Nvidia is launching a brand new model of considered one of its best GPUs — the RTX 4070 (non-Super). Normally, this may be nice information. However, there’s one draw back: Nvidia is equipping the brand new RTX 4070 with GDDR6 reminiscence, which is a step down from the GDDR6X that the GPU often comes with. This wouldn’t be the tip of the world, however there are a few pink flags.
For starters, Nvidia itself lists the GPU alongside its earlier model. It looks like the 2 RTX 4070s will solely differ by reminiscence sort, all of the whereas retaining the identical clock speeds, bus width, and CUDA core counts. This is nice information, however switching from GDDR6X to GDDR6 means a drop in bandwidth.
It’s not a large distinction. The new RTX 4070 is claimed to sport GDDR6 VRAM clocked at 20Gbps, whereas the GDDR6X model is clocked at 21Gbps. This means a drop in bandwidth from 504GB/s all the way down to 480GB/s. Nvidia itself claims that the brand new GPU “offers similar performance in games and applications,” and I can simply imagine that.
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Nvidia is releasing this RTX 4070 in September resulting from regular demand for the cardboard, and no marvel. Despite the launch of the RTX 4070 Super in January, the RTX 4070 stays a aggressive mainstream possibility for avid gamers, particularly after the $50 value reduce that it obtained after the Super model got here round. Even with the downgrade in RAM, the RTX 4070 ought to nonetheless be nice … however the caveats are nonetheless fairly obtrusive.
The most important subject that I’m seeing is that Nvidia doesn’t record the GPU individually — it’s merely one other variant of the RTX 4070. This could end in unclear branding as soon as the playing cards made by Nvidia’s companions hit the cabinets. You’ll now need to hold an eye fixed out, because it is likely to be all too simple to purchase the GDDR6 model by chance.
There’s nothing fallacious with the GDDR6 model, however it is a small downgrade. However, that spec adjustment doesn’t include a lower cost. Unless Nvidia or its companions are readying a contented shock for September, the RTX 4070 with GDDR6 reminiscence will likely be priced at a really useful record value (MSRP) of $550. Long story quick, you may find yourself shopping for a (admittedly very barely) worse GPU for a similar value.
On the opposite hand, it’s not all unhealthy. As it now appears we might not get any new GPUs this year after all, the elevated provide of RTX 4070 ought to assist hold the market wholesome even regardless of the warning signs of an upcoming GPU shortage.