Choosing the right graphics card can be a daunting task, especially when you’re looking at high-performance options from a reputable brand like EVGA. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 was a powerhouse in its day, and EVGA offered some of the best custom variants. Today, we’re diving deep into a comparison that many gamers and builders have pondered: the EVGA 1070 SC versus the EVGA 1070 FTW.
Both the SC (Superclocked) and FTW (For The Win) models promise enhanced performance over the reference design, but they cater to slightly different enthusiast needs. The SC typically offers a solid out-of-the-box boost, while the FTW often brings more robust cooling and power delivery for those seeking maximum overclocking potential.
This detailed comparison will break down the key differences, helping you understand which of these legendary EVGA 1070 cards is the perfect fit for your gaming rig and budget. Get ready to find out which one truly stands out!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | evga 1070 sc | ftw |
|---|---|---|
| CUDA Cores | 1920 | 1920 |
| Boost Clock | 1860 MHz | 1898 MHz |
| Base Clock | 1607 MHz | 1721 MHz |
| Memory Size | 8GB GDDR5 | 8GB GDDR5 |
| Memory Interface | 256-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 250.1 GB/s | 250.1 GB/s |
| Cooling Solution | Dual-Fan ACX 3.0 | Dual-Fan ACX 3.0 |
| Power Connectors | 1x 8-pin | 1x 8-pin + 1x 6-pin |
| TDP | 150W | 180W |
| Length | 10.5 inches | 10.5 inches |
| Height | 4.376 inches | 4.376 inches |
| Width | 2-slot | 2-slot |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Core Clock Speed
- Evga 1070 Sc: The SC (Superclocked) model comes with a factory overclock out of the box, offering a modest performance boost over reference designs. This is a good option for users who want slightly better performance without extensive tweaking.
- Ftw: The FTW (For The Win) card typically features an even higher factory overclock than the SC version, providing a more significant performance uplift. It’s aimed at enthusiasts seeking the best out-of-the-box performance.
- Winner: FTW
Cooling Solution
- Evga 1070 Sc: Features EVGA’s ACX 3.0 cooling system, which generally offers good thermal performance and quiet operation for its class. It’s designed to keep the GPU cool under load.
- Ftw: Utilizes a more robust version of the ACX 3.0 cooler, often with more heatpipes, larger heatsinks, and/or more fans. This enhanced cooling allows for higher sustained clock speeds and quieter operation.
- Winner: FTW
Power Delivery (VRMs)
- Evga 1070 Sc: Equipped with a solid power delivery system suitable for its factory overclock. It’s generally reliable for everyday gaming and moderate overclocking.
- Ftw: Boasts a more premium and robust power delivery system, often with more phases and higher-quality components. This provides greater stability for aggressive overclocking and ensures longevity.
- Winner: FTW
Build Quality and Aesthetics
- Evga 1070 Sc: Offers a good build quality with a sturdy shroud and backplate. Aesthetics are generally understated and functional.
- Ftw: Typically features a more premium build with a more elaborate shroud design, often incorporating RGB lighting and a more substantial backplate. It’s designed to look more impressive in a build.
- Winner: FTW
Memory
- Evga 1070 Sc: Comes with 8GB of GDDR5 memory on a 256-bit bus, standard for the GTX 1070. Performance is as expected for the GPU.
- Ftw: Also features 8GB of GDDR5 memory on a 256-bit bus. While the memory capacity and bus are the same, the higher clock speeds on the FTW can lead to marginally better memory bandwidth performance.
- Winner: FTW
Connectivity and Outputs
- Evga 1070 Sc: Typically offers standard display outputs like DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI. Sufficient for most multi-monitor setups.
- Ftw: Often includes the same standard display outputs but might offer slightly different configurations or a more robust set of ports depending on the specific revision.
- Winner: Tie
Overclocking Potential
- Evga 1070 Sc: Offers good overclocking potential due to its factory OC and decent cooling. It can be pushed further with manual tweaking.
- Ftw: Designed for enthusiasts, the FTW model generally has superior overclocking headroom thanks to its enhanced cooling and more robust power delivery. It’s built to handle higher sustained clock speeds.
- Winner: FTW
Price Point
- Evga 1070 Sc: Positioned as a more affordable performance-oriented option, offering a good balance of price and performance.
- Ftw: Represents a higher-tier product, coming with a premium price tag reflecting its enhanced features, cooling, and factory overclock.
- Winner: evga 1070 sc
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Out-of-the-Box Performance | ftw |
| Power Efficiency | evga 1070 sc |
| Overclocking Potential | ftw |
| Cooling Performance | Tie |
| Value (General) | evga 1070 sc |
What They Have in Common
- GPU Architecture: Both cards are built on NVIDIA’s Pascal architecture, offering excellent gaming performance for their generation.
- Vram: They both feature 8GB of GDDR5 memory, which is ample for most games at 1080p and 1440p resolutions.
- CUDA Cores: Both models boast 1920 CUDA cores, the processing units responsible for rendering graphics.
- Cooling Technology: They utilize EVGA’s ACX 3.0 cooling solution, designed for efficient heat dissipation and quieter operation compared to reference designs.
- Form Factor: Both cards share the same physical dimensions and occupy two expansion slots, ensuring compatibility with most standard PC cases.
- Display Outputs: Expect a similar array of display outputs, typically including DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI, for versatile monitor connectivity.
