Quick Answer
The GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER and the GeForce RTX 4070 are graphics cards from the same generation, with the SUPER variant offering a performance uplift. The RTX 4070 SUPER generally features more CUDA cores and a wider memory bus, which typically results in higher frame rates, particularly at higher resolutions, while maintaining similar power efficiency.
GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER vs GeForce RTX 4070: Full Comparison
Introduction
For users considering an upgrade or a new PC build, understanding the distinctions between closely related graphics cards is crucial. The GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER and the standard RTX 4070 represent two tiers within the same product family. This comparison will detail their specifications, architectural similarities, and performance characteristics across different aspects like gaming and content creation, helping to clarify which card may align better with specific needs and system configurations.
Architecture and Core Specifications
Both cards are based on NVIDIA’s Ada Lovelace architecture, which includes features like DLSS 3 frame generation and third-generation ray tracing cores. The primary differences lie in the core configuration.
- CUDA Cores: The RTX 4070 SUPER is equipped with a significantly higher count of CUDA cores compared to the RTX 4070. This increase is a major factor behind its performance gains.
- Memory Subsystem: While both cards share the same total video memory (VRAM) capacity and type, the RTX 4070 SUPER utilizes a wider memory bus. This can improve data throughput, which is beneficial in memory-intensive scenarios.
- Power Draw: The TGP (Total Graphics Power) of the RTX 4070 SUPER is typically higher than that of the RTX 4070, reflecting its increased performance capabilities.
Gaming Performance
In gaming, the performance delta between the two cards is noticeable, especially as graphical settings and resolution increase.
- 1080p and 1440p Gaming: At 1080p and 1440p resolutions, the RTX 4070 SUPER typically delivers higher average frame rates across a wide range of titles. The standard RTX 4070 remains a capable card for high-refresh-rate gaming at these resolutions.
- 4K Gaming: At 4K resolution, the wider memory bus and additional cores of the SUPER variant can provide a more consistent experience, though both cards may benefit from DLSS technology to achieve smoother gameplay at ultra-high settings.
- Ray Tracing and DLSS: Both cards support identical ray tracing and AI-upscaling features. The performance advantage of the RTX 4070 SUPER is maintained when these features are enabled.
Content Creation and Productivity
For creative workflows, the additional computational resources of the RTX 4070 SUPER can translate to faster rendering and processing times.
- 3D Rendering: Applications like Blender or V-Ray that leverage CUDA or OptiX will generally see reduced render times on the RTX 4070 SUPER due to its higher core count.
- Video Editing: GPU-accelerated effects and encoding in software like DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro can see performance benefits on the SUPER model, particularly with high-resolution footage.
- AI and Compute Tasks: The architectural advantages for AI inference are present on both, but the RTX 4070 SUPER’s hardware can handle these tasks more quickly.
Power, Thermals, and Form Factor
The physical and operational characteristics are important for system integration and cooling.
- Power Consumption: The RTX 4070 SUPER has a higher typical board power. This means a slightly more robust power supply is often recommended compared to a system built for the standard RTX 4070.
- Thermal Design: Both cards are known for their efficiency, but the SUPER variant may generate more heat under full load. Cooling solutions from different board partners can vary in size and noise levels for both models.
- Size (Form Factor): The dimensions of specific models can differ based on the cooler design. It’s generally advisable to check the length, width, and slot coverage of a specific card against your PC case’s clearance.
Comparison Table
| Feature | GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER | GeForce RTX 4070 |
|---|---|---|
| GPU Architecture | Ada Lovelace | Ada Lovelace |
| CUDA Cores | 7168 | 5888 |
| VRAM (Memory) | 12GB GDDR6X | 12GB GDDR6X |
| Memory Bus Width | 192-bit | 192-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 504 GB/s | 504 GB/s |
| Base Clock | 1980 MHz | 1920 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 2475 MHz (Typical) | 2475 MHz (Typical) |
| Total Graphics Power (TGP) | 220W (Typical) | 200W (Typical) |
| Recommended PSU | 650W (Typical) | 650W (Typical) |
| PCIe Interface | PCIe 4.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| Display Outputs | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.1a | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.1a |
| Technologies | DLSS 3, Ray Tracing (3rd Gen), Reflex, NVENC | DLSS 3, Ray Tracing (3rd Gen), Reflex, NVENC |
FAQ
What is the main difference between the RTX 4070 SUPER and the RTX 4070?
The primary differences are found in the core specifications. The RTX 4070 SUPER has a higher number of CUDA cores and a different memory subsystem configuration, which generally results in better performance, particularly at higher resolutions and in demanding applications.
Is the RTX 4070 SUPER worth it over the RTX 4070 for 1440p gaming?
For 1440p gaming, the RTX 4070 SUPER typically offers higher frame rates, especially in graphically intensive titles or with ray tracing enabled. If maximizing performance at this resolution is a priority, the SUPER variant provides a noticeable uplift. The standard RTX 4070 remains a very capable 1440p card.
Do both cards have the same amount of VRAM?
Yes, both the GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER and the GeForce RTX 4070 are equipped with 12GB of GDDR6X video memory.
Are the features like DLSS 3 and ray tracing identical on both cards?
Yes. Both graphics cards are based on the same Ada Lovelace architecture and support the full suite of features including DLSS 3 (Frame Generation), third-generation ray tracing cores, NVIDIA Reflex, and the latest NVENC encoder. The performance when using these features will be higher on the RTX 4070 SUPER.
Is a more powerful power supply needed for the RTX 4070 SUPER?
The RTX 4070 SUPER has a higher typical power draw (TGP). While the recommended PSU wattage is often similar, ensuring your power supply has sufficient headroom and the necessary power connectors for the specific card model you choose is important.
Final Thoughts
The GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER and RTX 4070 share a foundational architecture and feature set, making them both strong contenders for high-performance gaming and creative work. The RTX 4070 SUPER stands out with its enhanced core configuration, offering a clear performance advantage that becomes more pronounced at higher resolutions and in GPU-intensive tasks. The standard RTX 4070 remains a highly efficient and capable option. The choice between them often comes down to the specific performance level desired for particular use cases and the overall system budget and configuration.