G3D Mark is a standard benchmark that measures graphics performance in real-world gaming scenarios. It simplifies comparing cards from different brands, where higher scores directly correlate with better fps and smoother gaming experiences.

Head-to-Head Verdict, Benchmarks, Value & Long-Term Outlook

This comparison brings together gaming FPS, raw graphics performance, VRAM, feature set, power efficiency, pricing context, and long-term value so you can see which GPU actually makes more sense.

GeForce RTX 4070

2023

Why buy it

✅Costs $1,000 less on MSRP ($599 MSRP vs $1,599 MSRP).
✅Delivers 88.5% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 44.9 vs 23.8 G3D/$ ($599 MSRP vs $1,599 MSRP).
✅Draws 200W instead of 450W, a 250W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower average FPS than GeForce RTX 4090 across 10 tracked games in our benchmark data.
❌Less VRAM, with 12 GB vs 24 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌Fewer Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation (184 vs 512), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.

GeForce RTX 4090

2022

Why buy it

✅37.9% more average FPS across 10 tracked games in our benchmark data.
✅178.3% more Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation, which can increase overall FPS in supported games (512 vs 184).
✅100% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (24 GB vs 12 GB).

Trade-offs

❌
166.9% HIGHER MSRP
$1,599 MSRPvs$599 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 23.8 vs 44.9 G3D/$ ($1,599 MSRP vs $599 MSRP).
❌125% higher power demand at 450W vs 200W.

GeForce RTX 4070

2023

GeForce RTX 4090

2022

Why buy it

✅Costs $1,000 less on MSRP ($599 MSRP vs $1,599 MSRP).
✅Delivers 88.5% more G3D Mark for each dollar spent, at 44.9 vs 23.8 G3D/$ ($599 MSRP vs $1,599 MSRP).
✅Draws 200W instead of 450W, a 250W reduction.

Why buy it

✅37.9% more average FPS across 10 tracked games in our benchmark data.
✅178.3% more Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation, which can increase overall FPS in supported games (512 vs 184).
✅100% more VRAM for high-resolution textures and newer games (24 GB vs 12 GB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower average FPS than GeForce RTX 4090 across 10 tracked games in our benchmark data.
❌Less VRAM, with 12 GB vs 24 GB for high-resolution textures and newer games.
❌Fewer Tensor Cores for AI-powered features like DLSS and frame generation (184 vs 512), which can reduce FPS gains in supported games.

Trade-offs

❌
166.9% HIGHER MSRP
$1,599 MSRPvs$599 MSRP
❌Lower G3D Mark per dollar, at 23.8 vs 44.9 G3D/$ ($1,599 MSRP vs $599 MSRP).
❌125% higher power demand at 450W vs 200W.

Quick Answers

So, is GeForce RTX 4090 better than GeForce RTX 4070?

Yes. GeForce RTX 4090 is the better GPU overall here. You are getting 37.9% more average FPS across 10 tracked games in our benchmark data, 41.6% higher PassMark G3D performance, 512 vs 184 Tensor cores, and 24 GB vs 12 GB of VRAM. It also comes from 2022 instead of 2023, which helps its case as the more complete modern gaming card.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

GeForce RTX 4070 is the more future-proof choice for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer 2023 generation instead of 2022. That makes it the safer long-run choice for modern games.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper card?

GeForce RTX 4090 is about 166.9% more expensive on MSRP at $1,599 MSRP versus $599 MSRP, and you are getting 37.9% more estimated average FPS across 10 tracked games in our benchmark data and 41.6% higher G3D Mark. GeForce RTX 4070 still holds the G3D-per-dollar lead, so the performance win comes with a real value premium. If you are comfortable paying the premium for the stronger gaming result, GeForce RTX 4090 is the one to buy. If staying closer to budget matters more, GeForce RTX 4070 still makes more sense on price alone and remains capable enough for modern gaming.

When does GeForce RTX 4070 make more sense than GeForce RTX 4090?

Yes. GeForce RTX 4070 is still an excellent gaming GPU in 2026: it is excellent for 1080p, very strong for 1440p, and still capable at 4K with sensible settings or upscaling. It makes more sense if your priority is newer architecture, lower power draw (200W vs 450W), future-proofing, and staying closer to $599 MSRP more than squeezing out the extra headroom of GeForce RTX 4090. The trade-off is that GeForce RTX 4090 currently gives you 41.6% higher G3D Mark and 37.9% more estimated average FPS across 10 tracked games in our benchmark data. GeForce RTX 4070 still holds the G3D-per-dollar lead, so the performance win comes with a real value premium.

