Nvidia is launching a new version of one of its best GPUs – the RTX 4070 (not Super). Normally, this would be great news. There is one downside, however: Nvidia is equipping the new RTX 4070 with GDDR6 memory, which is a step down from the GDDR6X the GPU is usually equipped with. It wouldn’t be the end of the world, but there are a few warning signs.
First of all, Nvidia itself lists the GPU alongside the previous version. It seems like the two RTX 4070s only differ in memory type while keeping the same clock speeds, bus widths, and CUDA core counts. That’s good news, but the move from GDDR6X to GDDR6 means a loss in bandwidth.
The difference is not huge. The new RTX 4070 is said to have GDDR6 VRAM at 20 Gbps, while the GDDR6X version is clocked at 21 Gbps. That means a bandwidth drop from 504 GB/s to 480 GB/s. Nvidia itself claims that the new GPU “offers similar performance in games and applications,” and I can easily believe that.
Nvidia is launching this RTX 4070 in September as demand for the card is consistently high, and it’s no wonder. Despite the RTX 4070 Super launching in January, the RTX 4070 remains a competitive mainstream option for gamers, especially after the $50 price cut it received after the Super version was released. Even with the RAM downgrade, the RTX 4070 should still be great… but the limitations are still pretty obvious.
The main problem I see is that Nvidia doesn’t list the GPU separately – it’s simply another variant of the RTX 4070. This may lead to unclear branding once the cards made by Nvidia’s partners hit the shelves. You need to pay attention now, because it could be all too easy to accidentally buy the GDDR6 version.
There is nothing wrong with the GDDR6 version, but it Is a small downgrade. However, this spec adjustment does not come with a lower price. Unless Nvidia or its partners have a nice surprise in store for September, the RTX 4070 with GDDR6 memory will be offered at a suggested list price (MSRP) of $550. In short, you could end up buying a (admittedly very slightly) worse GPU for the same price.
On the other hand, not everything is bad. Now that it looks like we won’t be getting any new GPUs this year after all, the increased supply of RTX 4070 should help keep the market healthy despite the warning signs of an impending GPU shortage.
