Three months later, NVIDIA’s latest graphics card, the RTX 4070, has arrived! Positioned as the sibling of the RTX 4070 Ti, it features slightly reduced base performance and a trimmed NVENC encoder, from two to one. ASUS has also introduced both overclocked and non-overclocked versions of the RTX 4070 within the TUF Gaming series, providing gamers with a wider range of options.
Specifications:
Graphics Processor: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
CUDA Core: 5888
Memory: 12GB GDDR6X Memory
Interface: 192-bit
Core Boost Clock: 2580 MHz
Memory Clock: 1313 MHz
Memory Data Rate: 21 Gbps
PCI Express : 4.0 x16
Output Interface: 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1 x HDMI 2.1a
HDCP Support: 2.3
Power Supply Interface: 1 x 8-pin
Recommended Power Supply: 650W
Dimensions: 303mm x 133mm x 64mm (3.25 Slot)
TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 OC unpacking
NVIDIA’s new RTX 4070 graphics card shares the same AD104 codename as the RTX 4070 Ti. However, with a minor reduction in the core, the SM unit count drops to 46 groups, featuring 5888 CUDA cores, 184 4th generation Tensor cores, and 46 3rd generation RT cores. As mentioned earlier, the RTX 4070 has only one 8th-generation NVENC encoder after a single cut, but it still supports AV1 encoding.
ASUS has developed the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 OC, which has the same overall size as the RTX 4070 Ti variant. However, due to a smaller core overclocking range, it uses an 8-pin power connector instead of a 16-pin 12VHPWR. This design choice makes it more user-friendly for players upgrading their graphics cards.
The accessory package includes a Velcro strap and a dual-purpose graphics card support bracket this time. However, since there is no 12VHPWR power adapter cable, the Velcro strap serves a decorative purpose only. The dual-purpose graphics card support bracket comes in a non-metallic version, but it can still function as both a support and a screwdriver.
30 cm card length, forward and reverse three fans
At first glance, the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 OC shares the same design as the RTX 4070 Ti. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the original all-metal fan frame has been replaced with plastic components. Nonetheless, a metal panel remains on the front, and the fan assembly features a 90mm axial fan with a staggered forward and reverse arrangement to minimize noise levels. Additionally, the fan automatically stops when the temperature falls below 50 degrees Celsius. As a result, the fan remains mostly stationary unless the game is running.
Regarding the graphics card’s side design, players may already recognize the familiar shape, as it maintains the consistent design of the RTX 40 series TUF Gaming graphics cards. The only difference is the presence of an illuminated logo and a small light bar at the tail end, which helps to dissipate heat more quickly from the cooling fins.
The display output options for the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 OC have been slightly reduced, offering only the basic configuration of 3 DisplayPorts and 1 HDMI. This is somewhat disappointing compared to the previous RTX 4070 Ti and higher models, which provided 2 HDMI ports.
The rear of the graphics card is fortified with a metal backplate that prevents the PCB from bending during installation. Due to the shorter length of the PCB, there’s an open design at the end of the backplate, which facilitates smoother airflow in the rear area and accelerates heat dissipation. Beneath the GEFORCE word on the back panel, a dual-mode switch can be found. “Performance Mode” offers full performance capabilities, while “Quiet Mode” delivers low-noise operation.
3.25 slot radiator, 10+2 phase power supply
Upon removing the metal backplate and heatsink, you’ll first notice thermal pads in the memory area on the backplate, which assists in heat dissipation. The front cooling fins are designed with 6 heat pipes running through the fins on both sides. For the memory section, a nickel-plated vapor chamber is employed to dissipate excess heat.
At the center of the PCB lies the RTX 4070 core chip with the code name AD104-250-A1. Adjacent to it are six 2GB Micron memory chips, code-named D8BZC, totaling 12GB of memory. The power supply section utilizes a 10+2 phase digital power supply featuring Super Alloy Power II, high-quality aluminum alloy inductors, and 15K capacitors.
GPU Tweak III Software
GPU Tweak III is ASUS’ graphics card monitoring and overclocking software. It offers three distinct performance modes for players to quickly switch between, and manual overclocking is also an option. In the fan settings, the ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4070 Ti OC comes preset with automatic fan activation and stopping. ASUS has optimized the fan tuning for RTX 40 series graphics cards within the software, ensuring this generation of graphics cards achieves the best cooling efficiency while maintaining optimal noise performance.
Basic performance test
Test platform:
Processor: Intel Core i9-12900K
Motherboard: ROG STRIX Z690-E GAMING WIFI
Memory: Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5 6400Mhz CL30 8GBx2
Display card: TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 OC
Operating system: Windows 11 Pro
As GPU-Z hadn’t updated the RTX 4070 information before the deadline, some details are not displayed. However, it’s confirmed that the RTX 4070 core uses the AD104 core chip based on the Ada Lovelace architecture and employs a TSMC 4nm process. The RTX 4070 features 5888 CUDA cores and Micron GDDR6X 192-bit 12GB memory. The core clock runs at 1920 MHz, the Boost clock at 2550 MHz, and the memory clock at 1313 MHz. For this testing mode, overclocking is enabled in GPU Tweak III, so the actual Boost clock reaches 2580 MHz during the test.
