Graphics Card Comparison: NVIDIA RTX 4070 SUPER vs AMD RX 7800 XT

As we delve into the exciting world of graphics cards, we find that both AMD and NVIDIA, manufactured by TSMC, feature advanced technologies in their GPUs. These chips, developed under 5 and 6 nm processes, stand out for their efficiency and exceptional performance.

It is crucial to understand that, although AMD generally offers a lower number of shaders or Stream Processors compared to NVIDIA, this does not necessarily imply a decrease in power. The key lies in the architecture of each GPU, which defines its performance.

An interesting aspect is the differentiation in the treatment of the cores dedicated to ray tracing. NVIDIA chooses to implement RT Cores as independent hardware units, while AMD integrates its Ray Accelerators directly into the Compute Unit (CU), offering a different perspective in its approach.

When analyzing the frequencies, we observe that AMD sets a lower threshold, possibly aimed at greater energy efficiency, in contrast to NVIDIA, which leans towards a higher base frequency, close to its Turbo capacity.

Regarding VRAM memory, we find a notable difference: 16 GB versus 12 GB. Although both technologies, GDDR6 for AMD and GDDR6X for NVIDIA, are different, each has its merits. These memory capacities are designed with high resolution gaming in mind, such as 2K and 4K. Although 12GB may be sufficient for most games at these resolutions, certain demanding titles could benefit from a larger VRAM capacity.

One point that deserves special attention is the VRAM speed on the NVIDIA RTX 4070 SUPER compared to the AMD RX 7800 XT. The explanation is quite simple: GDDR6X memory not only performs twice as many operations as GDDR6 in the same period, but also the version implemented by NVIDIA in its RTX 4070 SUPER is faster than the AMD version, offering a superior performance in certain scenarios.

When improving gaming performance, a key consideration is optimizing frames per second (FPS). This is especially achieved in titles with advanced graphics engines that benefit from certain technical features.

Cache memory has become a fundamental element in graphics card design in the last half decade. We see how NVIDIA focuses on increasing L2 memory, while AMD opts for a greater total amount of cache. It is relevant to note that L2 memory is consulted before L3 during computing processes, which results in greater speed in task execution.

However, this preference for L2 memory leads to an increase in production costs, a factor that consumers should consider when purchasing these products.

In terms of power consumption, NVIDIA graphics cards exhibit superior efficiency compared to their AMD counterparts, although the specific reasons behind this difference are still unclear. One possibility is that the integration of the MCD complex, manufactured with a 6nm process in AMD's RX 7800 XT GPU, influences this. Additionally, it is important to mention that the AMD GPU includes an additional GDDR6 memory module, a feature not present on NVIDIA cards.

When it comes to connectivity, AMD strives to be at the forefront, integrating DisplayPort 2.1 into its graphics cards. This places its products among the few that offer this technology in 2024, anticipating growth in its adoption.

Finally, when comparing the dimensions of the NVIDIA RTX 4070 SUPER and AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT graphics cards, we found that they are quite similar, with the only notable difference being the thickness of the AMD card.

Games and Their Requirements: A Look at Current Titles

The list of games with the highest graphical demands varies constantly. Here we highlight some of the most played games currently, along with their recommended RAM requirements for an optimal experience:

• Escape From Tarkov : This game needs at least 16 GB of RAM for smooth performance.
• Baldur's Gate 3 and Call of Duty (Vanguard, Warzone, Modern Warfare 2) : These titles require 12 GB of RAM.
• Dota 2, Overwatch 2, and Apex Legends : Playing these games with 8 GB of RAM will offer you a satisfying experience.
• Rust and Genshin Impact : With 16 GB of RAM, these games run optimally.
• Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077 and Starfield : These high-end games require 16GB for a seamless experience.

Opting for 16 GB video memory is a wise decision to enjoy an advanced gaming experience in 2K or 4K resolutions. On the other hand, 12 GB may fall short of the requirements of the most recent games, which demand high levels of graphic detail.

