# Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070: A Modest Refinement Amidst Strong Rivals
## Introduction
Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5070 has made its debut, claiming to deliver “RTX 4090 performance at $549,” as asserted by CEO Jensen Huang. Yet, a detailed examination indicates that this assertion relies on AI-enhanced frame interpolation instead of sheer rendering capabilities. While the RTX 5070 introduces certain enhancements compared to its forerunner, it confronts fierce competition from AMD’s forthcoming Radeon RX 9070 lineup. Let’s explore the specifics to determine if this GPU is a smart investment.
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## Performance: A Minor Advancement
The RTX 5070 is branded as a mid-tier GPU, succeeding the RTX 4070 at the identical $549 price tag. Nonetheless, its performance improvements over the RTX 4070 Super are quite limited, generally falling within the mid-single-digit percentage range. When stacked against the RTX 4070, it exhibits approximately a 20% enhancement, but this isn’t a considerable jump given the upgrade between generations.
### **Key Performance Highlights:**
– **1440p Gaming:** The RTX 5070 is adept for high-refresh-rate 1440p gaming.
– **4K Gaming:** It can manage 4K with DLSS upscaling, though performance may be constrained in demanding games.
– **Frame Generation:** DLSS Multi-Frame Generation (MFG) can enhance frame rates, albeit at the cost of input lag and visual anomalies.
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## Specifications: Gradual Enhancements
| Feature | RTX 5070 Ti | RTX 4070 Ti Super | RTX 5070 | RTX 4070 Super | RTX 4070 |
|———|————|——————-|———-|—————-|———-|
| **CUDA Cores** | 8,960 | 8,448 | 6,144 | 7,168 | 5,888 |
| **Boost Clock** | 2,452 MHz | 2,610 MHz | 2,512 MHz | 2,475 MHz | 2,475 MHz |
| **Memory Bus** | 256-bit | 256-bit | 192-bit | 192-bit | 192-bit |
| **Memory Bandwidth** | 896 GB/s | 672 GB/s | 672 GB/s | 504 GB/s | 504 GB/s |
| **Memory Size** | 16GB GDDR7 | 16GB GDDR6X | 12GB GDDR7 | 12GB GDDR6X | 12GB GDDR6X |
| **Power Consumption (TGP)** | 300W | 285W | 250W | 220W | 200W |
The RTX 5070 is equipped with a **192-bit memory bus** and **12GB of GDDR7 memory**, which should be adequate for 1440p gaming but might become a limitation for 4K down the line. The **superior power draw (250W)** compared to the RTX 4070 Super (220W) is a drawback, rendering it less energy-efficient than its predecessor.
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## Design and Cooling: Compact Yet Heats Up
The RTX 5070 Founders Edition upholds a **compact two-slot configuration**, ensuring compatibility with most PC setups. However, Nvidia has altered the cooler layout, relocating both fans to one side of the card. Regardless, the **5070 operates at higher temperatures than the RTX 5090**, which is unexpected given its lower power consumption.
### **Cooling and Noise:**
– **Enhanced heat levels** more than anticipated, even exceeding the RTX 5090.
– **Audible fan noise** under strain, potentially problematic in compact cases.
– **Renovated angled 12-pin power connector**, akin to the RTX 5090 and 5080.
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## Benchmarks: Where Does It Stand?
### **4K Gaming Performance**
The RTX 5070 offers a **modest upgrade over the RTX 4070 Super**, yet it still falls short of the RTX 4080 and 4070 Ti. In **Cyberpunk 2077**, the 5070 handles DLSS upscaling decently but struggles with native 4K.
### **1440p Gaming Performance**
At 1440p, the RTX 5070 excels, achieving **high frame rates in the majority of contemporary games**. However, the **performance differential between the 5070 and 4070 Super is minor**, making it a less attractive upgrade.
### **Power Efficiency**
The **RTX 5070 uses 13.5% more power compared to the RTX 4070 Super** while providing merely a **5-6% increase in performance**. This renders it **less efficient** than its predecessor, marking a regression for Nvidia.
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## DLSS Multi-Frame Generation: A Novelty?
Nvidia’s **DLSS Multi-Frame Generation (
