Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti: Performance Reviewed

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090, upon its release, was met with disappointment due to its modest performance improvement over the RTX 4090, especially at a significantly higher price point. In contrast, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, despite not being much faster than its predecessor, offers a more compelling option due to its affordability. Priced at a base of $749, the RTX 5070 Ti is an excellent choice for 4K gaming, making it a more attractive option than the pricier RTX 5080. However, the review model I received from MSI, the RTX 5070 Ti, is an aftermarket version priced at $1,099, which is more expensive than the RTX 5080's $999. If you can secure the RTX 5070 Ti at its base price, it stands out as the best graphics card for most gamers, particularly those targeting 4K gaming.

Purchasing Guide

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti will be available starting February 20, 2025, at a base price of $749. Be aware that various models may be priced higher. At $749, the RTX 5070 Ti offers great value, but as the price increases, its appeal diminishes, especially when compared to the RTX 5080.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti – Photos

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Specs and Features

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti is the third graphics card in the Nvidia Blackwell architecture lineup. Originally developed for AI supercomputers like those powering ChatGPT, this architecture has been adapted for gaming GPUs while maintaining an AI focus. The RTX 5070 Ti uses the same GB203 GPU as the RTX 5080 but with 14 streaming multiprocessors (SM) disabled, resulting in 70 SMs, 8,960 CUDA cores, 70 RT cores, and 280 Tensor Cores. It also includes 16GB of GDDR7 RAM, though slightly slower than the RTX 5080. The Tensor Cores are central to Nvidia's strategy, leveraging AI upscaling and frame generation to boost performance.

The Blackwell architecture introduces an AI Management Processor (AMP) that enhances the efficiency of processes like DLSS and frame generation by handling tasks typically managed by the CPU. This efficiency has led to a significant upgrade in DLSS, now utilizing a Transformer model instead of a Convolutional Neural Network, improving image quality and reducing artifacts.

DLSS 4 also introduces Multi-Frame Generation (MFG), which can generate up to three AI frames for each rendered frame, potentially quadrupling frame rates. However, this increase comes with higher latency, which Nvidia aims to mitigate with Reflex technology.

With a Total Board Power of 300W, the RTX 5070 Ti is not significantly more power-hungry than its predecessor, the RTX 4070 Ti. Nvidia recommends a 750W power supply, but for added safety, an 850W PSU is advisable, especially for high-end models like the MSI Vanguard Edition.

DLSS 4 – Is It Worth It?

The RTX 5070 Ti's true advantage lies in DLSS 4, particularly with Multi-Frame Generation. This technology is ideal for high-refresh-rate monitors, though it doesn't significantly reduce latency. MFG analyzes each rendered frame and uses motion data from the game engine to predict and generate new frames, potentially increasing frame rates up to fourfold.

In Cyberpunk 2077, with the Ray Tracing Overdrive preset and DLSS set to performance, the RTX 5070 Ti achieved 46 fps with 43ms latency. Enabling 2x frame generation boosted the frame rate to 88 fps, with latency increasing to 49ms. With 4x frame generation, the frame rate reached 157 fps, though latency increased to 55ms, showcasing a 3.4x increase in frame rate.

In Star Wars Outlaws, the RTX 5070 Ti delivered 67 fps at 4K Max settings with DLSS on performance. With 2x frame generation, this increased to 111 fps, and latency decreased from 47ms to 34ms thanks to Reflex. At 4x frame generation, the frame rate climbed to 188 fps, with latency at 37ms.

While MFG enhances smoothness on high-refresh displays, it doesn't improve responsiveness. However, the latency increases are minimal when starting from a high frame rate, ensuring smooth gameplay without noticeable lag.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti – Benchmarks

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Performance

At 4K, the RTX 5070 Ti outperforms the RTX 4070 Ti Super by 11% and the RTX 4070 Ti by 21%, offering a significant generational improvement. It consistently achieved over 60 fps in demanding games like Black Myth Wukong and Cyberpunk 2077.

Test System

• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
• Motherboard: Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Hero
• RAM: 32GB G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo @ 6,000MHz
• SSD: 4TB Samsung 990 Pro
• CPU Cooler: Asus ROG Ryujin III 360

The review was conducted with the MSI RTX 5070 Ti Vanguard SOC at stock settings to reflect the performance of the base model, priced at $749. All tests used the latest game versions and drivers, with the RTX 5070 Ti on a prerelease driver from Nvidia.

In 3DMark Speed Way, the RTX 5070 Ti scored 7,590 points, a 19% improvement over the RTX 4070 Ti Super and 36% over the RTX 4070 Ti. In Port Royal, it scored 18,839 points, compared to 15,670 and 14,136 for the RTX 4070 Ti Super and RTX 4070 Ti, respectively.

In actual games, the RTX 5070 Ti achieved 121 fps in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 at 4K Extreme, a 5% improvement over the RTX 4070 Ti Super. In Cyberpunk 2077, it led by 9% and 17% over the RTX 4070 Ti Super and RTX 4070 Ti, respectively, maintaining 75 fps at 4K with Ray Tracing Ultra.

Metro Exodus: Enhanced Edition saw the RTX 5070 Ti at 48 fps at 4K Extreme, compared to 45 fps for the RTX 4070 Ti Super and 42 fps for the RTX 4070 Ti. In Red Dead Redemption 2, it was 2% slower than the RTX 4070 Ti Super, achieving 113 fps.

Total War: Warhammer 3, without ray tracing or upscaling, showed the RTX 5070 Ti at 78 fps, a 15% improvement over the RTX 4070 Ti Super and 30% over the RTX 4070 Ti. In Assassin’s Creed Mirage, it reached 149 fps at 4K Ultra High, compared to 141 fps and 132 fps for the RTX 4070 Ti Super and RTX 4070 Ti.

Black Myth Wukong, a demanding title, saw the RTX 5070 Ti at 66 fps at 4K with the Cinematic Preset and DLSS at 40%, a 10% improvement over the RTX 4070 Ti Super. Forza Horizon 5 yielded 152 fps at 4K Extreme, a 15% and 21% improvement over the RTX 4070 Ti Super and RTX 4070 Ti, respectively.

In conclusion, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, at its base price of $749, offers the best value for 4K gaming, providing a significant performance uplift over its predecessor at a more affordable price than the RTX 4070 Ti.