Games Benchmarks

Real-world benchmarks and performance projections based on comprehensive hardware analysis and comparative metrics. Values represent expected performance on High/Ultra settings at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Modeled using a Ryzen 7 9800X3D reference profile to minimize specific CPU bottlenecks.

Note: Performance behavior can vary per game. Specific architectures may perform better or worse depending on game engine optimizations and API implementation.

GeForce RTX 4070 Benchmark Check

GeForce RTX 4090 Benchmark Check

Path of Exile 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 4070	GeForce RTX 4090
1080p
low	183 FPS	283 FPS
medium	167 FPS	262 FPS
high	151 FPS	224 FPS
ultra	131 FPS	196 FPS
1440p
low	150 FPS	261 FPS
medium	124 FPS	217 FPS
high	110 FPS	173 FPS
ultra	101 FPS	156 FPS
4K
low	92 FPS	180 FPS
medium	78 FPS	149 FPS
high	65 FPS	114 FPS
ultra	58 FPS	102 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 4070 Open GeForce RTX 4090

Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

Counter-Strike 2

Preset	GeForce RTX 4070	GeForce RTX 4090
1080p
low	544 FPS	910 FPS
medium	454 FPS	726 FPS
high	353 FPS	567 FPS
ultra	299 FPS	478 FPS
1440p
low	351 FPS	728 FPS
medium	288 FPS	607 FPS
high	235 FPS	494 FPS
ultra	197 FPS	397 FPS
4K
low	172 FPS	396 FPS
medium	144 FPS	335 FPS
high	125 FPS	309 FPS
ultra	101 FPS	265 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 4070 Open GeForce RTX 4090

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

League of Legends

Preset	GeForce RTX 4070	GeForce RTX 4090
1080p
low	884 FPS	944 FPS
medium	713 FPS	772 FPS
high	643 FPS	699 FPS
ultra	569 FPS	604 FPS
1440p
low	684 FPS	731 FPS
medium	549 FPS	598 FPS
high	483 FPS	529 FPS
ultra	424 FPS	452 FPS
4K
low	467 FPS	506 FPS
medium	373 FPS	419 FPS
high	326 FPS	377 FPS
ultra	277 FPS	317 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 4070 Open GeForce RTX 4090

League of Legends

League of Legends

Valorant

Preset	GeForce RTX 4070	GeForce RTX 4090
1080p
low	751 FPS	999 FPS
medium	612 FPS	971 FPS
high	536 FPS	855 FPS
ultra	497 FPS	764 FPS
1440p
low	615 FPS	830 FPS
medium	500 FPS	728 FPS
high	433 FPS	641 FPS
ultra	395 FPS	561 FPS
4K
low	384 FPS	606 FPS
medium	324 FPS	538 FPS
high	301 FPS	480 FPS
ultra	272 FPS	420 FPS

Open GeForce RTX 4070 Open GeForce RTX 4090

Valorant

Valorant

Check FPS for your specific build

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce RTX 4070 and GeForce RTX 4090

GeForce RTX 4070

The GeForce RTX 4070 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in April 12 2023. It features the Ada Lovelace architecture. The core clock ranges from 1920 MHz to 2475 MHz. It has 5888 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 200W. Manufactured using 5 nm process technology. It features 46 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 26,919 points. Launch price was $599.

GeForce RTX 4090

The GeForce RTX 4090 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in September 20 2022. It features the Ada Lovelace architecture. The core clock ranges from 2235 MHz to 2520 MHz. It has 16384 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 450W. Manufactured using 5 nm process technology. It features 128 dedicated ray tracing cores for enhanced lighting effects. G3D Mark benchmark score: 38,112 points. Launch price was $1,599.

⚡

Graphics Performance

In G3D Mark, the GeForce RTX 4070 scores 26,919 versus the GeForce RTX 4090's 38,112 — the GeForce RTX 4090 leads by 41.6%. The GeForce RTX 4070 is built on Ada Lovelace while the GeForce RTX 4090 uses Ada Lovelace, both on a 5 nm process. Shader units: 5,888 (GeForce RTX 4070) vs 16,384 (GeForce RTX 4090). Raw compute: 29.15 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 4070) vs 82.58 TFLOPS (GeForce RTX 4090). Boost clocks: 2475 MHz vs 2520 MHz. Ray tracing: 46 RT cores (GeForce RTX 4070) vs 128 (GeForce RTX 4090) with 184 Tensor cores vs 512.

