Rtx 4070 vs 3090: Which GPU Reigns Supreme?
Choosing the right graphics card can feel like navigating a minefield, especially with the ever-evolving landscape of PC gaming. The battle between the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 and the RTX 3090 is a prime example of this complexity, offering a fascinating comparison for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike.
Both cards represent powerful options, but they cater to different needs and budgets. The RTX 3090, a previous-generation flagship, brought unparalleled performance to the table. However, the RTX 4070 arrives with the latest architecture and new features, promising a compelling alternative.
This comparison dives deep into the specifications, performance benchmarks, and overall value proposition of the RTX 4070 vs 3090. We’ll explore which card is best for various gaming scenarios, from high-resolution gaming to demanding content creation tasks. Prepare to discover which of these GPUs deserves a place in your system!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | RTX 4070 | RTX 3090 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ada Lovelace | Ampere |
| CUDA Cores | 5888 | 10496 |
| Boost Clock | 2475 MHz | 1695 MHz |
| Memory | 12GB GDDR6X | 24GB GDDR6X |
| Memory Interface | 192-bit | 384-bit |
| TDP | 200W | 350W |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 3rd Gen | 2nd Gen |
| Tensor Cores | 4th Gen | 3rd Gen |
| Manufacturing Process | TSMC 4N | Samsung 8nm |
| DirectX Support | DirectX 12 Ultimate | DirectX 12 Ultimate |
| PCIe | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Release Date | April 2023 | September 2020 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Architecture
- Rtx 4070: Based on the Ada Lovelace architecture, utilizing a more efficient manufacturing process. This translates to improved performance per watt and support for advanced features like DLSS 3. However, it’s a newer generation, so driver support and optimization might still be maturing.
- 3090: Built on the Ampere architecture, offering strong raw performance and a mature driver set. It benefits from established optimizations and is generally well-supported across various games and applications. However, it lacks the latest generation’s features and efficiency.
- Winner: 4070
VRAM
- Rtx 4070: Typically features 12GB of GDDR6X memory. This is sufficient for high-resolution gaming at 1440p and can handle many 4K titles. Its capacity might become a limitation in very demanding titles or with future game releases.
- 3090: Boasts a significant 24GB of GDDR6X memory. This large capacity is advantageous for 4K gaming, content creation, and running memory-intensive applications. It provides more headroom for textures and complex scenes.
- Winner: 3090
Raw Performance
- Rtx 4070: Offers strong performance, generally exceeding the RTX 3070 and competing with the 3080 in some benchmarks. It provides a good balance between performance and power consumption. However, it is not as powerful as the 3090.
- 3090: Provides significantly higher raw processing power due to its larger die size and more CUDA cores. It excels in tasks that benefit from raw horsepower, like 4K gaming and professional applications. However, its power consumption is substantially higher.
- Winner: 3090
Ray Tracing Performance
- Rtx 4070: Features improved ray tracing performance compared to the 3090, thanks to the Ada Lovelace architecture and enhanced RT cores. This allows for better visual fidelity in ray-traced games. It offers a more efficient ray tracing experience.
- 3090: Provides decent ray tracing performance, but it is not as efficient as the newer 4070. Ray tracing can significantly impact performance, and the 3090 may require lower settings or DLSS to maintain playable frame rates in demanding ray-traced games.
- Winner: 4070
DLSS/Upscaling Technology
- Rtx 4070: Supports DLSS 3, which can generate entirely new frames, providing a significant performance boost in supported games. This can allow for higher frame rates and smoother gameplay. DLSS 3 is a key advantage.
- 3090: Supports DLSS 2, which offers excellent upscaling and performance gains. However, it does not have frame generation capabilities of DLSS 3. This means that its performance gains are not as significant as the 4070 in certain titles.
- Winner: 4070
Power Consumption & Efficiency
- Rtx 4070: Offers significantly improved power efficiency compared to the 3090. This means it consumes less power while delivering similar or even better performance. It generates less heat, which can lead to quieter operation.
- 3090: Has a higher power consumption, requiring a more robust power supply and potentially generating more heat. This can lead to louder fans and higher operating temperatures. Its power draw is a major drawback.
- Winner: 4070
Price & Availability
- Rtx 4070: Is generally available at a lower price point than the 3090 was at launch, and readily available. This makes it a more accessible option for many gamers.
- 3090: Is not typically sold new anymore, and the prices can vary significantly in the used market. It was initially a high-end, expensive card.
- Winner: 4070
Features & Connectivity
- Rtx 4070: Supports the latest features, including HDMI 2.1a and DisplayPort 1.4a, offering improved display capabilities. It also benefits from the latest software and driver enhancements.
- 3090: Offers standard connectivity options, including HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4a. It still provides excellent display output, but it lacks some of the newer features found in the 4070.
- Winner: 4070
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 1440p Gaming | RTX 4070 |
| 4K Gaming | RTX 3090 |
| Content Creation (Memory Intensive) | RTX 3090 |
| Power Efficiency | RTX 4070 |
| Price/Performance | RTX 4070 |
What They Have in Common
- Directx 12 Ultimate: Both cards support DirectX 12 Ultimate, enabling advanced features like ray tracing and variable rate shading for enhanced visual fidelity in games.
- Pcie 4.0: Both the RTX 4070 and RTX 3090 utilize the PCIe 4.0 interface, ensuring compatibility with modern motherboards and offering high bandwidth for data transfer.
- Gddr6x Memory: Both cards employ GDDR6X memory technology, which provides high memory bandwidth, contributing to faster performance in gaming and content creation workloads.
- Ray Tracing Support: Both GPUs support real-time ray tracing, allowing for more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections in compatible games.
- NVIDIA Technologies: Both cards are compatible with Nvidia technologies like DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) for improved performance and image quality.