3DMark is a performance testing software that simulates graphics calculations for AAA games. The Fire Strike series emulates the performance of DX11 games. In the FHD resolution Fire Strike test, the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 OC scored 45,215 points. In the 2K resolution Fire Strike Extreme test, the graphics card scored 21,555 points, while in the 4K resolution Fire Strike Ultra test, it scored 10,123 points.
The DX12 API test is also performed using 3DMark, with the Time Spy series primarily testing gaming performance under DX12 at a default resolution of 2K. The TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 OC achieved a graphics card score of 17,828 points, while in the 4K Extreme test, it scored 8,472 points.
Port Royal is a game simulation test that incorporates ray tracing technology, with the default test resolution set at 1440p. The TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 OC completed the test, achieving a graphics card score of 11,089 points. The recently introduced Speed Way test was also conducted at a 1440p resolution but was developed using the DirectX 12 Ultimate API, incorporating numerous new technologies in its design. In this test, the graphics card score was 4,443 points.
In the NVIDIA DLSS feature test, both DLSS 2 and DLSS 3 are evaluated. During the test, 1440p and 2160p resolutions are examined in performance mode, while 4320p is tested in ultra-high performance mode. The results indicate that DLSS 2 can provide approximately 2 to 3 times the performance improvement, while DLSS 3 offers a slightly greater enhancement.
Game performance test
For the game testing section, “Cyberpunk 2077”, “Watch Dogs: Legion”, “Far Cry 6”, “Forza Horizon 5”, “Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla”, “Microsoft Flight Simulator”, and “Rainbow Six Siege: Extraction” were selected. The test resolutions were set at 1440p and 2160p for reference.
Based on actual measurements, it’s evident that the performance of the RTX 4070 can adequately handle most AAA titles, running smoothly at 2160p with full special effects. However, its performance is only about 86% of the RTX 4070 Ti.
In the ray tracing game tests, it’s evident that the performance gap between the RTX 4070 and RTX 4070 Ti has narrowed down to only around 10%. Running smoothly with ray tracing enabled is more challenging for the RTX 4070 in the two tested games of Watch Dogs: Legion.
In the DLSS test section, it’s evident that the frame rate can be significantly enhanced irrespective of whether the game employs ray tracing. In “Forza Horizon 5”, the frame rate performance has significantly improved due to the updated DLSS 3 feature. However, since the scenery changes rapidly around the racing game screen, DLSS 3 still presents issues like after images at this stage. Players can choose whether to enable DLSS 3 or DLSS 2 based on their preferences.
Creation software test
For the productivity test, Blender, a cross-platform 3D creation software, was utilized. The Blender Benchmark 3.5 was employed for the test, and the results indicated a sample count of 3126 per minute for the monster scene, 1520 for the junk shop, and 1534 for the classroom.
The Chaos Group has developed the V-Ray 5 ray-tracing rendering software, which includes the V-Ray 5 Benchmark tool to allow users to test the performance of their CPU and GPU in ray-tracing rendering. Under the V-Ray GPU CUDA test, the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 OC achieved 1858 vpaths, while under the V-Ray GPU RTX test, it achieved 2525 vrays.
Temperature power consumption
The temperature and power consumption tests are primarily based on the highest values of the entire platform. The test setup includes an i9-12900k processor. Simulations are conducted using FurMark, Time Spy Stress Test, and GPU-Z to measure the temperature and power consumption under high load, DX12 game, and standby conditions.
When the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 OC is in standby, the temperature remains at 47 degrees, and the power consumption of the entire platform is 120 W. During the Time Spy Stress Test, the temperature reaches 65 degrees, and the power consumption of the entire platform is 340 W. When running FurMark with 4xMSAA, the temperature reaches 61 degrees, and the power consumption of the entire platform is 290 W.
TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 OC Summary
The launch of the RTX 4070 by NVIDIA has only resulted in a 10~15% reduction in performance, as well as the removal of one NVENC encoder. The RTX 4070 can handle most AAA games at 4K60 and 2K100, but some titles may be more challenging. However, with the support of DLSS technology, the RTX 4070 can still provide a smooth gaming experience.
The ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 4070 utilizes a radiator of the same size as the RTX 4070 Ti, which performs well in terms of both performance and heat dissipation. The power supply connector is provided with a single 8-Pin, which is convenient for players upgrading their graphics cards. However, the display output part only offers one HDMI, which may not be suitable for players with multiple screens.
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Title: A minor reduction, the 4K60 serves as the ultimate barrier! The TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 OC is a high-performance graphics card
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