Feature	GeForce RTX 4070	GeForce RTX 4090
G3D Mark Score	26,919	38,112+42%
Architecture	Ada Lovelace	Ada Lovelace
Process Node	5 nm	5 nm
Shading Units	5888	16384+178%
Compute (TFLOPS)	29.15 TFLOPS	82.58 TFLOPS+183%
Boost Clock	2475 MHz	2520 MHz+2%
ROPs	64	176+175%
TMUs	184	512+178%
L1 Cache	5.8 MB	16 MB+176%
L2 Cache	36 MB	72 MB+100%
Ray Tracing Cores	46	128+178%
Tensor Cores	184	512+178%

✨

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

Both cards support modern Frame Generation technology, allowing them to insert intermediate frames to smooth motion and boost perceived FPS in supported games.

Feature	GeForce RTX 4070	GeForce RTX 4090
Upscaling Tech	DLSS 3.5 Super Resolution	DLSS 3.5 Super Resolution
Frame Generation	DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation	DLSS 3.5 + Frame Generation
Ray Reconstruction	Yes (DLSS 3.5)	Yes (DLSS 3.5)
Low Latency	NVIDIA Reflex	NVIDIA Reflex

💾

Video Memory (VRAM)

The GeForce RTX 4070 comes with 12 GB of VRAM, while the GeForce RTX 4090 has 24 GB. The GeForce RTX 4090 offers 100% more capacity, crucial for higher resolutions and texture-heavy games. Memory bandwidth: 504 GB/s (GeForce RTX 4070) vs 1008 GB/s (GeForce RTX 4090) — a 100% advantage for the GeForce RTX 4090. Bus width: 192-bit vs 384-bit. L2 Cache: 36 MB (GeForce RTX 4070) vs 72 MB (GeForce RTX 4090) — the GeForce RTX 4090 has significantly larger on-die cache to reduce VRAM reliance.

Feature	GeForce RTX 4070	GeForce RTX 4090
VRAM Capacity	12 GB	24 GB+100%
Memory Type	GDDR6X	GDDR6X
Memory Bandwidth	504 GB/s	1008 GB/s+100%
Bus Width	192-bit	384-bit+100%
L2 Cache	36 MB	72 MB+100%

🖥️

Display & API Support

DirectX support: 12.2 (GeForce RTX 4070) vs 12.2 (GeForce RTX 4090). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.3. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.6. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 4.

Feature	GeForce RTX 4070	GeForce RTX 4090
DirectX	12.2	12.2
Vulkan	1.3	1.3
OpenGL	4.6	4.6
Max Displays	4	4

🎬

Media & Encoding

Hardware encoder: 8th Gen NVENC (2x) (GeForce RTX 4070) vs 8th Gen NVENC (2x) (GeForce RTX 4090). Decoder: 5th Gen NVDEC vs 5th Gen NVDEC. Supported codecs: MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9,AV1 (GeForce RTX 4070) vs MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9,AV1 (GeForce RTX 4090).

Feature	GeForce RTX 4070	GeForce RTX 4090
Encoder	8th Gen NVENC (2x)	8th Gen NVENC (2x)
Decoder	5th Gen NVDEC	5th Gen NVDEC
Codecs	MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9,AV1	MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC,VP9,AV1

🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce RTX 4070 draws 200W versus the GeForce RTX 4090's 450W — a 76.9% difference. The GeForce RTX 4070 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 650W (GeForce RTX 4070) vs 1000W (GeForce RTX 4090). Power connectors: 8-pin vs 16-pin (12VHPWR). Card length: 304mm vs 304mm, occupying 3 vs 3 slots. Typical load temperature: 80°C vs 80°C.

Feature	GeForce RTX 4070	GeForce RTX 4090
TDP	200W-56%	450W
Recommended PSU	650W-35%	1000W
Power Connector	8-pin	16-pin (12VHPWR)
Length	304mm	304mm
Height	137mm	137mm
Slots	3	3
Temp (Load)	80°C	80°C
Perf/Watt	134.6+59%	84.7

💰

Value Analysis

The GeForce RTX 4070 launched at $599 MSRP, while the GeForce RTX 4090 launched at $1599. The GeForce RTX 4070 costs 62.5% less ($1000 savings) on MSRP. Performance per dollar on MSRP (G3D Mark / MSRP): 44.9 (GeForce RTX 4070) vs 23.8 (GeForce RTX 4090) — the GeForce RTX 4070 offers 88.7% better value. The GeForce RTX 4070 is the newer GPU (2023 vs 2022).