GeForce RTX 5070 vs Radeon RX 7900 GRE

Winner:
GeForce RTX 5070
Main Difference:
Blackwell architecture with DLSS 4 support versus RDNA 3 with a larger VRAM capacity
Page Summary:
GeForce RTX 5070 wins by offering superior ray tracing capabilities and a more advanced feature set including DLSS 4, which overcomes the memory capacity lead of the Radeon RX 7900 GRE for most modern gaming scenarios.
Last updated:
January 31, 2026

The Essentials

GeForce RTX 5070

MSRP:
$549
See Current Price
Spec Sheet:
Core Count:
6144
Thread Count:
Base Clock:
2325 MHz
Boost Clock:
2512 MHz
Integrated Graphics:
VRAM:
12.0 GB
L3 Cache:
12.0 GB
TDP:
250 W
Socket:
192 bit
Bus Width:
192 bit
Release Date:
2025-03-04
Gaming Scores:
(Higher is better)
Resolution
Rasterization
Ray Tracing
1080p
68.1
64
1440p
56.8
50
4K
41.6
41.6
Gaming and Productivity Scores:
(Higher is better)
Gaming
Productivity

Radeon RX 7900 GRE

MSRP:
$549
See Current Price
Spec Sheet:
Core Count:
5120
Thread Count:
Base Clock:
1287 MHz
Boost Clock:
2245 MHz
Integrated Graphics:
VRAM:
16.0 GB
L3 Cache:
16.0 GB
TDP:
260 W
Socket:
256 bit
Bus Width:
256 bit
Release Date:
2023-07-27
Gaming Scores:
(Higher is better)
Resolution
Rasterization
Ray Tracing
1080p
62.5
51.5
1440p
54.2
40.4
4K
43.1
32.5
Gaming and Productivity Scores:
(Higher is better)
Gaming
Productivity
Note about scores:
We measure this card's performance against the absolute best GPU currently available. The numbers show the percentage of performance you get compared to the market leader at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K resolutions, with the leader at 100. These scores are aggregated from a wide range of different games to create a reliable average. However, keep in mind that performance in specific titles may deviate from this average depending on how that game is optimized.
Note about scores:
We measure this processor's performance against the absolute best CPU currently available. The numbers show the percentage of performance you get compared to the market leader in both gaming and workstation tasks, with the leader at 100. These scores are aggregated from a wide range of different games and applications to create a reliable average. However, keep in mind that performance in specific software may deviate from this average depending on how that program is optimized.

Performance Deep Dive

GeForce RTX 5070
Gaming Analysis:

The GeForce RTX 5070 is a specialized 1440p tool that hits a distinct ceiling if you try to force high-resolution output without software assistance. While it handles 1440p with ease in heavy titles, it is not a brute-force monster. The raw performance shows a visible drop as resolution climbs, moving from a smooth experience at 1080p to a heavier feel at 4K. If you are gaming on a 1440p monitor, the motion feels fluid and responsive, but once you move to a 4K display, the hardware begins to struggle unless you lean on DLSS and frame generation technologies.

The 12GB of GDDR7 memory acts as a strict guardrail for your visual settings. It provides enough breathing room for standard 1440p textures, but the 192-bit bus cannot save you from physical capacity limits when settings are pushed to the max. Modern titles using advanced engines will eat through this buffer quickly. In demanding upcoming games, you will find yourself on a tight leash with texture sliders. Pushing settings to the highest levels while enabling heavy ray tracing effects will likely cause stuttering or visible asset popping as the card reaches its 12GB limit. It is a capable mid-range buffer, but it lacks the long-term security found in cards with higher VRAM capacities.

  • 1440p Performance: This is the sweet spot where the card maintains fluidity without significant compromises to visual fidelity.
  • 4K Reality: Using this card for native 4K often results in a sluggish experience, surviving primarily through the use of multi-frame generation and AI upscaling.
  • Ray Tracing: With 48 dedicated Blackwell RT cores, standard reflections look sharp, but the silicon feels the weight of full path tracing in heavy titles.
  • The Texture Tax: 12GB of VRAM is adequate for the short term, but high-resolution texture packs in future titles will push this card toward its absolute limit.
  • Software Dependency: Performance relies heavily on the Blackwell architecture features; without upscaling, the generational leap in raw power feels modest.

