9.61 in × 2 slots
Size-wise, the RTX 3070 Ti takes up more space, and the RTX 4070 is easier to fit where room is tight.
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 3070 Ti | RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | 10.63 in | 9.61 in |
| Slot width | 2 slots | 2 slots |
| Display outputs | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.1 | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.1 |
GPU & Performance
RTX 4070 leads
The RTX 3070 Ti is outclassed on gpu & performance; the RTX 4070 leads by a clear margin. The RTX 4070 pulls ahead with 34% more theoretical FP32 compute. The RTX 4070 has more theoretical compute, which often, but not always, translates into higher frame rates. That makes the RTX 4070 the natural choice for buyers focused on gpu & performance.
FP32 compute
RTX 3070 Ti: 21.7 TFLOPS RTX 4070: 29.1 TFLOPS Architectures use their compute differently, so treat the gap as a guide and look at game benchmarks for the details.
Boost clock
RTX 3070 Ti: 1,770 MHz RTX 4070: 2,475 MHz A higher boost clock means the GPU runs faster when it has thermal and power headroom.
Memory
Trade-off
It depends what you value in memory: the RTX 3070 Ti brings 21% more memory bandwidth, the RTX 4070 brings 4 GB more VRAM. On memory, the better choice comes down to your own priorities.
VRAM
RTX 3070 Ti: 8 GB RTX 4070: 12 GB At high resolutions or with texture packs, running out of VRAM can hurt more than a small speed gap.
Memory bandwidth
RTX 3070 Ti: 608 GB/s RTX 4070: 504 GB/s Bandwidth needs vary by architecture, so compare it alongside VRAM and cache rather than on its own.
Features
We don’t score this area directly, because the features specs are labels rather than measurements. The table shows what each lists.
Power & Thermals
RTX 4070 leads
The RTX 4070 clearly takes the power & thermals round. The RTX 4070 scores with 90 W lower board power. The RTX 4070 draws less power, which makes it easier to cool in compact cases. If this section decides it for you, choose the RTX 4070.
Total board power
RTX 3070 Ti: 290 W RTX 4070: 200 W Higher board power often comes with higher performance, so the RTX 3070 Ti’s appetite may be part of the price of its speed.
Recommended PSU
RTX 3070 Ti: 750 W RTX 4070: 650 W With the RTX 4070, you’re more likely to keep your existing power supply, which can save real money.
Full Specifications
GPU & Performance
| Spec | RTX 3070 Ti | RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere | Ada Lovelace |
| GPU die | GA104 | AD104 |
| Process | Samsung 8N | TSMC 4N |
| Shader units | 6,144 | 5,888 |
| Ray tracing units | 48 | 46 |
| Base clock | 1,575 MHz | 1,920 MHz (winner) |
| Boost clock | 1,770 MHz | 2,475 MHz (winner) |
| FP32 computeTheoretical peak; AMD counts dual-issue, so compare within a brand only | 21.7 TFLOPS | 29.1 TFLOPS (winner) |
Memory
| Spec | RTX 3070 Ti | RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM | 8 GB | 12 GB (winner) |
| Memory type | GDDR6X | GDDR6X |
| Memory bus | 256-bit (winner) | 192-bit |
| Memory bandwidth | 608 GB/s (winner) | 504 GB/s |
Features
| Spec | RTX 3070 Ti | RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling | DLSS Super Resolution | DLSS Super Resolution |
| Frame generation | No DLSS Frame Generation | DLSS Frame Generation (2x) |
| PCIe interface | PCIe 4.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
Power & Thermals
| Spec | RTX 3070 Ti | RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| Total board power | 290 W | 200 W (winner) |
| Recommended PSU | 750 W | 650 W (winner) |
| Power connector | 1x 12-pin | 1x 16-pin (12VHPWR) |
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 3070 Ti | RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | 10.63 in | 9.61 in |
| Slot width | 2 slots | 2 slots |
| Display outputs | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.1 | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.1 |
Price
| Spec | RTX 3070 Ti | RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price (MSRP) | $599 | $599 |
“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
At launch, the RTX 3070 Ti and the RTX 4070 cost the same.
Launch prices in the US as of April 2023; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the RTX 3070 Ti if…
- you game at high resolutions where bandwidth matters (608 GB/s vs 504 GB/s)
- you push high resolutions where memory width helps (256-bit vs 192-bit bus)
- you’d rather not pay for improvements you won’t use
Choose the RTX 4070 if…
- you want more video memory for the years ahead (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want more theoretical compute (29.1 TFLOPS vs 21.7 TFLOPS)
- you want lower power draw and less heat (200 W vs 290 W board power)
- you want the higher boost clock (2,475 MHz vs 1,770 MHz)
- you’re buying fresh and prefer the more recent model
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the RTX 3070 Ti or the RTX 4070?
The RTX 4070 makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you’d trade the rest for 21% more memory bandwidth.
Should I upgrade from the RTX 3070 Ti to the RTX 4070?
If those changes matter to you, yes: the RTX 4070 adds 4 GB more VRAM, 34% more theoretical FP32 compute and 90 W lower board power compared with the RTX 3070 Ti.
Which is larger, the RTX 3070 Ti or the RTX 4070?
Going by the official dimensions, the RTX 3070 Ti is the bigger of the two at 10.63 in. The RTX 4070 measures 9.61 in.
Does the RTX 3070 Ti perform better than the RTX 4070?
Going by the specs, the RTX 4070 comes out ahead: it offers 34% more theoretical FP32 compute and a 40% higher boost clock.
Executive Summary
The RTX 3070 Ti and the RTX 4070 share a family name, so let me focus on what doesn’t match. It’s hard to argue with 4 GB more VRAM, which is exactly what the RTX 4070 brings. A second reason: the RTX 4070 comes with 34% more theoretical FP32 compute. I don’t want to sell the RTX 3070 Ti short, though: it has 21% more memory bandwidth.
The RTX 3070 Ti makes sense for anyone who values memory bandwidth; the RTX 4070 for anyone who values gpu & performance.
My pick: the RTX 4070; the one scenario where I’d reach for the RTX 3070 Ti is if you’d rather have 21% more memory bandwidth on the RTX 3070 Ti.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.