The Nvidia RTX 4070 Super graphics card marks a significant milestone as the harbinger of Nvidia’s refreshed Ada lineup. This new addition to the RTX 40-series not only meets but exceeds the initial expectations set for the series. It stands out with its performance enhancements over the RTX 4070 and narrows the gap with the RTX 4070 Ti, showcasing its prowess in the current GPU market.
With its launch, the RTX 4070 Super not only brings a significant core-count boost compared to its non-Super sibling but also delivers a substantial frame rate improvement. This improvement is a testament to its design, which now closely mirrors the RTX 4070 Ti in both GPU specs and performance. The RTX 4070 Super’s ability to deliver such competitive performance while maintaining efficiency is a clear indication of Nvidia’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of graphics technology.
Pros and Cons
- RTX 3080 Ti performance with benefits
- Catching up with RTX 4070 Ti
- Super efficient
- Super quiet
- Super cool
- That black shroud looks stunning
- The RTX 4070 is still alive
Specifications
The Nvidia RTX 4070 Super is built on the same AD104 GPU as the original RTX 4070 but with a significant enhancement. Nvidia has enabled an entire new graphics processing cluster (GPC) for the chip, which adds ten streaming multiprocessors (SMs) and an additional 1,280 CUDA cores. This upgrade brings the RTX 4070 Super much closer to the RTX 4070 Ti in terms of core makeup and performance.
| Specification | RTX 4070 Super | RTX 4070 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| CUDA Cores | 5,888 | 7,680 |
| Memory | 12GB GDDR6X | 12GB GDDR6X |
| Base Clock | 2.31 GHz | 2.37 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 2.61 GHz | 2.58 GHz |
| TGP | 220W | 285W |
Performance Analysis
The Nvidia RTX 4070 Super demonstrates a commendable performance leap over its predecessor, the RTX 4070. While the 22% increase in CUDA core count might suggest a proportional boost in gaming frame rates, the reality is a more nuanced improvement. The RTX 4070 Super shows an approximate 12% to 18% increase in performance at 1440p and 4K resolutions, respectively. This performance uplift solidifies its position as a strong contender in the high-end GPU market, offering more power for the same price point as the original RTX 4070.
When compared to the RTX 4070 Ti, the RTX 4070 Super’s performance is within a striking distance, often coming within 10% of the more expensive card’s frame rates. This impressive feat is achieved despite the RTX 4070 Super’s lower total graphics power (TGP) and slightly more conservative clock speeds, highlighting the efficiency of the Ada architecture and the effectiveness of the card’s design.
It’s important to note that the RTX 4070 Super’s performance doesn’t just hinge on raw GPU power. Real-world gaming experiences are also shaped by technologies like DLSS and frame generation, which can significantly boost frame rates. The RTX 4070 Super’s adeptness at these technologies ensures that gamers can enjoy high-fidelity gaming at smooth frame rates, often matching or exceeding the refresh rates of the best gaming monitors.
In summary, the RTX 4070 Super not only outperforms its direct predecessor but also narrows the gap with the higher-tier RTX 4070 Ti, offering gamers a tantalizing option that balances cost and performance in Nvidia’s lineup.
The strategic release of the Nvidia RTX 4070 Super has made a clear impact on the GPU market, particularly affecting the demand for the RTX 4070 Ti. By offering performance that closely rivals the RTX 4070 Ti at a significantly lower price point, the RTX 4070 Super presents a compelling value proposition for gamers and professionals alike.
Nvidia’s decision to keep the RTX 4070 available at a reduced price further complicates the market dynamics. This move could potentially cannibalize sales of the new Super variant, as the price-to-performance ratio of the RTX 4070 becomes more attractive to budget-conscious consumers. The RTX 4070’s price cut is likely a strategic response to AMD’s competitive offerings, ensuring that Nvidia maintains a strong foothold across different price segments.
While the RTX 4070 Super stands out with its improved performance and efficiency, the presence of the original RTX 4070 at a lower price point may lead some buyers to question whether the performance gains of the Super model justify the additional cost. This scenario underscores the delicate balance that Nvidia must strike between introducing advanced technology and managing its existing product lineup to remain competitive.