Ray tracing on this hardware is competent but requires respect for its limits. While the Blackwell 2.0 architecture handles complex lighting better than previous generations, the performance remains balanced rather than dominant. You can enable reflections and shadows while keeping the experience fluid. However, turning on extreme lighting modes or full path tracing will cause performance to plummet. At that point, the card relies on its optical flow hardware to synthesize motion, which can introduce a heavier feeling in control inputs despite the visual frame count appearing high. A 750W power supply is recommended to keep this system stable under these heavy gaming loads.

Radeon RX 7900 GRE
Gaming Analysis:

The Radeon RX 7900 GRE is a high-performance contender that fits into the upper-tier of gaming hardware, offering a massive leap over entry-level parts. Built on the RDNA 3.0 architecture, it provides enough raw power to handle extremely high visual settings at 1440p and can stretch into higher resolutions if you manage your expectations regarding total frame output. It behaves as a balanced middle ground in the lineup, delivering smooth motion in standard gaming without the heat or power demands found in the heaviest flagship silicon.

The 16GB GDDR6 memory buffer is a practical advantage for modern gaming. Many modern titles are increasingly hungry for video memory, and this 16GB ceiling allows you to keep texture quality at maximum without the stuttering or blurry asset loading that can happen on cards with less capacity. This buffer provides significant longevity against the demanding requirements of visual-heavy console ports and complex open-world environments.

  • Standard Gaming (Rasterization): This is where the card is most comfortable. It produces fluid movement across almost any modern title at 1440p. While it can handle 4K, the 256-bit memory bus means performance might tighten in extremely dense scenes compared to larger enthusiast cards.
  • Ray Tracing Performance: With 80 Ray Accelerators, the hardware can handle ray-traced lighting effects, though it remains more demanding than standard rendering. In titles with lighter ray tracing implementations, the visuals remain sharp and playable, but for heavy lighting loads, you will likely need to engage upscaling tools to maintain a steady feel.
  • Upscaling and Frame Generation: You have access to FSR 3 and driver-level Fluid Motion Frames. These features are great for bridging the gap during heavy 4K workloads or when you want the highest possible visual fluidity in fast-paced titles.
  • Memory Tuning: One interesting trait of this card is the ability to adjust memory timings through software. For those comfortable with basic tuning, there is room to tighten up performance and gain a small edge in responsiveness.

The 750W power supply recommendation ensures the card has plenty of headroom for its 2245 MHz boost clock during intense gaming sessions. It is a sensible choice for a build centered on high fidelity and a generous memory overhead, offering a path to enthusiast-level gaming without demanding a specialized high-wattage power environment or a massive chassis. At a launch MSRP of $549, it represents a sturdy investment for high-refresh 1440p setups.

GeForce RTX 5070
Productivity Analysis:

While this card excels as a high-speed 1440p gaming tool, its transition to a professional workstation environment reveals a piece of hardware that functions like a surgical scalpel rather than a heavy tool for massive workloads. Production tasks that rely on accuracy and stability benefit from the Blackwell 2.0 architecture, but there is a mechanical limit when you push into high-resolution professional territory. You are choosing a refined ecosystem that prioritizes software polish over raw physical capacity. The 12GB of GDDR7 memory provides a comfortable middle ground for standard projects, keeping the system responsive when you have several creative applications open at the same time. If you try to scrub through a high-bitrate timeline loaded with complex effects, that 12GB buffer turns into a hard ceiling. You will likely see sluggish preview windows once the memory fills up because it lacks the long-term security found in cards with higher capacities. You must manage your texture pools and layer counts with a level of discipline that users working on massive projects might find restrictive.

The 192-bit bus combined with 672 GB/s of memory bandwidth makes navigating through asset-heavy scenes feel snappy. The inclusion of the NVENC encoder handles the heavy lifting of AV1 video exports, which allows you to manage high-bitrate streams without your CPU suffering a significant performance penalty. This is a clear efficiency win for single-pc setups where hardware must juggle multiple tasks at once. Stability remains a primary selling point for this hardware in a professional workspace. While other options might offer more raw memory for the money, you would lose the polished software support and specific acceleration that many professionals rely on to meet deadlines. The hardware is fast enough to handle freelance workloads at 1440p, but it remains a secondary choice for anyone building a dedicated 4K workstation or a heavy render node. To keep this system stable during long export sessions, a 700W power supply is recommended.

