RTX 4070 Vs RTX 3080 Ti: Should You Upgrade?

Nvidia is generally the first name that springs to mind when choosing a graphics card. The GeForce RTX 4070 is Nvidia’s latest GPU with 12GB of memory, whereas the GeForce RTX 3080 Ti is the previous generation graphics card with the same 12GB of memory. In this RTX 4070 vs RTX 3080 Ti comparison, we will thoroughly examine their specifications and gaming skills.

Key Takeaways

• The RTX 3080 Ti offers nearly a 55% gaming performance advantage at 4K resolution over the RTX 4070.
• However, the RTX 4070 achieves an 85% greater power efficiency and 11.2% higher thermal efficiency than the RTX 3080 Ti.
• Considering the GPU cost, the RTX 3080 Ti is now selling for $1300 to $1400, and the RTX 4070 is available for $599 to $649.

RTX 4070 Vs RTX 3080 Ti

Comparison Table

Technical Disparities

The GeForce RTX 4070 features Nvidia’s latest Ada Lovelace architecture, while the RTX 3080 Ti has Nvidia’s (3rd generation) Ampere architecture. Considering the chip used in making these GPUs, the RTX 4070 employs the AD104 GPU chip, whereas the RTX 3080 Ti has GA102. The AD104 chip is modern and has a brilliant 5nm manufacturing node. It has a higher number of transistors and greater density in RTX 4070.

Also Read: RTX 4070 Vs RX 7900 XTX

When we look at the GPU clock, the base clock of the RTX 4070 is about 40% faster, and the boost clock of the RTX 4070 is about 48.5% higher than the RTX 3080 Ti. These graphics cards can also be overclocked. In gaming benchmarks, we will examine which GPU actually performs more quickly.

Also Read: Can Overclocking Damage The GPU?

Regarding the GPU memory of the RTX 4070 and RTX 3080 Ti, they have the same 12GB GDDR6X memory. However, the memory speed of the RTX 4070 is 2Gbps or 10.5% faster than the RTX 3080 Ti.
Another important feature of these cards is Nvidia DLSS. The RTX 4070 features the latest DLSS 3.0 technology, while the RTX 3080 Ti has DLSS 2.0.

If we see the TDP and thermal specifications, we find out that the GPU and board powers of the RTX 3080 Ti are higher than those of the RTX 4070. Thus, the RTX 4070 would be more economical to use. Moreover, the RTX 3080 Ti can operate at a 3°C higher temperature than the RTX 4070.

Gaming Benchmarks

The most realistic approach to gauging a graphics card’s performance is assessing its gaming capabilities. In our comparison of the RTX 4070 vs RTX 3080 Ti, we will assess the performance and efficiencies of the two graphics cards for 10 demanding games played at 4K resolution. The technical specs of the gaming system are given below.

Gaming Rig

• OS: Windows 10 Pro
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X 5TH Gen 12-C, 24-T
• Motherboard: MSI X570 A Pro Gaming
• RAM: Crucial RAM 32 GB (4×8) Dual Channel 3600 Mhz CL 16
• Hard Disk: Samsung SSD 870 EVO Form Factor 2.5 Inch Intelligent TurboWrite
• Monitor: Samsung U28E590D 28-Inch 4K LED Monitor (3840 x 2160, UHD, 1 ms)
• Case Fans: RiaTech 3 Pack RGB LED Series 120mm Case Fan for Computer Cases
• Power Supply: Gigabyte P850GM 850W 80 Plus Gold Certified 120mm Smart HYB
• CPU Cooler: AIO MarsGaming ML-ONE360 Black
• PC Case: HYTE Y60 Dual Chamber Panoramic Tempered Glass Mid-Tower ATX

Atomic Heart

• While playing Atomic Heart, the RTX 3080 Ti performed about 20% better than the RTX 4070.
• The RTX 3080 Ti supplied an average of 71 FPS at 4K resolution, while the RTX 4070 could only provide 59 FPS on average.
• The RTX 4070 operated much power efficiently, consuming only 198.7 W on average. In contrast, the RTX 3080 Ti depleted 342.3 W under the same conditions.
• Regarding GPU temperature, the RTX 3080 Ti operated at 69°C in Atomic Heart, while the RTX 4070 operated at 65°C.
• At the worst 1% performance, the RTX 4070 could only manage 49 FPS, whereas the RTX 3080 Ti turned over 55 FPS.

