RTX 2070 Super vs. RTX 3070: A Definitive Showdown

The short answer? No, the RTX 2070 Super is not better than the RTX 3070. While the RTX 2070 Super was a powerhouse in its time, the RTX 3070 represents a significant generational leap, offering superior performance, features, and overall value. Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to understand why the RTX 3070 reigns supreme.

Architecture and Performance

The heart of the matter lies in the underlying architecture. The RTX 2070 Super is based on Nvidia’s Turing architecture, while the RTX 3070 leverages the newer and more efficient Ampere architecture. This architectural difference translates to several key advantages for the RTX 3070:

• Increased CUDA Cores: The RTX 3070 boasts a significantly higher number of CUDA cores than the RTX 2070 Super. CUDA cores are the workhorses of the GPU, responsible for handling the parallel processing required for rendering graphics and running compute workloads. More CUDA cores directly correlate to increased performance.

• Enhanced Ray Tracing Cores: Both cards feature ray tracing cores to enable realistic lighting and reflections in supported games. However, the RTX 3070’s second-generation ray tracing cores offer significantly improved performance and efficiency compared to the first-generation cores found in the RTX 2070 Super.

• Improved Tensor Cores: Tensor cores are specialized units designed for accelerating AI-related tasks, such as Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS). The RTX 3070 features third-generation Tensor cores, providing a substantial boost in DLSS performance compared to the RTX 2070 Super’s second-generation cores. DLSS allows for higher frame rates and improved image quality by rendering games at a lower resolution and then using AI to upscale the image.

• Higher Clock Speeds: The RTX 3070 generally offers higher base and boost clock speeds than the RTX 2070 Super, contributing to its overall performance advantage.

Gaming Performance

In real-world gaming scenarios, the RTX 3070 consistently outperforms the RTX 2070 Super across a wide range of titles and resolutions. Independent benchmarks and reviews consistently demonstrate a performance lead for the RTX 3070, typically ranging from 15% to 30% depending on the game and settings. This performance difference is noticeable, resulting in smoother gameplay, higher frame rates, and the ability to run games at higher resolutions and settings.

Features and Technologies

Beyond raw performance, the RTX 3070 boasts several key features and technologies that further solidify its superiority:

• DLSS 2.0 (and beyond): The RTX 3070’s enhanced Tensor cores enable better performance and image quality when using DLSS. This technology can significantly boost frame rates without sacrificing visual fidelity, making it a valuable asset for demanding games.

• Nvidia Reflex: Nvidia Reflex is a technology designed to reduce system latency, improving responsiveness in competitive games. The RTX 3070 supports Reflex, while the RTX 2070 Super does not.

• Resizable BAR: Resizable BAR (also known as Smart Access Memory (SAM) on AMD platforms) allows the CPU to access the entire GPU memory at once, potentially improving performance in certain games. The RTX 3070 supports Resizable BAR, while the RTX 2070 Super may require a motherboard and BIOS update to enable this feature (if supported at all).

Power Efficiency

Despite its superior performance, the RTX 3070 typically consumes similar or slightly less power than the RTX 2070 Super. This improved power efficiency is a testament to the Ampere architecture’s advancements.

Value Proposition

When initially released, the RTX 3070 and RTX 2070 Super were priced similarly. Considering the RTX 3070’s superior performance and features, it offered a significantly better value proposition. In the used market, the price difference may be smaller, but the performance gap still makes the RTX 3070 the better choice if the price is within a reasonable range.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the RTX 2070 Super and RTX 3070:

1. Is the RTX 3070 a big upgrade from the RTX 2070 Super?

Yes, the RTX 3070 offers a noticeable performance improvement over the RTX 2070 Super, typically ranging from 15% to 30%. This upgrade is worthwhile for gamers seeking higher frame rates, better image quality, or the ability to play games at higher resolutions.

2. Is the RTX 2070 Super still a good card in 2024?

Yes, the RTX 2070 Super remains a capable card for 1080p and even 1440p gaming. It can still run most modern games at reasonable settings. However, it will struggle with demanding titles at higher resolutions and settings, especially with ray tracing enabled.

3. What is the RTX 2070 Super equivalent to in the current generation?

It depends on the specific game and settings. The RTX 2070 Super generally performs similarly to an RTX 3060 in many titles, with the RTX 3060 potentially having an edge due to its larger VRAM capacity in certain scenarios.

4. Does the RTX 3070 have more VRAM than the RTX 2070 Super?

No, both the RTX 2070 Super and RTX 3070 come with 8GB of GDDR6 memory. However, the RTX 3060 has 12GB of VRAM, which can be advantageous in certain games that require more memory.

5. Is the RTX 3070 good for 1440p gaming?

Yes, the RTX 3070 is an excellent choice for 1440p gaming. It can handle most games at high or ultra settings with smooth frame rates.

6. Can the RTX 3070 run ray tracing games?

Yes, the RTX 3070 can run ray tracing games, thanks to its dedicated ray tracing cores. However, performance may vary depending on the game and settings. DLSS can help to improve frame rates when ray tracing is enabled.

7. What CPU should I pair with an RTX 3070?

A good pairing for an RTX 3070 would be an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X or an Intel Core i5-12400. These CPUs offer excellent performance without bottlenecking the GPU.

8. Is the RTX 3070 worth buying used?

If you can find a used RTX 3070 at a reasonable price, it can be a good value. However, be sure to thoroughly test the card before purchasing to ensure it is in good working condition.

9. What power supply do I need for an RTX 3070?

Nvidia recommends a 650W power supply for systems with an RTX 3070. However, it is always best to check the power requirements of your specific system components to ensure you have adequate headroom.

10. Is the RTX 3070 a high-end graphics card?

Yes, the RTX 3070 is considered a high-end graphics card.

11. What AMD card is comparable to the RTX 3070?

The AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT and RX 6800 are comparable to the RTX 3070 in terms of performance.

12. Will upgrading to an RTX 3070 improve VR performance?

Yes, upgrading to an RTX 3070 will generally improve VR performance due to its increased processing power and features.

13. Where can I find more information about game performance?

Many websites and YouTube channels offer benchmarks and reviews of graphics cards in various games. Searching for “RTX 3070 vs RTX 2070 Super game benchmarks” will provide a wealth of information.

14. How does DLSS impact the RTX 3070’s performance?

DLSS can significantly boost performance on the RTX 3070, especially in demanding games. It allows you to achieve higher frame rates without a significant loss in visual fidelity.

15. Does the architectural difference between Turing and Ampere matter?

Absolutely. The Ampere architecture is a significant improvement over Turing, offering greater efficiency, more powerful ray tracing and Tensor cores, and overall better performance. This is a primary reason why the RTX 3070 is superior to the RTX 2070 Super.

Conclusion

The RTX 3070 is undeniably the better choice compared to the RTX 2070 Super. Its superior performance, advanced features, and improved power efficiency make it a worthwhile upgrade for gamers seeking a significant boost in their gaming experience. While the RTX 2070 Super remains a capable card, the RTX 3070 represents a clear generational leap that delivers a more compelling value proposition. And for all those interested in game-based learning, don’t forget to check out Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. The advancements in gaming technology continue to shape the way we learn and engage with information.