  • The 30.9 TFLOPS of FP16 and FP32 performance assists with AI-driven tools like generative fill or noise reduction, making these tasks feel nearly instantaneous on the specialized hardware.
  • Professional 3D rendering in applications like Blender sees a speed boost from the 48 dedicated ray tracing cores, though it stays within its mid-range tiering.
  • Support for 4:2:2 hardware decoding is a shift for video editors because it reduces the need to generate proxy files for footage from specific camera brands.
  • The 5th Gen Tensor cores allow enthusiasts to run language models with 8-bit quantization at usable speeds as long as the 12GB memory limit is respected.
  • A high-airflow case is helpful because the 250W power draw creates enough thermal density to heat up surrounding components during multi-hour render jobs.
Radeon RX 7900 GRE
Productivity Analysis:

While the hardware is designed to excel in high resolution gaming, its utility for professional tasks is defined by the heavy compute resources packed into its 80 processing units. Moving from gaming to creative work reveals a card that handles dense 3D viewports and complex timelines with steady composure. The RDNA 3.0 architecture provides a massive amount of raw mathematical power that helps maintain responsiveness in specialized software when you are manipulating heavy assets or managing a multi-monitor productivity setup.

The 16GB memory buffer serves as a critical safety net for anyone working with high-resolution textures or multi-layered video projects. Cards with smaller capacities might struggle the moment you load a secondary application or a large data set, but this overhead ensures the system does not immediately stall during an export or a heavy render. Having this much video memory creates a stable foundation for professional workflows that will remain relevant as software requirements continue to climb in the coming years.

  • Rendering and Simulation Performance: The 80 Ray Accelerators assist in hardware-accelerated rendering tasks within applications like Blender, though the specific software translation layer involves different optimization paths than competitors. While it provides excellent speed for traditional rendering, it relies on raw compute strength to power through complicated lighting calculations.
  • Memory Throughput and Bandwidth: With a 256-bit memory bus providing 576 GB/s of bandwidth, the card handles large data transfers with considerable speed. This allows for smooth scrubbing in video editing software where the GPU must quickly fetch and process frames from the buffer to keep up with your editing pace.
  • Precision Compute Tasks: The hardware offers 92 TFLOPS of FP16 performance, which is a major benefit for AI-assisted tools and image processing filters. This raw arithmetic capability allows the card to accelerate modern neural filters and generative tools even without specialized proprietary cores.
  • Modern Video Encoding: Inclusion of hardware AV1 encoding is a significant perk for video professionals and streamers alike. This allows you to produce high-quality exports with efficient file sizes, reducing the strain on your processor and speeding up the final delivery phase of a project.
  • Technical Software Compatibility: In certain engineering and CAD applications like SolidWorks, the architecture often demonstrates a surprising lead in visualization fluidity. It handles the specific viewport instructions of these tools more effectively than many consumer-grade alternatives, making it a viable choice for a dual-purpose workstation and gaming machine.

A 750W power supply is the recommended choice to provide enough energy for the card during heavy sustained workloads. Despite the massive compute potential, it operates efficiently without creating an overwhelming heat signature or excessive noise levels. At its launch MSRP of $549, it stands as a practical option for builders who need a high-end memory buffer and significant processing power for creative tasks without venturing into the extreme price tiers of flagship workstations.

GeForce RTX 5070
Feature Analysis:

A 250W typical power draw represents a substantial thermal shift for this class of hardware and requires a deliberate approach to case airflow. While the base specification suggests a 600W power supply, a 700W unit is the safer choice to handle the transient power spikes common in modern high-performance silicon. This card utilizes a single 16-pin power connector, which demands careful cable management to ensure the plug is fully seated and the wires are not under extreme tension near the socket. Given the heat density produced during long sessions, your chassis needs a consistent supply of fresh air to prevent the fans from ramping up to audible levels. This build reality means a cramped case with poor intake will likely result in higher internal temperatures for your other components.

