Discover the ultimate comparison between Nvidia RTX 5070 and RTX 4090. Explore specs, performance, architecture, and pricing to find the GPU that suits your needs.
Introduction
Nvidia’s latest RTX 5070 GPU is making waves in the tech world with its promise of high performance at an affordable price point. At CES 2025, Nvidia claimed the RTX 5070 could rival the flagship RTX 4090 in gaming performance thanks to its AI-powered DLSS 4 features. But how does it compare in terms of raw power, architecture, and memory? This article provides a detailed, side-by-side analysis to help you make an informed decision.
Nvidia RTX 5070 vs RTX 4090: Specs Comparison
Here is a quick breakdown of the key specifications of the Nvidia RTX 5070 and RTX 4090:
| Specifications | Nvidia RTX 5070 | Nvidia RTX 4090 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Blackwell (GB205) | Ada Lovelace |
| Fabrication Process | TSMC N4P (4nm) | TSMC 4N (5nm) |
| Transistors | Unknown | 76.3 Billion |
| Streaming Multiprocessors | 48 | 128 |
| CUDA Cores | 6,144 | 16,384 |
| Shader Cores | 31 TFLOPS | 83 TFLOPS |
| Tensor Cores | 5th Gen, 192 cores | 4th Gen, 512 cores |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 4th Gen, 48 cores | 3rd Gen, 128 cores |
| Clock Speed (Base/Boost) | 2.16GHz / 2.51GHz | 2.23GHz / 2.52GHz |
| Memory | 12GB GDDR7 | 24GB GDDR6X |
| Memory Bandwidth | 672 GBps | 1,008 GBps |
| TDP | 250W | 450W |
| Price | $549 | $1,599 |
| Release Date | January 2025 | October 2022 |
Architecture Comparison: Blackwell vs Ada Lovelace
RTX 5070: Blackwell Architecture
- The RTX 5070 is built on Nvidia’s latest Blackwell architecture, featuring advanced optimizations for AI and gaming.
- Fabricated using TSMC’s 4nm (N4P) process, the RTX 5070 boasts improved efficiency and performance.
RTX 4090: Ada Lovelace Architecture
- The RTX 4090 uses the slightly older Ada Lovelace architecture and is manufactured on TSMC’s 5nm (4N) process.
- With 76.3 billion transistors, it delivers unparalleled raw power.
Key Takeaway: While the RTX 5070 benefits from a more advanced architecture, the RTX 4090 still leads in raw computational capabilities.
Performance Comparison: Raw Power vs AI Optimization
Raw Performance
- Shader Cores: RTX 5070 delivers 31 TFLOPS, while RTX 4090 achieves 83 TFLOPS.
- AI Processing: RTX 5070’s 5th-gen Tensor cores perform 988 TOPS, while RTX 4090’s 4th-gen Tensor cores reach 1,321 TOPS.
- Ray Tracing: RTX 5070 offers 94 TFLOPS compared to RTX 4090’s 191 TFLOPS.
AI-Powered Enhancements
- The RTX 5070 introduces DLSS 4, featuring Multi Frame Generation and a Transformer-based neural network for improved upscaling and ray reconstruction.
- Nvidia claims these features allow the RTX 5070 to deliver performance close to the RTX 4090 in supported games.
Key Takeaway: While the RTX 4090 excels in raw specs, the RTX 5070 leverages advanced AI capabilities to close the gap in certain gaming scenarios.
Memory Bandwidth and Gaming Performance
- The RTX 5070 features 12GB of GDDR7 VRAM on a 192-bit memory bus, achieving 672 GBps bandwidth.
- The RTX 4090’s 24GB GDDR6X memory on a 384-bit bus offers 1,008 GBps bandwidth.
- Larger and faster memory gives the RTX 4090 a clear edge in handling high-resolution textures and demanding workloads.
Key Takeaway: Gamers aiming for 4K gaming or professional workloads will benefit more from the RTX 4090’s superior memory configuration.
Power Efficiency: A Crucial Differentiator
- The RTX 5070 has a TDP of 250W, making it significantly more power-efficient than the RTX 4090’s 450W TDP.
- This makes the RTX 5070 an attractive choice for users with limited power budgets or smaller systems.
Key Takeaway: For power-conscious gamers and professionals, the RTX 5070 offers impressive efficiency without compromising too much on performance.
Price and Value
- The RTX 5070 is priced at $549, making it a budget-friendly option for gamers.
- The RTX 4090, at $1,599, caters to enthusiasts and professionals who demand top-tier performance.
Key Takeaway: With AI-powered optimizations, the RTX 5070 delivers exceptional value for its price, while the RTX 4090 remains the king of raw power.
Conclusion: Which GPU Should You Choose?
Choose RTX 5070 If:
- You want a cost-effective GPU with cutting-edge AI features.
- You’re looking for a power-efficient card for 1080p or 1440p gaming.
- DLSS 4 compatibility is a key consideration for your gaming setup.
Choose RTX 4090 If:
- You need maximum performance for 4K gaming or professional workloads.
- Budget is not a constraint, and you want the best GPU on the market.
- You require higher memory bandwidth and raw computational power.
Final Word: The Nvidia RTX 5070 offers exceptional value, leveraging AI-driven advancements to challenge the flagship RTX 4090 in certain scenarios. However, for professionals and hardcore gamers seeking unparalleled performance, the RTX 4090 remains the ultimate choice.