EVGA 1070 SC vs FTW Buying Guide
Performance Differences
The EVGA GeForce GTX 1070 SC (Superclocked) and FTW (For The Win) both offer excellent performance for 1440p and even some 4K gaming. The FTW model typically boasts slightly higher factory clock speeds out of the box compared to the SC, leading to a small, but often negligible, performance advantage in benchmarks and real-world gaming scenarios. This difference is usually within a few percentage points.
However, both cards are based on the same Pascal architecture and share the same core count, meaning their potential for overclocking is very similar. If you’re comfortable with manual overclocking, you can often close the gap or even surpass the stock FTW performance with the SC model. The choice here often comes down to whether you prefer a slightly higher out-of-the-box boost or the potential to achieve it yourself. (See Also: Adobe Pro Vs Docusign )
Cooling Solutions and Noise Levels
EVGA is known for its robust cooling solutions, and both the SC and FTW models benefit from this. The FTW variant often features a more elaborate cooling shroud and a larger heatsink with more heatpipes, designed to dissipate heat more effectively, especially under heavy load or when overclocked. This typically translates to lower temperatures and potentially quieter operation compared to the SC.
The SC model still offers a very capable cooling system, more than sufficient for the 1070’s thermal demands. However, under sustained heavy gaming sessions or aggressive overclocking, the FTW’s superior cooling might allow for slightly lower fan speeds, resulting in a quieter user experience. For users sensitive to noise, the FTW might be the more appealing option, though the SC is generally not considered loud.
Power Delivery and Overclocking Headroom
A key differentiator between the SC and FTW models lies in their power delivery systems. The FTW version usually incorporates a more robust VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) design with more power phases. This enhanced power delivery provides greater stability when pushing the card to its limits through overclocking, offering more headroom for higher clock speeds and voltages.
While the SC model has a perfectly adequate power delivery system for its stock and moderate overclocking, the FTW’s more substantial VRM can be beneficial for extreme overclockers seeking to extract every last bit of performance. If you plan on extensively overclocking your GPU and want the most stable and robust power delivery, the FTW would be the preferred choice. For most users, the SC’s power delivery is more than sufficient. (See Also: 40 Vs 32 Tv )
Aesthetics and Build Quality
Both the EVGA 1070 SC and FTW are built with quality materials and feature EVGA’s distinctive styling. The FTW model often sports a more aggressive and premium aesthetic, sometimes including RGB lighting elements and a more elaborate backplate, contributing to a higher-end look and feel. The larger heatsink and shroud can also give it a more substantial presence.
The SC model, while still well-built, might have a slightly simpler design and fewer aesthetic embellishments. However, both cards are designed for durability and longevity. If aesthetics and a premium visual presence are important factors in your build, the FTW might offer a slight edge. Ultimately, both cards represent solid build quality from EVGA.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy evga 1070 sc If…
- You’re looking for a solid performer for 1080p or 1440p gaming without breaking the bank.
- You prioritize a more power-efficient option with a single 8-pin connector.
- You want a reliable card with good cooling that won’t be excessively loud.
Buy ftw If…
- You want slightly higher clock speeds out of the box for a minor performance edge.
- You’re comfortable with a slightly higher power draw and an additional 6-pin connector for potentially better overclocking headroom.
- You’re a tinkerer who enjoys pushing hardware to its limits and might benefit from the more robust power delivery of the FTW model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the FTW significantly faster than the SC out of the box?
The EVGA GTX 1070 FTW typically comes with slightly higher factory clock speeds than the SC model. This can result in a small performance difference, usually a few percentage points, in benchmarks and games. However, this difference is often imperceptible in real-world gaming scenarios for most users. Both cards are based on the same GPU core and have similar overclocking potential.
Which card is better for overclocking?
While both cards can be overclocked, the EVGA GTX 1070 FTW generally offers more overclocking headroom due to its more robust power delivery system (VRM) and superior cooling. The enhanced VRM on the FTW provides greater stability when increasing voltage and clock speeds, allowing for potentially higher and more stable overclocks compared to the SC model. (See Also: Lansky Vs Work Sharp )
Is the FTW much louder than the SC?
The EVGA GTX 1070 FTW often features a more advanced cooling solution with a larger heatsink and potentially more fans, which can allow it to run at lower fan speeds under load while maintaining similar or lower temperatures compared to the SC. This can translate to a quieter operating experience, especially during extended gaming sessions or when the GPU is under heavy load.
Are there significant price differences between the SC and FTW?
Historically, the EVGA GTX 1070 FTW has been positioned as a higher-tier model, meaning it typically commands a higher price than the SC variant. The increased cost reflects the enhanced cooling, more robust power delivery, and potentially more premium aesthetics of the FTW card. When comparing used prices, the FTW will likely still be more expensive.
Which card offers better value for money?
The “better value” often depends on your priorities. The EVGA GTX 1070 SC usually offers a more budget-friendly entry point while still providing excellent performance and reliable EVGA quality. If you’re looking for the absolute best out-of-the-box performance and overclocking potential without manual tweaking, and the price difference is acceptable, the FTW might be worth the premium.
Final Verdict
Both the EVGA GeForce GTX 1070 SC and FTW are exceptional graphics cards offering fantastic performance for their era. The FTW generally edges out the SC in terms of out-of-the-box clock speeds, cooling efficiency, and overclocking potential due to its more robust power delivery. However, the SC remains a very capable card that can often be manually overclocked to near FTW performance levels. For users seeking the absolute best cooling and power delivery for extreme overclocking or a quieter experience, the FTW is the superior choice. For those seeking excellent performance at a potentially lower cost, the SC is a great option.
Winner: EVGA 1070 FTW