The transition to the Blackwell 2.0 architecture brings the PCIe 5.0 x16 interface into the mid-range space, though it remains fully compatible with older PCIe 4.0 motherboards without a meaningful loss in bandwidth. You are essentially balancing a high-tech ecosystem against the physical constraints of a 192-bit memory bus. While the memory speed is high, the 12.0 GB capacity dictates how you handle visual settings in the coming years. It is a highly optimized tool for specific resolutions, provided you respect the limits of the physical memory pool. During assembly, the primarily hurdle is the 16-pin cable clearance, as these connectors require a straight path before any significant bends to maintain a reliable electrical connection.

  • Power Management: A 700W power supply provides the necessary stability to ensure the system does not shut down during sudden peaks in demand.
  • Thermal Density: The 250W TDP means the card exports significant heat into the case, making at least two front intake fans a requirement for stable operation.
  • Cable Safety: The 16-pin connection features recessed sensing pins designed to prevent power delivery if the cable is loose, so listen for a physical click during installation.
  • Memory Ceiling: The 12.0 GB of VRAM serves as a strict limit for high-resolution texture packs, which may lead to asset swapping if the buffer is overfilled.
  • System Interface: Support for PCIe 5.0 ensures the card is ready for the latest motherboard standards while maintaining efficiency on older platforms.

Memory capacity remains the most significant long-term factor to consider when planning your build around this hardware. While the current bandwidth is sufficient for fluid navigation in complex scenes, the 12.0 GB of GDDR7 acts as a firm guardrail that will eventually require you to lower texture quality in the most demanding future titles. This hardware is designed for a refined and efficient experience rather than brute-force longevity through massive memory pools. If you understand that you are buying into a specific performance tier that prioritizes modern architectural features over raw capacity, the hardware delivers a very consistent and predictable user experience. It functions best in a well-ventilated mid-tower where the power delivery and thermal output can be managed without compromising the lifespan of neighboring parts.

Radeon RX 7900 GRE
Feature Analysis:

A 260W typical power draw places this hardware in a practical sweet spot for builders who want high-tier performance without the excessive thermal output of flagship silicon. Since it uses two standard 8-pin power connectors, you can avoid the stiffness and clearance issues associated with newer high-density cables. This choice makes the installation process far more straightforward for those reusing an existing power supply or building in a compact chassis where cable management is often a struggle. While the base specification suggests a lower minimum, a 750W power supply is the target for a stable build to ensure the system handles power behavior during sudden visual transitions without hesitation.

The physical footprint and power requirements reflect a design that prioritizes compatibility across a wide range of mid-tower cases and motherboard generations. By utilizing a full PCIe 4.0 x16 interface, the card maintains its data throughput efficiency even if installed in an older PCIe 3.0 slot, preventing the bandwidth limitations found on cards with fewer lanes. This architectural stability ensures the hardware remains predictable and reliable over years of heavy use, rather than requiring a total system overhaul just to accommodate its presence. It is a dense, efficient package that focuses on the core requirements of high-resolution textures and thermal longevity.

  • Thermal Efficiency: The 260W TDP allows for manageable heat levels, ensuring your case fans do not have to run at maximum speeds to keep the internal environment stable.
  • Cable Compatibility: Using two 8-pin connectors means the card works with almost any standard power supply, eliminating the need for specialized adapters or specific ATX 3.0 hardware.
  • VRAM Insurance: A 16GB memory ceiling offers a significant buffer for heavy texture packs in modern titles, reducing the likelihood of stuttering as games become more asset-heavy.
  • Platform Longevity: The combination of RDNA 3.0 architecture and a full x16 interface provides a sturdy foundation that stays relevant as software requirements continue to evolve.
  • Installation Simplicity: The absence of experimental power standards and the manageable power draw make this a low-friction choice for both new builders and those looking for a plug-and-play upgrade.

