GeForce GTX 1070 vs GeForce RTX 3070
Performance-wise the GeForce RTX 3070 is out front, dramatically faster, roughly 145% up on the GeForce GTX 1070. Value tips toward the GeForce GTX 1070, though: $161 USD cheaper for what you get.
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Comparable or lower specs
GeForce RTX 3070 vs GeForce GTX 1070: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 3070 vs GeForce GTX 1070
The GeForce RTX 3070 is dramatically faster, around 145% ahead of the GeForce GTX 1070. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 3070 is comfortable at 1440p, while the GeForce GTX 1070 is better matched to entry-level 1080p. The GeForce RTX 3070 packs 5,888 CUDA cores versus 1,920 on the GeForce GTX 1070.
Price & Value
Right now the GeForce GTX 1070 starts at $109 USD against $270 USD for the GeForce RTX 3070. Despite being slower, the GeForce GTX 1070 offers the better performance-per-dollar, so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce GTX 1070 is trading below its $379 USD MSRP — a genuine deal. The GeForce RTX 3070 is trading below its $499 USD MSRP — a genuine deal.
Power & Efficiency
The GeForce GTX 1070 is the lighter draw at 150W against the GeForce RTX 3070's 220W, making it the easier card to power and cool. The GeForce RTX 3070 draws more in absolute terms but squeezes out more performance per watt, so budget for a beefier PSU if you go that route. Its more modern Ampere architecture on a Samsung 8nm process is part of why it does more with each watt.
Memory & Bandwidth
The GeForce RTX 3070's memory is faster — 448 GB/s versus 256 GB/s — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.
Generation & Longevity
The GeForce RTX 3070 is roughly 4 years newer than the GeForce GTX 1070 (Ampere vs Pascal), so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1070 or GeForce RTX 3070?
Choose the GeForce RTX 3070 if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce GTX 1070 stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GeForce RTX 3070 better than the GeForce GTX 1070?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 1070 or the GeForce RTX 3070?
Is the GeForce RTX 3070 worth the extra $161 USD over the GeForce GTX 1070?
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1070 or GeForce RTX 3070?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1070 | GeForce RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Pascal | Ampere |
| Process Node | TSMC 16nm | Samsung 8nm |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 1,920 | 5,888✓ |
| Ray Tracing Cores | — | 46 |
| Tensor / AI Cores | — | 184 |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1070 | GeForce RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,506 MHz✓ | 1,500 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1,683 MHz | 1,725 MHz✓ |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1070 | GeForce RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory Speed | 8 Gbps | 14 Gbps✓ |
| Bandwidth | 256 GB/s | 448 GB/s✓ |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce GTX 1070 | GeForce RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
| TDP | 150 W✓ | 220 W |
| Power Connectors | 1x 8-pin | 1x 12-pin |
| Released | Jun 2016 | Sep 2020 |