The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090's release was met with some disappointment; its generational leap over the RTX 4090 was underwhelming, especially considering the higher price. However, the RTX 5070 Ti offers a more compelling proposition. While not drastically faster than its predecessor, its affordability makes it a significantly more reasonable purchase, particularly for those on a budget. At its base price of $749, the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti excels as a 4K graphics card, effectively overshadowing the more expensive RTX 5080—provided you can find it at that price. Many aftermarket models, like the MSI version reviewed here ($1099), significantly inflate the cost, nearing the RTX 5080's price point. But at its MSRP, the RTX 5070 Ti is arguably the best graphics card for most 4K gamers.
Purchasing Guide
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti launched February 20, 2025, with a starting price of $749. Remember, this is the base price; expect significant price variations across different models. While a strong value at $749, its appeal diminishes as the price approaches that of the RTX 5080.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti – Photos
Specs and Features
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti is the third Blackwell architecture-based graphics card. Initially designed for AI supercomputers, this architecture has been adapted for gaming, retaining its AI focus. Based on the GB203 GPU (like the RTX 5080), it features 70 Streaming Multiprocessors (SMs), 8,960 CUDA cores, 70 RT cores, and 280 Tensor Cores (14 SMs disabled compared to the 5080). It also boasts 16GB of GDDR7 RAM, albeit slightly slower than the 5080. The Tensor Cores, however, are key. While CUDA cores are more powerful than those in the RTX 4070 Ti, Nvidia relies heavily on AI upscaling and frame generation to enhance performance.
A new AI Management Processor (AMP) significantly improves efficiency. This offloads work historically handled by the CPU to the GPU, optimizing processes like DLSS and frame generation. DLSS 4 now utilizes a Transformer model instead of a CNN, resulting in noticeably improved image quality with reduced ghosting and artifacts. DLSS 4 also introduces Multi-Frame Generation (MFG), generating up to three frames from each rendered frame, theoretically increasing frame rates up to 4x. This comes at the cost of higher latency, though Nvidia's Reflex technology can mitigate this.
With a 300W Total Board Power (TBP), the RTX 5070 Ti's power consumption is comparable to the RTX 4070 Ti and 4070 Ti Super. Nvidia recommends a 750W power supply, but an 850W PSU is advisable, particularly for high-end models like the MSI Vanguard Edition.
DLSS 4 – Is It Worth It?
While faster than its predecessor, the RTX 5070 Ti’s main selling point is DLSS 4, especially MFG. For high-refresh-rate monitors, this technology maximizes performance. However, don't expect dramatic latency improvements. MFG analyzes rendered frames and motion vectors to predict subsequent frames, generating additional frames via AI. While similar technology was used in the RTX 4090, MFG’s scale is significantly larger, generating up to three frames per rendered frame (compared to one). This can theoretically boost frame rates 4x, though this is rarely achieved in practice. Testing in *Cyberpunk 2077* and *Star Wars Outlaws* showed significant frame rate increases but with varying latency impacts, highlighting the trade-off between frame rate and responsiveness. High initial frame rates are crucial for minimizing latency issues with MFG.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti – Benchmarks
Performance
At 4K, the RTX 5070 Ti is approximately 11% faster than the RTX 4070 Ti Super and 21% faster than the RTX 4070 Ti. This surpasses the RTX 5080's generational improvement, making it the best value card in its generation. Testing consistently exceeded 60 fps at 4K, even in demanding titles. The review uses the MSI Vanguard Edition at stock settings to represent the base GPU's performance. All games were tested with the latest drivers and without frame generation, utilizing DLSS/FSR where applicable.
Benchmark results showed significant improvements over previous generations in various titles, including *3DMark*, *Cyberpunk 2077*, *Total War: Warhammer 3*, and *Forza Horizon 5*. However, *Red Dead Redemption 2* showed a slight performance dip compared to the RTX 4070 Ti Super. Results varied across different games, demonstrating the performance potential of the RTX 5070 Ti and its room for improvement with future driver updates and game optimizations.
Test System: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU, Asus ROG Crosshair X870E Hero Motherboard, 32GB G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RAM @ 6,000MHz, 4TB Samsung 990 Pro SSD, Asus ROG Ryujin III 360 CPU Cooler.
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, at its $749 MSRP, represents excellent value for a 4K GPU. It offers a substantial improvement over its predecessor at a lower price point than the RTX 4070 Ti.