Choosing this hardware means opting for a balance between raw capability and build-side convenience. You are getting a card that fills the gap for the builder who wants flagship-level visual assets and 1440p stability without the diminishing returns of higher wattage tiers. It avoids the complexities of specialized power management, resulting in a system that stays quiet and operates within safe thermal limits. The focus here is on a reliable experience that values long-term stability and physical compatibility above all else. It is a technical choice for someone who prefers a clean, predictable build over dealing with the heat and power requirements of the absolute top-tier silicon.

GeForce RTX 5070
Full Tech Specs:
Feature Specification
Name GeForce RTX 5070
MSRP $549
Release Date 2025-03-04
Chipset Manufacturer NVIDIA
Memory Size 12 GB
Memory Type GDDR7
Memory Bus 192 bit
Memory Clock 1750 MHz
Memory Bandwidth 672.0 GB/s
Base Clock 2325 MHz
Boost Clock 2512 MHz
Shading Units 6144
Ray Tracing Cores 48
TMUs 192
ROPs 80
Pixel Rate 201 GPixel/s
Texture Rate 482.3 GTexel/s
Compute Power (FP16) 30.9 TFLOPS
Compute Power (FP32) 30.9 TFLOPS
Compute Power (FP64) 482.3 GFLOPS
Architecture Blackwell 2.0
Process Size 5 nm
Interface PCIe 5.0 x16
Power Connectors 1x 16-pin
TDP 250 W
Suggested PSU 700 W
Radeon RX 7900 GRE
Full Tech Specs:
Feature Specification
Product Name Radeon RX 7900 GRE
MSRP $549
Release Date 2023-07-27
Chipset Manufacturer AMD
Memory Size 16 GB
Memory Type GDDR6
Memory Bus 256 bit
Memory Clock 2250 MHz
Memory Bandwidth 576.0 GB/s
Base Clock 1287 MHz
Boost Clock 2245 MHz
Shading Units 5120
Ray Tracing Cores 80
TMUs 320
ROPs 160
Pixel Rate 359.2 GPixel/s
Texture Rate 718.4 GTexel/s
Compute Power (FP16) 92.0 TFLOPS
Compute Power (FP32) 46.0 TFLOPS
Compute Power (FP64) 1.4 TFLOPS
Architecture RDNA 3.0
Process Size 5 nm
Interface PCIe 4.0 x16
Power Connectors 2x 8-pin
TDP 260 W
Suggested PSU 700 W

Final Verdict

The GeForce RTX 5070 represents a significant generational shift by introducing the Blackwell architecture to the mid-high range segment. While raw specifications might suggest a close battle, the inclusion of dedicated hardware for DLSS 4 and Multi-Frame Generation provides a distinct advantage in maintaining high visual fluidity. This new technology allows the card to handle intense workloads more effectively than older architectures. The GDDR7 memory on the Nvidia card offers impressive bandwidth even with a narrower bus compared to the Radeon counterpart. This efficiency ensures that data moves quickly to the GPU, compensating for the lower total capacity in most gaming situations.

AMD has built a very capable card in the Radeon RX 7900 GRE, particularly with its 16GB of VRAM and a wider 256-bit memory bus. This extra memory is a massive benefit for specific creative tasks or textures that demand large amounts of local storage. However, the RDNA 3 architecture falls behind when looking at ray tracing performance. The GeForce RTX 5070 handles light transport and complex reflections with much more competence. It also utilizes a more modern PCIe 5.0 interface, which provides better longevity for users moving to updated motherboard platforms. Power delivery is managed through a single 16-pin connector, highlighting the push toward newer standards throughout the design.

  • Software Ecosystem: DLSS 4 remains a heavy hitter for Nvidia. It offers a level of image reconstruction and frame interpolation that currently stays ahead of FSR 3 in terms of visual stability and latency management.
  • Efficiency and Build: The Blackwell card is remarkably efficient for the performance it provides. It fits well into builds with standard power supplies while offering cutting-edge features like the NVENC encoder for superior video compression.
  • Buy GeForce RTX 5070 if you want the best possible ray tracing performance, access to DLSS 4 features, and a more efficient architecture for future gaming releases.
  • Buy Radeon RX 7900 GRE if you explicitly need 16GB of VRAM for heavy productivity workloads or prefer a traditional high-memory configuration without relying on upscaling tech.

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