At a Glance
The RTX 2070S and 3070 graphics cards from Nvidia are built for smooth 1080p and 1440p gaming. Both offer ray tracing support and similar $500 price tags.
But with more CUDA cores, upgraded ray tracing hardware and higher tested performance, the newer Ampere-based RTX 3070 pulls ahead as the better option for most.
Depending on the games you play and monitor setup, a discounted 2070S can still be a good value choice. This overview will compare all the key specifications and real-world benchmarks to help you decide.
RTX 2070S vs. RTX 3070 Specs and Technologies Compared
First, let‘s look at how the core hardware specs stack up:
| Specification | RTX 2070S | RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| CUDA Cores | 2,560 | 5,888 |
| Boost Clock | 1,770MHz | 1,725MHz |
| Memory Bandwidth | 448GB/s | 448GB/s |
With over twice the number of CUDA processing cores, the RTX 3070 can run game graphics workloads much more efficiently. And while their peak boost clocks look close, improved power delivery gives the 3070 an edge here as well.
Both GPUs have 8GB of speedy GDDR6 video memory paired with a 256-bit memory bus. So you can crank texture quality and assets without worrying about capacity.
For next-gen lighting effects powered by ray tracing, Nvidia‘s RTX platform now in its 2nd generation accelerates performance. The 3070 runs real-time ray traced reflections, shadows, and ambient occlusion more smoothly thanks to its dedicated RT core hardware. AI-boosted graphics like Deep Learning Super Sampling have also been upgraded this round.
Gaming Benchmarks and Performance Reviewed
Now to examine how these specs translate into fps for both cards across top titles at 1080p highest settings:
| Game | RTX 2070S Avg FPS | RTX 3070 Avg FPS | Performance Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 40 | 48 | 20% |
| Call of Duty: Warzone | 108 | 129 | 19% |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 78 | 98 | 26% |
Source: Tom‘s Hardware GPU Hierarchy
Across high-fidelity titles from shooters to open-world adventures, the 3070 demonstrates a ~20% higher avg FPS. That not only means faster response times and fluidity, but extra overhead for more demanding future releases.
The ability to enable cutting-edge lighting techniques like ray tracing also gives the 3070 an upper hand. Take this Cyberpunk 2077 example with Medium ray tracing preset enabled:
- RTX 3070 – 38 fps
- RTX 2070S – 27 fps
A 40% performance lead means you can better enjoy advanced graphics features that the 2070S struggles more with.
Overclocking headroom also slightly favors the newer Ampere GPU. In fact, when pushed to its limits, the RTX 3070 nearly matches stock RTX 3080 performance as analysis from BabelTechReviews demonstrates.
Comparing Prices and Value Propositions
Now to examine value. Both of these GPUs launched with suggested pricing around $499. Availability issues have seen real-world costs fluctuate, but you can often find discounted 2070S units from last-gen.
If you spot an RTX 2070S priced under $400 then that becomes a tempting offer considering its solid speeds. Saving money is always nice, and you still get capabilities like DLSS, usable ray tracing performance, and graphical horsepower aimed at high fidelity 1080p and smooth 1440p gaming.
But for those buying at full original MSRPs, the RTX 3070 delivers better performance per dollar spent. Architectural improvements focused on boosting ray tracing, AI rendering, and traditional rasterization make it the more future-ready option if prices are close.
Considering most realistically end up purchasing these GPUs online, here are current retail deals worth evaluating:
MSI RTX 2070S Gaming X – $529.99
Gigabyte RTX 3070 Gaming OC – $549.99
Given today‘s market, those offer decent value if you need an upgrade now. But examine seller reputations and warranty coverage first in either case.
Choosing What‘s Best for You
If gaming at 1440p or craving the smoothest ray traced graphics, then spending a bit more for the RTX 3070 upgrades is your best bet. Things like DLSS support and improved rendering cores keep it relevant for years to come.
But those still enjoying responsive 1080p gameplay on a high refresh rate monitor can save money with a 2070S. Discounted models become an even better buy. Just know ray tracing performance takes a hit at higher resolutions.
Either GPU paired with a capable CPU will drive the latest games very smoothly. For Intel builds, something along the lines of the Core i7-10700K makes a great match. That 8-core/16-thread processor won‘t hold back your frames. Overclocking room gives both chips an extra boost there too.
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