Also Check: RTX 4070 Vs RTX 3080

Call Of Duty: Warzone 2.0

• In Call Of Duty: Warzone 2.0, the performance of the RTX 3080 Ti was roughly 9.5% greater than the RTX 4070.
• The RTX 4070 could only deliver an average frame rate of 53 FPS compared to the RTX 3080 Ti’s frame rate of 58 FPS.
• The RTX 4070 served with greater energy efficiency, using just 171.0 W on average, as opposed to the RTX 3080 Ti, which used 344.8 W.
• Concerning the GPU temperature, the RTX 3080 Ti ran at 72°C while the RTX 4070 ran at 61°C.
• At the worst 1% performance level, the RTX 4070 only gained 34 FPS, while the RTX 3080 Ti produced 42 FPS.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

• During Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, the RTX 3080 Ti surpassed the RTX 4070 by about 80% greater performance.
• In contrast to the RTX 3080 Ti’s incredible average frame rate of 350 FPS, the RTX 4070 could only provide 194 FPS on average.
• Compared to the RTX 3080 Ti, which consumed 348.3 W on average in CS: GO, the RTX 4070 worked only at 144.3 W.
• In terms of gaming temperature, the RTX 3080 Ti ran at 70°C, whereas the RTX 4070 ran at 56°C.
• The RTX 4070 could only manage 140 FPS at the 1% low frame rate, whereas the RTX 3080 Ti managed 218 FPS.

Similar Comparisons: RTX 4070 Vs RX 6700 XT

Ghostwire: Tokyo

• The performance of the RTX 3080 Ti was around 16% higher than the RTX 4070 in Ghostwire: Tokyo.
• During the gameplay, the RTX 4070 could only deliver 50 FPS on average, while the RTX 3080 Ti produced a 58 FPS average.
• The RTX 4070 operated at 193.4 W, a far lower power usage than the RTX 3080 Ti’s average consumption of 344.1 W.
• Regarding GPU temperature, the RTX 3080 Ti ran at 73°C, whereas the RTX 4070 ran at 65°C.
• At the low 1% frame rate, the RTX 4070 could barely muster 27 FPS, while the RTX 3080 Ti achieved 32 FPS.

Hogwarts Legacy

• In Hogwarts Legacy, the RTX 3080 Ti performed about 19% better than the RTX 4070.
• The RTX 4070 could only generate 52 FPS on average while playing the game, whilst the RTX 3080 Ti managed 62 FPS on average.
• Compared to the RTX 3080 Ti’s average power consumption of 341.8 W, the RTX 4070 ran at a lower power of 192.2 W.
• During Hogwarts Legacy, the RTX 3080 Ti ran at 71°C, whereas the RTX 4070 ran at 65°C.
• The RTX 4070 could only produce 27 FPS at the low 1% frame rate, while the RTX 3080 Ti managed 39 FPS.

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord

• In Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, the RTX 3080 Ti outperformed the RTX 4070 by an average margin of 21 FPS or about 25% greater frame rate rendition.
• The RTX 4070 produced only 85 FPS on average, while the RTX 3080 Ti gained a higher average of 106 FPS.
• Regarding power consumption, the RTX 4070 consumed less power, with an average power draw of only 196.6 W, compared to the RTX 3080 Ti’s 349.4 W.
• During Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, the RTX 3080 Ti had a temperature of 72°C, while the RTX 4070 ran cooler at 66°C.
• As for the low 1% frame rate, the RTX 4070 delivered 79 FPS, and the RTX 3080 Ti performed better, producing 98 FPS.

Also Read: RTX 4070 Vs RTX 4080

Overwatch 2

• The RTX 3080 Ti defeated the RTX 4070 in Overwatch 2 by a performance lead of 171 FPS or approximately 161% greater rendition.
• While playing the game, the RTX 4070 could only produce 106 FPS on average, and the RTX 3080 Ti yielded 277 FPS.
• The RTX 4070 ran at a lower power of 194.7 W compared to the RTX 3080 Ti’s average power usage of 351.9 W.
• In Overwatch 2, the RTX 3080 Ti operated at 73°C, whereas the RTX 4070 operated at 65°C.
• Regarding the low 1% frame rate, the RTX 4070 could only achieve 86 FPS, while the RTX 3080 Ti supplied 152 FPS.

Resident Evil 4

• In Resident Evil 4, the RTX 3080 Ti outperformed the RTX 4070 by 11 FPS or roughly 16% implementation margin.
• The RTX 4070 only achieved an average frame rate of 70 FPS, whereas the RTX 3080 Ti managed 81 FPS on average.
• Compared to the RTX 3080 Ti’s power draw of 347.9 W, the RTX 4070 worked at a lower power of 195.0 W.
• The RTX 3080 Ti ran at 73°C during Resident Evil 4, whereas the RTX 4070 ran at 65°C.
• Regarding the 1% low frame rate, the RTX 4070 delivered only 62 FPS, while the RTX 3080 Ti delivered 72 FPS.

Sons Of The Forest

• During Sons Of The Forest, the RTX 3080 Ti outperformed the RTX 4070 by approximately 17%, with a 9 FPS lead.
• The RTX 4070 only acquired an average frame rate of 53 FPS, whereas the RTX 3080 Ti managed an average of 62 FPS.
• Additionally, the RTX 4070 ran at a lower power of 198.8 W compared to the RTX 3080 Ti’s power draw of 341.1 W.
• In terms of temperature, the RTX 3080 Ti ran at 67°C, while the RTX 4070 ran at 65°C.
• When it comes to the low 1% frame rate, the RTX 4070 delivered 42 FPS in Sons Of The Forest, while the RTX 3080 Ti offered only 35 FPS.