At 1080p resolutions, this difference is not as critical, but to achieve maximum performance at Ultra settings, especially when using technologies such as Ray Tracing, 16 GB is more recommended. Current graphics cards are designed mainly to work with resolutions of 1440p and 2160p, being more efficient in the former. Therefore, thinking long term, 16 GB of VRAM appears to be a more suitable option.

VRAM is crucial because it is responsible for processing the graphical complexity of games, including polygons and 3D elements. This process is demanding and justifies the high cost of graphics cards. However, technologies such as FSR 3 or DLSS 3 use upscaling or "Super Resolution" techniques to initially render at a lower resolution, reducing the workload, and then upscale it using artificial intelligence to higher resolutions such as 2K or 4K.

In the world of graphics technology, artificial intelligence (AI) plays an increasingly crucial role, especially in technologies such as FidelityFX Super Resolution and DLSS. DLSS, a pioneer in the integration of deep learning in graphic processing, has marked a before and after in this field.

As resolution increases in games, the need for more VRAM memory becomes evident. This is because the size of the polygons that must be rendered increases significantly. The difference is noticeable, for example, when comparing texture loading at 720p vs 2160p resolutions.

This factor becomes crucial when analyzing and comparing high-performance graphics cards such as the AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER. These cards are essential for those looking for an optimal gaming experience with Ray Tracing in 2K and 4K resolutions. Don't forget to check out our article on the best graphics cards for an immersive gaming experience at these resolutions.

Is 16 GB of RAM enough? Considerations about Ray Tracing

In the world of graphics cards, not only the amount of memory matters, but the architecture plays a fundamental role. This architecture, which encompasses both the software and hardware of each GPU, is decisive in game performance, especially in FPS.

NVIDIA has stood out for leading in Ray Tracing technology, being pioneers in this field. On the other hand, AMD GPUs, although robust in VRAM memory, lack effective integration with complementary technologies. A clear example is FSR 3, which is not yet widely implemented in many games, leaving AMD a step behind in this regard.

Speaking specifically of Ray Tracing performance, AMD's RX 7800 balancing the competition.

High Performance Analysis in 2K and 4K Resolutions: Taking on the RX 7800 XT and the RTX 4070 SUPER

It is interesting to note how, in games like Hogwarts Legacy, by activating the Ray Tracing function, the NVIDIA graphics card manages to outperform its competitor by a margin of up to 20 FPS; and this difference is even more accentuated in titles like Cyberpunk 2077.

Although the RTX 4070 SUPER has a lower amount of VRAM compared to the RX 7800 XT, it demonstrates superiority in terms of FPS, both with Ray Tracing activated and without it. This brings us to a clear conclusion in this technological duel.

In the current graphics card market, the AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT is presented as an attractive option with a starting cost of 549 euros. On the other hand, the NVIDIA RTX 4070 SUPER, a direct competitor in the same category, is offered at a starting price of 659 euros. This difference of 110 euros in favor of the Radeon RX 7800 XT makes it a cheaper alternative without sacrificing quality.

Analyzing the confrontation between the AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT and the NVIDIA RTX 4070 SUPER, it stands out that the Radeon RX 7800 . Although in terms of Ray Tracing, NVIDIA takes the lead.

Looking ahead, the Radeon RX 7800 XT promises to be a long-lasting investment, potentially effective for four years, especially with the anticipated improvements in FSR 3.

As for the NVIDIA RTX 4070 SUPER, although it has less VRAM, it excels in generating more FPS, both with Ray Tracing activated and without it. Ray Tracing, considered by many to be the future of gaming, significantly improves the gaming experience. However, the question arises as to whether the 12 GB of VRAM will be enough in the long term, although technologies such as DLSS 4 could help optimize performance. Despite this, for those looking for a moderately priced 4K gaming GPU, the NVIDIA option might not be the most recommended.

I invite you to review these options in our store, where you will find a wide range of alternatives for every need.