For the next generation of cards, we look at the low end of the likely initial lineup
It’s coming up to two years since the 30 series launch. We had the 3070 take time to launch in October of 2020. Although the launch was hard with stock and pricing, we now look with hope to the RTX 4070 latest release date, specifications, and price rumors.
The next generation RTX 40 series cards are expected to launch by the end of 2022. It does give some hope for your next best graphics card.
Either if it’s for your next generation build or finally upgrading that old GPU. It can mean there will be a stock of powerful cards for everything you may need.
If the 4070 is much like the 3070 it will be a popular card. As it can be a cheaper option but still offer good performance. The generational upgrade potentially offers a good boost of what it can achieve too.
With that being said they’re still not officially announced. And we have to look towards leaks and rumors on what they have to offer on the upcoming Nvidia graphics cards.
RTX 4070 specification rumors
For RTX 4070 specifications we have to look to those who have some insider knowledge. With some more notorious leakers found in the Twitter space and outlets reporting on it.
Without the final verification by Nvidia, these tend to change quite often.
But it can initially give us an idea of what they might offer. Get us an insight into how the upgrades can improve your experience.
The main source currently is kopite7kimi on Twitter. Known for good insider knowledge and early leaks on what the cards may contain.
The latest update contains the specifications for the main three card releases. With which we see the RTX 4070 is based on the AD104-275 variant.
Supposedly the GPU core contains 7,168 CUDA cores with 56 SMs. Which is made with the Ada architecture on TSMCs N4 process (5nm).
In terms of memory, it features 10GB of GDDR6. Across a 160-bit bus clocked at 18 Gbps. While coming in with a TDP of 300 W.
Compared to the 3070 it increases the CUDA count by 21%. As well as increasing the VRAM count but lowering the bus, yet increasing the clock. As well as increasing the power by 80W.
For the increased power consumption, the power connectors are being switched to the 16-pin ones. Such as the one found in the RTX 3090 Ti Founders Edition.
The total connector allows up to 650 W with data lines or 450 W without. This allows for a much cleaner setup once again even with rising power consumption.
Even with many upgrades, and the possibility that AMD Radeon will use PCIe 5.0 connections, RTX 40 may not follow. Although that may not be an issue if the cards won’t utilize the whole PCIe 4.0 bandwidth.
Update: There has been an updated RTX 4070 specification tweet. With a much-improved memory spec and slightly improved CUDA count. With a faster VRAM it also improves the performance of the card in 3DMark.
Update: There are new updated TDPs for the 4070 so we have adjusted the rating.
| RTX 4070 | RTX 3070 | RX 6700 XT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPU | AD104-275 | GA104-300 | Navi 22 XT |
| GPU process | TSMC 5nm | Samsung 8nm | TSMC 7nm |
| CUDA/SPs | 7,680 | 5,888 | 2,560 |
| Memory | 12GB GDDR6X | 8GB GDDR6 | 12GB GDDR6 |
| Memory clock | 21 Gbps | 14 Gbps | 16 Gbps |
| Memory bus | ? | 256-bit | 192-bit |
| TDP | 285 W | 220 W | 230 W |
Nvidia RTX 4070 release date rumors
We’re always eager for the release of new graphics cards. More so now after what the market has been through in the past two years.
Like most information, it has been changing. The initial release date or announcement is expected in early Q3 even potentially in July.
However, with the changing tides of the graphics card market, the strategy is volatile. As the GPU prices have been returning so has stock.
With crypto on the down, miners have been ditching the GPUs for us to enjoy. However, that does mean there are too many cards.
As before it releases the next-gen Nvidia would want to get rid of its old stock. Therefore it may postpone the release.
With the latest RTX 4070 release date being pushed back to November 2022. Even still this may not be the final date.
However, it should still be released before the end of the year. As Nvidia will want to release its cards before, if not at the same time as AMD RDNA 3. This is so it doesn’t lose out any market share.
But it doesn’t bode well when it, alongside other tech companies, has tried to cut down its chip order.
RTX 4070 price speculation – what will the 4070 cost?
Price points are a much more fluid spec. With likely last-minute changes right up until the launch of the GPU.
Therefore it’s not one for leaks and all we can do is speculate. And the best way is to look back at previous offerings.
We can see how previous xx70 cards are priced and how those change between generations and advancements.
Although we also have to consider other factors that can influence the price. Such as the likes of increasing silicon prices, or general inflation we’ve experienced. As well as the past two years showing how much people are willing to pay for cards when GPUs were expensive.
With that, we see that the RTX 3070 had an MSRP of $499USD. The RTX 2070 was previously launched at $499USD. Whilst the GTX 1070 came at $379USD, and the GTX 970 at $329USD.
So there have been some changes previously. As such we expect the RTX 4070 to be priced in the range of $499-$649USD. We can only hope a price increase won’t be too severe for the middle-of-the-pack card.
RTX 4070 performance
Continuing on their predictions, Kopite7kimi has given us a glimpse of what to expect from the RTX 4070 performance. They take a prediction of the Time Spy Extreme score based on the rumored specifications.
The RTX 4070 is expected to reach a score of around 11,000. Whilst the RTX 4080 may reach 15,000 and the RTX 4090 has previously been mentioned to achieve 19,000.
Update: From the newer tweeted spec of Kopite we have adjusted the estimated score provided by the leaker.
For other RTX 40 series news head to our other info pages:
RTX 4070 frequently asked questions
Why is the 4070 so power hungry?
As new graphics cards are released, we see their power consumption increasing. But if the rumors for the RTX 4070 are true it may be rated for 300W.
Compared to previous TDPs it can be quite a high jump. Previously we’ve had the GTX 1070 rated at 150W, the RTX 2070 at 175W, and the RTX 3070 at 220W.
This puts a lot of pressure on the rest of the system and you may find yourself needing a new power supply. For a card considered to be more entry-level.
But why? We’re already having to pay a lot to buy the GPU and now we have to pay even more to run it. Also leads to an increased cooling system having to be introduced and a new power connector.
Now it is likely the power increases come from the bigger spec the card is expected to run. Smaller transistors do lead to a smaller die but there are more cores and memory to try and run.
As well running at higher frequencies will require more power. So it all adds up, but that does improve the performance over the previous generation.
As well as the potential for an improvement in the performance per Watt category. The 30 Series offers a better ratio than the 20 series. So the 40 series may be doing the same.
Or it might be Nvidia pushing its cards past AMD. If it hasn’t managed it with architecture it may have to use raw power to get more out of them.
How much VRAM will the RTX 4070 have?
From the latest rumored specs, the RTX 4070 supposedly has 10 GB of VRAM. This is of the GDDR6 variety clocked at 18 Gbps across a 160-bit bus.
What power supply do I need for a 4070?
From what we know the RTX 4070 has a TDP of 300W, through a 12-pin connector. So you will likely require a 700 W power supply. Preferably with the new-gen connector but it will likely come with adapters anyway.