Also Check: RTX 4070 Vs RTX 3070 Ti

The Last Of Us Part 1

• In The Last Of Us Part 1, the RTX 3080 Ti showcased an approximately 17% or 9 FPS superior performance than the RTX 4070.
• The RTX 4070 generated an average frame rate of 37 FPS, whereas the RTX 3080 Ti produced 51 FPS on average.
• Further, the RTX 4070 operated at a lower power of only 188.0 W, whereas the RTX 3080 Ti had an average power draw of 343.1 W.
• With regards to GPU operating temperature, the RTX 3080 Ti served at 74°C, whereas the RTX 4070 executed this game at 69°C.
• As for the low 1% frame rate, the RTX 4070 delivered 34 FPS, while the RTX 3080 Ti provided 43 FPS during The Last Of Us Part 1.

Overall Gaming Analysis

In this part of the RTX 4070 vs RTX 3080 Ti battle, we will evaluate and contrast the overall gaming performance, power usage, and thermal efficiency of the two high-end GPUs to determine which one comes out on top.

Performance

Average FPS

• In the FPS contest between the two GPUs, the RTX 3080 Ti triumphs with an astonishing average margin of almost 55% over the RTX 4070.
• The RTX 3080 Ti recorded an impressive overall frame rate of 117.6 FPS at 4K resolution, while the RTX 4070 came in at an average of 75.9 FPS during the above-mentioned games.
• The RTX 4070 could not beat the RTX 3080 Ti’s average frame rate in any of the above games.

Also Read: RTX 3080 Vs 3080 Ti

Low 1% FPS

• In terms of the low 1% FPS, the RTX 3080 Ti again prevailed over the RTX 4070 with an astounding average advantage of almost 35.5%.
• The RTX 3080 Ti was discovered to provide an exceptional overall low 1% frame rate of 78.6 FPS, whereas the RTX 4070 could manage only 58 FPS at its best.

The overall stats show that the low 1% frame rate rendered by the RTX 3080 Ti is even higher than the average frame rate provided by the RTX 4070. Thus, considering the gaming performance, the RTX 3080 Ti is significantly superior to the RTX 4070.

Power Efficiency

• The RTX 4070 has about 85% higher gaming power efficiency or lower energy utilization than the RTX 3080 Ti.
• During gameplay of the aforementioned titles at 4K resolution, the RTX 4070 had an overall power consumption of 187.3 W, whereas the RTX 3080 Ti consumed more energy with an average of 345.5 W.
• Both the graphics cards executed the games with power usage levels closer to their respective design TDP.

Also Read: Gaming PC Power Usage

Thermal Efficiency

• The RTX 4070 exceeds the RTX 3080 Ti in terms of gameplay temperature by demonstrating an 11.2% higher thermal efficiency.
• While playing games at 4K resolution, the RTX 4070 (64.2°C) maintained approximately 7.2°C cooler temperature than the RTX 3080 Ti (71.4°C).
  

To deal with GPU overheating issues, read our guide on how to lower GPU temperature.

Price And Availability

It is prudent to consider a GPU’s price and availability before purchasing. When comparing the launch MSRPs, Nvidia introduced the RTX 4070 for $599 in April 2023, and they launched the RTX 3080 Ti for $1199 in June 2021.

Generally, GPU prices tend to decrease over time and with the introduction of new models. However, the RTX 3080 Ti is still selling for more than its MSRP due to its exceptional performance and demand. The current market price of the RTX 4070 is $599 to $649 for its MSI variant. On the other hand, the RTX 3080 Ti is available in markets between $1299 and $1399.

Similar Comparisons: RX 6800 XT Vs RTX 3080 Ti

Considering the availability factor, the RTX 4070 and the RTX 3080 Ti are currently easily accessible through numerous online and physical vendors. They are simple to order online from various e-commerce sites like Amazon, Newegg, and others.

Which One Should You Go For?

In this final section of our RTX 4070 vs RTX 3080 Ti comparison, it’s time to decide which GPU best suits your needs and financial situation.

• If you prioritize an unmatched gaming experience with top-of-the-line performance and have no financial limitations, I recommend you opt for the RTX 3080 Ti. Its gaming performance is far superior to that of the RTX 4070.
• However, if you’re looking for an efficient GPU with minimal running costs, I suggest taking a look at the RTX 4070.
• The RTX 4070 is far more affordable than the RTX 3080 Ti and offers about 85% more power efficiency and 11.2% greater thermal efficiency, which lowers electricity bills. The GPU also delivers excellent gaming performance at 1080p and 1440p resolutions.

Pros And Cons

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