The GTX 1070 has been a respected name in the world of gaming graphics cards since its release. However, as technology continues to advance, gamers often find themselves wondering, “What is better than a GTX 1070?” Whether you’re aiming for enhanced gaming performance, improved VR capabilities, or even better power efficiency, there are numerous options to explore. This article will delve into graphics cards that surpass the GTX 1070 in terms of performance, features, and overall value, ensuring you know what your next upgrade could be.
Understanding The GTX 1070
Before jumping into alternatives, it’s essential to understand the GTX 1070 itself. Launched by NVIDIA in mid-2016, the GTX 1070 was a part of the Pascal architecture, and it was designed to cater to the mid-range gaming market. Here’s a brief overview of some of its specifications:
- CUDA Cores: 1920
- Base Clock Speed: 1506 MHz
- Boost Clock Speed: 1683 MHz
- Memory: 8 GB GDDR5
- Memory Bandwidth: 256 GB/s
- TDP: 150 Watts
These impressive stats made the GTX 1070 a choice for many gamers looking for a balance of performance and cost. However, as gaming technology advances, newer cards come packed with features that offer not just better performance but also support for cutting-edge technologies like ray tracing and DLSS.
Top Contenders: What Is Better Than A GTX 1070?
When it comes to options that best the GTX 1070, several graphics cards rise to the occasion. Below, we will evaluate some of the most compelling alternatives that can enhance your gaming experience dramatically.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Ti
One of the first upgrades to consider is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Ti. This card sits just above the GTX 1070 in NVIDIA’s lineup and comes with some noticeable enhancements.
Specifications
- CUDA Cores: 2432
- Base Clock Speed: 1607 MHz
- Boost Clock Speed: 1683 MHz
- Memory: 8 GB GDDR5
- Memory Bandwidth: 256 GB/s
- TDP: 180 Watts
The 1070 Ti offers a higher number of CUDA cores, leading to better performance in gaming, particularly at higher resolutions.
Performance Comparison
In benchmarks, the GTX 1070 Ti outperforms the GTX 1070 by approximately 10-15%, making it a great option for those who want a more powerful card without stepping up to the next generation.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 marks a significant leap forward, particularly with its inclusion of RT Cores for real-time ray tracing and Tensor Cores for AI-enhanced graphics.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| CUDA Cores | 1920 |
| Base Clock Speed | 1365 MHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 1680 MHz |
| Memory | 6 GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 336 GB/s |
| TDP | 160 Watts |
The RTX 2060 is particularly compelling for gamers looking to experience the latest titles with ray tracing. In terms of traditional rasterized gaming, it typically matches or slightly surpasses the performance of the GTX 1070.
Why Choose the RTX 2060?
If you want to future-proof your gaming setup, the RTX 2060 provides access to Nvidia’s latest technologies such as DLSS, which can significantly improve frame rates in compatible games. This makes the 2060 an excellent upgrade.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
Stepping further into the future, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 makes a solid case for gamers looking for higher performance at a relatively lower price point.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| CUDA Cores | 3584 |
| Base Clock Speed | 1320 MHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 1777 MHz |
| Memory | 12 GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 360 GB/s |
| TDP | 170 Watts |
Performance Benefits
The substantial increase in CUDA cores and memory means that the RTX 3060 can handle 1440p gaming exceptionally well, often surpassing the GTX 1070 by over 30%. This card is a fantastic option for gamers who crave high frames per second (FPS) across modern titles. It also offers superior ray tracing capabilities.
AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
Switching gears to AMD, the Radeon RX 5700 XT is tailored for gamers who prefer red over green. This graphics card delivers powerful performance at a competitive price point.
Specifications
- Compute Units: 40
- Base Clock Speed: 1605 MHz
- Boost Clock Speed: 1905 MHz
- Memory: 8 GB GDDR6
- Memory Bandwidth: 448 GB/s
- TDP: 225 Watts
Performance Comparison
The RX 5700 XT outperforms the GTX 1070 by a significant margin, particularly in 1440p gaming scenarios. Its efficiency and pricing often make it a more alluring option for gamers looking for value and performance.
Why Opt for the RX 5700 XT?
With a newer architecture and the ability to handle heavy workloads, the RX 5700 XT is a great option for not just gaming, but also content creation and intensive computational tasks.
Things To Consider When Upgrading
Before you make the leap to upgrade from a GTX 1070 to any of the options listed above, it’s important to consider several factors:
1. Performance Needs
What do you typically play? If your gaming style is heavily inclined toward AAA titles at high resolutions, a more powerful card is a worthwhile investment. For lighter, less demanding games, you might not need as drastic an upgrade.
2. Budget
Consider what fits within your budget while assessing your upgrade options. The latest graphics cards often come at a premium, so find the right balance between performance and cost.
