Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti: Performance Tested

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090's underwhelming generational leap over the RTX 4090, coupled with its higher price, left many disappointed. However, the RTX 5070 Ti offers a more compelling proposition. While not dramatically faster than its predecessor, its affordability makes it the most sensible Blackwell-architecture card for most consumers, especially those without limitless budgets.

Priced at $749, the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti excels as a 4K graphics card, effectively overshadowing the more expensive RTX 5080 (at least in terms of value). It's crucial to note, however, that my review unit—an MSI aftermarket model—cost significantly more at $1,099, exceeding the RTX 5080's $999 price point. Finding an RTX 5070 Ti at its MSRP is key to realizing its exceptional value, making it a top contender for 4K gaming enthusiasts.

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 variations in pricing across different models. While a fantastic 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 graphics card built on Nvidia's Blackwell architecture. Initially designed for supercomputers powering AI models like ChatGPT, this architecture has been adapted for gaming GPUs, retaining a strong AI focus.

Sharing the GB203 GPU with the RTX 5080, the RTX 5070 Ti features 70 Streaming Multiprocessors (SMs), resulting in 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 RTX 5080. The Tensor Cores are particularly noteworthy. While the CUDA cores offer a significant performance boost over the RTX 4070 Ti, Nvidia relies heavily on AI upscaling and frame generation to maximize the card's potential.

Blackwell introduces a new AI Management Processor (AMP), offloading work traditionally handled by the CPU. This enhances the efficiency of DLSS and frame generation. DLSS 4 utilizes a Transformer model instead of a CNN, improving image quality by reducing ghosting and other artifacts. DLSS 4 also includes Multi-Frame Generation (MFG), generating up to three frames from each rendered frame, potentially quadrupling frame rates. Increased latency is a trade-off, but Nvidia's Reflex technology aims to mitigate this.

With a 300W Total Board Power (TBP), the RTX 5070 Ti's power consumption is comparable to the RTX 4070 Ti and RTX 4070 Ti Super. Nvidia recommends a 750W power supply, but an 850W PSU is advisable, especially 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 key selling point is DLSS 4, particularly MFG. For high-refresh-rate monitors, this technology significantly enhances the gaming experience, though don't expect dramatic latency improvements.

MFG analyzes rendered frames and game engine motion data to predict subsequent frames, generating entirely new frames via AI. While similar technology was used in the RTX 4090, MFG's ability to generate up to three frames per rendered frame significantly increases frame rates, particularly beneficial for high-end displays. However, a 4x improvement is rarely achieved in practice.

Testing in Cyberpunk 2077 and Star Wars Outlaws revealed varying latency impacts. While frame generation generally increased frame rates, latency also increased, though often minimally, especially at higher frame rates. At lower frame rates, however, lag and artifacts become more noticeable.

Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti – Benchmarks

Performance

At 4K, the RTX 5070 Ti surpasses the RTX 4070 Ti Super by 11% and the RTX 4070 Ti by 21%, a more substantial generational improvement than the RTX 5080, solidifying its value proposition. Across various demanding games, it consistently exceeded 60 fps at 4K.

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. Testing was conducted using stock settings on the MSI Vanguard Edition, and results reflect the $749 MSRP.

Benchmark results across various games demonstrated a consistent performance advantage over previous generation cards, although the improvement varied depending on the game and its optimization. The RTX 5070 Ti showcased its strengths in titles demanding high frame rates and visual fidelity.

The RTX 5070 Ti's performance at 4K, particularly its ability to maintain high frame rates even in demanding titles, cements its status as a capable 4K gaming GPU. At its MSRP, it represents exceptional value.