Rtx 4070 Vs 3090 Buying Guide
Performance in Gaming
The RTX 4070 delivers excellent performance in modern games, offering a significant upgrade over previous generations. It excels at 1440p gaming and can handle 4K gaming with optimized settings. The RTX 3090, while powerful, often struggles to maintain a competitive edge due to its higher power consumption and the advancements in the newer architecture of the 4070. Consider your target resolution and refresh rate when evaluating gaming performance. The 4070 is often a more balanced choice for most gamers due to its efficiency.
Ray Tracing Capabilities
Both cards support ray tracing, but the RTX 4070 benefits from the advancements in the Ada Lovelace architecture. This includes improved ray tracing performance and DLSS 3, which can significantly boost frame rates in ray-traced games. While the RTX 3090 offers decent ray tracing, it’s less efficient. The 4070 provides a smoother and more visually appealing ray tracing experience with less performance impact. DLSS 3 further enhances this, making it a strong contender for ray-traced gaming.
Price and Value Proposition
The RTX 4070 generally offers a better price-to-performance ratio than the RTX 3090, especially considering its newer technology and lower power consumption. The 3090, often found at a higher price point, may not justify the cost for most gamers, especially in the used market. Evaluate the current prices and availability of both cards. Consider the overall system cost, including the power supply and other components, when making your decision. The 4070 emerges as a more cost-effective choice.
Power Consumption and Efficiency
The RTX 4070 is significantly more power-efficient than the RTX 3090. This means it requires a smaller power supply and generates less heat, leading to quieter operation. The 3090 demands a high-wattage power supply, which can add to the overall system cost. The 4070’s efficiency contributes to a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective build. This is a significant advantage for those who are conscious about power usage and electricity bills.
Features and Technology Comparison
The RTX 4070 benefits from newer features like DLSS 3, which significantly boosts frame rates, and improved encoder capabilities. The 3090, while still capable, lacks these advancements. The 4070’s architectural enhancements provide a more modern feature set. Features such as AV1 encoding and improved NVENC are also available on the 4070. These features provide a better overall user experience and are important for content creators and streamers.
Overclocking Potential
Both cards can be overclocked to achieve higher performance, but the results vary. The RTX 4070, with its newer architecture, often shows good gains from overclocking, especially in terms of memory bandwidth. The RTX 3090 also offers overclocking potential, but the power limitations and thermal constraints may limit the gains. Consider your cooling solution and the potential risks involved when overclocking either card. Both cards benefit from overclocking, but the 4070’s efficiency provides an edge here.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy RTX 4070 If…
- You want a modern card with updated features like DLSS 3.
- You prioritize power efficiency and lower power consumption.
- You are looking for a card that offers excellent performance at 1440p and 1080p.
- You are building a new PC and want the latest generation technology.
Buy RTX 3090 If…
- You need the absolute highest performance for 4K gaming and professional workloads.
- You require the extra memory capacity for video editing, 3D rendering, or other memory-intensive tasks.
- You can find it at a significantly reduced price compared to the RTX 4070 or other newer cards.
- You don’t mind the higher power consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which card is better for 1440p gaming?
The RTX 4070 is an excellent choice for 1440p gaming, offering high frame rates and a smooth gaming experience. It’s well-suited for this resolution, providing a great balance between performance and visual quality. The 3090 is also capable, but the 4070 provides better performance in modern titles and is a more efficient choice. Consider your monitor’s refresh rate when choosing.
Does the RTX 4070 support ray tracing?
Yes, the RTX 4070 fully supports ray tracing and delivers improved ray tracing performance compared to the 3090. The 4070’s architecture is optimized for ray tracing, providing a more visually appealing experience with less performance impact. DLSS 3 further enhances the ray tracing capabilities, making it a great choice for ray-traced gaming.
How much power does the RTX 4070 consume?
The RTX 4070 is significantly more power-efficient than the 3090, typically consuming around 200W. This lower power consumption results in less heat and a quieter system. The 3090 requires a higher wattage power supply, which can add to the system cost. This efficiency makes the 4070 a more eco-friendly and cost-effective choice.
Is the RTX 3090 still a good buy in 2024?
The RTX 3090 is still a capable card, but it’s generally not the best value in 2024. The RTX 4070 offers comparable or better performance in many games at a lower price and with improved efficiency. The used market might offer some deals, but consider the advancements in the 4070’s architecture. Evaluate the price and performance before buying.
Does the RTX 4070 support DLSS 3?
Yes, the RTX 4070 fully supports DLSS 3, which uses AI to generate additional frames and significantly improve frame rates in supported games. This technology provides a smoother and more responsive gaming experience. DLSS 3 is a major advantage for the 4070, providing a significant performance boost. It enhances overall gaming performance.
Which card is better for content creation?
Both cards are suitable for content creation, but the RTX 4070 offers improvements in video encoding and decoding due to its newer architecture. The 4070 features AV1 encoding support, leading to better quality and smaller file sizes. The 3090 is still capable, but the 4070 is more efficient and offers better support for modern codecs. Consider your workflow and the software you use.
What is the difference in memory capacity?
The RTX 3090 has significantly more VRAM (24GB) than the RTX 4070 (12GB). This can be beneficial for very high-resolution gaming (4K) and certain professional workloads. However, the 4070’s architecture and memory bandwidth are often sufficient for most gaming scenarios. Evaluate the demands of the applications you use to determine the importance of VRAM.
Final Verdict
The RTX 4070 emerges as the superior choice, delivering a compelling combination of performance, efficiency, and modern features. While the RTX 3090 offers a high amount of VRAM, the 4070’s DLSS 3, lower power consumption, and improved ray tracing make it a more well-rounded and cost-effective option for most gamers. The 4070 offers a better overall value.
Winner: RTX 4070