3. System Compatibility
Ensure that your power supply unit (PSU) can handle the newer card’s power requirements and that the card physically fits within your system.
4. Future-Proofing
Investing in a newer model that supports technologies like ray tracing and DLSS can offer a longer lifespan for your gaming performance, especially as game developers continue to push the envelope.
Conclusion
The question of “What is better than a GTX 1070?” leads to multiple answers, each with its set of advantages. The GTX 1070 has served many gamers well, but as specifications indicate, advancements in technology provide a plethora of options that promise superior performance, visual fidelity, and future-proofing capabilities. Whether you choose NVIDIA’s RTX 2060 or 3060, or AMD’s RX 5700 XT, the upgrade should greatly enhance your gaming experience. Consider your individual needs and enjoy the endless possibilities that modern graphics cards bring to your gaming adventures.
What Are Some Graphics Cards Better Than The GTX 1070?
The GTX 1070 has been a popular choice for gamers, but there are several graphics cards that outperform it. Cards like the GTX 1080 and the RTX 2060 provide enhanced performance and capabilities, particularly in demanding games and applications. The RTX 2060, for example, features real-time ray tracing, which can greatly improve lighting and reflections in supported titles.
Another solid alternative is the AMD RX 5700 XT, which often competes with the GTX 1070 and exceeds its performance in many benchmarks. If you’re looking for even more power, newer models like the RTX 3060 and AMD RX 6700 XT can deliver significantly better frame rates and higher resolution gaming experiences, making them ideal for enthusiasts seeking more than what the GTX 1070 can offer.
How Does The GTX 1070 Compare To The RTX Series?
When comparing the GTX 1070 to the RTX series, there are significant advancements in technology and performance. The RTX cards, such as the RTX 2060, 2070, and 2080, feature dedicated hardware for real-time ray tracing and AI-driven tasks, which the GTX 1070 lacks. This results in a more immersive gaming experience with enhanced graphics quality in supported games.
Additionally, RTX cards generally offer better power efficiency and support for features like DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), which can provide higher frame rates while maintaining visual fidelity. This makes the RTX series a more future-proof choice, particularly for gamers looking to play the latest titles with demanding graphics requirements.
Can I Upgrade To A Newer GPU Without Changing Other Components?
Yes, upgrading to a newer GPU like the RTX 3060 or RX 6700 XT can often be done without changing other components, provided that your system meets the power and space requirements of the new card. It’s essential to check your power supply unit (PSU) to ensure it provides enough wattage and has the correct connectors for the new GPU.
Additionally, your motherboard and CPU should be able to handle the newer graphics card without bottlenecking performance. However, if your PSU is outdated or your CPU struggles to keep up, you might want to consider updating those components to fully unleash the potential of your new graphics card.
What Is The Best Budget Option For Upgrading From A GTX 1070?
For gamers on a budget, the GTX 1660 Super is a compelling upgrade option from the GTX 1070, offering a nice balance of price and performance. While it may not surpass the performance of the GTX 1070 in all scenarios, it remains a competitive choice that can deliver solid gaming experiences at 1080p and, to some extent, 1440p resolutions.
Another budget-friendly option is the AMD RX 5600 XT, which often competes closely with the GTX 1660 Super and can outperform the GTX 1070 in certain titles. These cards are great for gamers looking to play modern games without breaking the bank while still experiencing a noticeable improvement over the GTX 1070.
What Are The Performance Differences Between AMD And NVIDIA Graphics Cards?
Performance differences between AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards can be noticeable depending on the specific models and the types of games being played. NVIDIA cards, particularly those in the RTX series, tend to perform better in ray tracing and DLSS-supported titles due to their dedicated hardware designed for these tasks. This gives NVIDIA an edge in cutting-edge gaming and applications that leverage these features.
On the other hand, AMD graphics cards like the RX 6000 series often provide excellent performance in traditional rasterization and can sometimes offer better value for money. They are increasingly closing the gap with NVIDIA in terms of features and performance, especially with their implementation of ray tracing and Smart Access Memory, which can yield competitive results in a variety of gaming scenarios.
Is The GTX 1070 Still A Viable Option For Gaming In 2023?
While the GTX 1070 is no longer the pinnacle of performance, it is still a viable option for gaming in 2023, particularly at 1080p resolution. Many popular titles run smoothly on this GPU, making it suitable for casual gamers or those who primarily play less demanding games. It can handle most games on medium to high settings, depending on the specific title and resolution.
However, if you want to enjoy the latest AAA titles with high settings and features like ray tracing, you’ll likely need an upgrade. The gaming landscape continues to evolve, and newer GPUs offer significant improvements in performance, efficiency, and features that can enhance your gaming experience beyond what the GTX 1070 can provide.