Video Gamer is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more
This is RTX 4070 vs RX 7900 XTX/
Some people may be wondering how the specs shape up against older models like the RX 7900 XT. If that sounds like you, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.
We’ve already done a prospective comparison or two against other Nvidia products – both the existing top range 40 series like the RTX 4090; the top range of the 30 series, like the 3090 and 3080; and the more mid-range end of the 30 series like the 3070.
But now we thought it was worth having a look at how the RTX 4070 shapes up against a non-Nvidia model. Hence we landed on the AMD RX 7900 XT, which, in a comparison between the RX 7900 XTX and RX 7900 XT, we decided was more towards the high-mid range of GPUs.
Let’s get into it.
RTX 4070 vs RX 7900 XT
| RTX 4070 specs | RX 7900 XT | |
| Architecture | Lovelace | RDNA 3 |
| RT Cores | 3rd Generation | 2nd Generation |
| Tensor Cores | 4th Generation | 168 |
| CUDA Cores/Stream Processors | 5,888 | 5,376 |
| Base Clock | 1,920 MHz | 1,500MHz |
| VRAM | GDDR6X 12GB | GDDR6 20GB |
| Dimensions | Length: 244mm, 2-slot | Length: 276mm, 2.5-slot |
As you can see it’s a real swings and roundabouts kind of situation. The RTX 4070 has the edge with the CUDA Cores/Stream Processors count, while the RX 7900 XT has higher VRAM. Although do make sure to note with the VRAM that while the RX 7900 XT has more GB, the RTX 4070 has the more updated technology with the GDDR6X technology.
RTX 4070 vs RX 7900 XT – architecture
This is where the RTX 4070 really comes into its own. The Ada Lovelace technology is cutting edge and at the heart of the 40 series. The Fourth-Generation Tensor cores combined with the DLSS 3 technology on offer here creates what Nvidia claim to be a 4x boost in performance when compared against ‘brute-force’ rendering.
This is where the AI-accelerated performance promised in the architecture really shines. By taking lower resolution graphics and rendering them up the Ada Lovelace architecture allows the RTX 4070 to render higher quality graphics in real-time without impacting the fps in a way that used to be unthinkable. Furthermore, Lovelace promises almost double the ray tracing performance and double the power efficiency.
While the RDNA 3 architecture is certainly nothing to sniff at, it can’t really compare. To be sure, it promises a 50% boost over its own previous iterations in performance-per-watt. RDNA 3 also has AI accelerators. But it only has second generation ray tracing, while the 4070 has third generation.
RTX 4070 vs RX 7900 XT – performance
The performance contrast of the 4070 vs the RX 7900 XT really comes down to the differing architectures and clock speeds here. The 4070 edges out the RX 7900 XT on Base Clock speeds with a 430 MHz lead. However, both can comfortably game at 4K, although Nvidia claim that 4070 could give 8K a good whack at 60Hz with DSC.
At the end of the day, performance comparisons are also going to depend on what the rest of your set up is. You could have the best GPU and be bottlenecked by your CPU. In this case we would recommend comparing the specific specs you’re interested in and then weighing that up agains the price. So let’s get into that.
RTX 4070 vs RX 7900 XT – price
This where the 4070 really comes into its own. The 4070 has an MSRP of $599. This contrasts with the $899 price tag attached to the RX 7900 XT.
That’s a pretty big difference and will definitely be the deciding factor for a lot of gamers. When it comes to Boost Clock speed the RX 7900 XT comes in with 2394 MHz. Meanwhile, the RTX 4070 only just edges it out with 2.48 GHz Boost clock speed. So it’s closer than we were expecting.
RTX 4070 vs RX 7900 XT – which one should you go for?
In our opinion, the combination of Lovelace architecture and lower price tag makes the RTX 4070 the better option for sheer bang-for-you-buck factor. That being said, it’s a new release while the RX 7900 XT has been out since December 2022, and gamers have really had time to really test it to its limits. At the end of the day, the decision is a case-by-case basis deal.
If the factors we’ve highlighted here also align with what you’re prioritising then potentially the RTX 4070 is the better option for you, but if you’re prioritising other factors more then maybe go for the RX 7900 XT – the final decision is yours!
Frequently Asked Questions
What brand is RX 7900 XT?
RX 7900 XT is an AMD GPU.
What is the difference between Stream Processors and CUDA cores?
Stream Processors and CUDA cores are branded names for essentially the same thing.
