Well, today I have a fresh video card for review – the ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER OC 12GB. Last summer, I told you about its predecessor – the TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 OC 12GB, which proved itself beyond praise. The twins look visually similar but have some differences in performance. After all, it’s no coincidence that the word “SUPER” is included in the name of the new model. Whether everything is super, I’ll find out soon enough. Brew some coffee, get comfortable, and let’s see if the updated SUPER graphics card is worth the upgrade for your PC.
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ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER OC 12GB specifications
- Interface: PCI-Express 4.0
- Memory capacity: 12 GB
- Memory type: GDDR6X
- Data bus bit depth: 192 bits
- GPU frequency: 2595 MHz
- Memory frequency: 21 GHz
- Processor generation: 5 nm – Ada Lovelace
- Maximum output resolution: 8K UHD
- Number of HDMI 2.1a ports: 1
- Number of DP 1.4a ports: 3
- DirectX version: 12 Ultimate
- OpenGL version: 6
- Number of CUDA cores: 7168
- Number of connected displays: 4
- Connecting the power supply: ATX 3.0
- Dimensions (L×W×H): 301×63×139 mm
- Power consumption: 220 W
Price and market positioning
The price for the SUPER version of the RTX 4070 OC is $960, while the regular RTX 4070 OC is currently available for $750. I mentioned these figures right away because the price difference is quite substantial. As for the improvements in the new revision, I’ll talk about them a bit later. Spoiler alert – there isn’t much. So, the card comes at a high price. As for what the RTX 4070 SUPER OC can handle, I’ll tell you. It can handle gaming at maximum graphics settings in 2K resolution. That’s very impressive and cool. However, last year’s graphics card also had these capabilities. My conclusion is that with a $200 price gap, it will be challenging for the “SUPER” version to compete against its rivals. But that’s just my opinion. Perhaps, for you, the improved specifications will outweigh the cost.
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Package contents
When I unpacked the ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 OC 12GB, my excitement knew no bounds. Everything was packaged so meticulously and with such attention to detail. The “SUPER” version comes in the same colorful box, with informative specifications and key features highlighted.
The accessories included with the RTX 4070 SUPER are also hardly different from its predecessor, which is not surprising. Here you’ll find the user manual, the “TUF GAMING” brand certificate, and other brochures. They also haven’t forgotten about the cardboard stand that can be transformed into a smartphone holder.
The fabric cable tie for wires is also included, as well as the GPU support bracket, which I really liked last time and which can be transformed into a screwdriver.
One thing that was missing in the previous revision but is included now is the high-quality power adapter. With its help, you can connect the card to older power supplies without the need for an ATX 3.0 adapter, which is great.
First acquaintance and differences from RTX 4070 OC
The ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER OC 12GB exudes an unmatched sense of reliability and significance. It’s massive, heavy, and robust, occupying three slots in the case. The card is surrounded by protective shrouds on all sides, akin to armor. In the areas where the textolite of the board is visible, you can admire the incredible quality of component assembly and design.
The cooling radiator sprawls majestically across the entire length of the card. Powered by three fans, it effortlessly manages the heat generated by the RTX 4070 SUPER. As with the previous model, heat is dissipated from the processor, memory, and power phases through seven heat pipes. Overall, overheating is not a concern for the card.
On the upper end of the board, you’ll encounter a familiar switch that controls the cooling system. Performance Mode offers maximum fan speed, while Quiet Mode is for those who prefer silence. Feel free to stick with the first option. The quality bearings and well-designed fan construction already do an excellent job of handling excess noise. You won’t be waking up your neighbors for sure.
There are 4 monitor outputs, with 3 ports being DisplayPort 1.4a and HDMI 2.1a, allowing you to connect even a 16K panel with four monitors.
Like last year’s model, the new release operates on the PCI-Express 4.0 interface with a slightly trimmed 192-bit bus. The memory speed of GDDR6X remains significant at 21 GHz. However, the processor frequency in the RTX 4070 SUPER has increased to 2595 MHz compared to the 2505 MHz in the 2023 RTX 4070 model. But the most impressive upgrade is the increase in the number of CUDA cores. Now there are 7168! To compare, the GeForce RTX 4070 OC had 5888 CUDA cores. This increase is substantial, making the graphics card even more capable for handling streaming tasks and rendering.
The power supply scheme of the card has also undergone changes. Now the connection to the power supply unit is made through the latest ATX 3.0 connector. Surprisingly, the RTX 4070 SUPER hasn’t become too power-hungry – just 220 watts for such a monster.
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Technologies
Any graphics card is not just a powerful processor and fast memory. It also includes a suite of software, drivers, and technologies that unlock the device’s full potential. Each proprietary solution adds uniqueness and features to the product, enhancing its advantages over competitors. ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER OC 12GB is packed with numerous proprietary technologies, as I detailed in my previous review. Now, I’ll simply list all the features that this new product possesses, which essentially haven’t changed since last year.
So, the RTX 4070 SUPER is equipped with software and hardware solutions such as AXIAL-TECH, NEW DIRECTION, 20K CAPASITORS, VENTED EXOSKELETON, AUTO-EXTREME TECHNOLOGY, AURA SYNC, Game Ready Drivers, GeForce Experience, NVIDIA G-SYNC, NVIDIA Ansel, and Resizable BAR.
Proprietary utilities
How can we not talk about branded utilities that have long been loved by everyone?
Armoury Crate
The main control center for the graphics card is, of course, the Armoury Crate software. Here you will find tools for controlling lighting, adjusting cooling modes, and overclocking. It features a well-designed and intuitive interface, wide profile management, update center, and much more. A plethora of customization tools for your graphics card is always at hand and user-friendly.
GPU Tweak III
For even more precise and professional tuning of the GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER OC parameters, the GPU Tweak III utility is available. It may not be as visually appealing as Armoury Crate, but it provides you with adjustment parameters that allow for true graphics card overclocking. It offers advanced control over frequencies, cooling, and profiles, as well as the ability to create custom presets for card operation. You can view various graphs and metrics. However, this software is for those who understand what they are doing. Incorrect usage can potentially damage the graphics card, so use it with caution.
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ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER OC 12GB Testing
Well, now it’s time to see how much the graphics card has improved over the year. For clarity, I’ll try to replicate the same conditions as with the GeForce RTX 4070 OC. In the comparative tables, it will be clear how much the increase in frequency and processor cores has affected the FPS.
So, the test bench:
- Processor: Intel Core i5-13600
- Cooling of the processor: ASUS ROG RYUJIN III 360 ARGB
- POWER SUPPLY: ASUS TUF GAMING 1000G
- RAM: Kingston FURY DDR4 3200MHz 16 GB
- Motherboard: ASUS TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS WIFI
- Case: ASUS TUF Gaming GT502
- Video card: ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER OC 12GB
The hardware has been chosen to closely resemble what I used last year to test the GeForce RTX 4070 OC. The games, of course, remain the same for consistency: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Next Gen, Hogwarts Legacy: Digital Deluxe Edition, God of War, and Cyberpunk 2077. Graphics settings are set to maximum, with a resolution of Full HD. Yes, I still don’t have a 4K monitor.
I won’t drag this out for long, the results are in front of you:
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Next Gen
Hogwarts Legacy: Digital Deluxe Edition
God of War
Cyberpunk 2077
And, of course, the comparison table:
Your surprise at the results is entirely understandable, but it’s not entirely justified. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to capture the real picture of the graphics card’s performance with just a single screenshot. During gameplay, FPS changes dynamically and depends on countless factors such as lighting, shadows, reflections, and so on. Stopping the game at two arbitrary moments would yield overly chaotic results. Games need to be tested dynamically, and the average FPS needs to be considered. In a written review, it’s challenging to convey this accurately. So, these results are more for illustrative purposes than for reflecting on the card’s performance.
Synthetic tests will provide a clearer picture. After all, they use specific algorithms. Two different graphics cards will be subjected to absolutely identical loads. So, in the 3DMark program, the following benchmarks were executed: Speed Way, Port Royal, Time Spy Extreme, Mesh Shader, and PCI-Express. Of course, I didn’t forget about PCMark 10, where I conducted both the standard and extended tests.
Now you can compare the readings with last year’s revision of the GeForce RTX 4070 OC.
Conclusions
Well, let’s sum up? I’ll be completely honest with you – I’m satisfied with the graphics card. It’s truly outstanding. Excellent build quality and components, great software, and cutting-edge technologies. Any game in 2K on ultra settings will run smoothly! Granted, there aren’t many differences from the classic RTX 4070 OC, but there are enough CUDA cores. Of course, the graphics card will easily last for 5 years or more, and it’s still a great purchase. The only question remains about the price.
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