Is The Gtx 1070 Worth It In 2023?
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 was released over 6 years ago in 2016, so is this older graphics card still worth buying in 2023?
With new GPUs constantly coming out, it can be tough to decide if an older model like the GTX 1070 is still a good option.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer:
Yes, the GTX 1070 is still a very capable 1080p gaming GPU in 2023 that can handle the latest games at high-ultra settings. It provides great performance per dollar but lacks newer features like ray tracing support.
GTX 1070 Overview
The GTX 1070, released in 2016, was a highly anticipated graphics card from NVIDIA. Known for its impressive performance and affordability, it quickly gained popularity among gamers and PC enthusiasts. But is the GTX 1070 still worth considering in 2023?
Release date and specs
The GTX 1070 was launched on June 10, 2016, as part of NVIDIA’s Pascal architecture lineup. It boasted 8GB of GDDR5 video memory, 1920 CUDA cores, and a base clock speed of 1506 MHz.
With a boost clock speed of 1683 MHz, this card offered excellent performance for its time.
Despite being a few years old now, the GTX 1070 still holds up well in terms of specifications. Its 8GB VRAM allows for smooth gameplay at 1080p and even 1440p resolutions. It also supports VR gaming, making it a versatile choice for those interested in virtual reality experiences.
Performance when new
When it was first released, the GTX 1070 was considered a high-end graphics card and was capable of delivering exceptional performance in demanding games.
It was praised for its ability to handle AAA titles at 60+ frames per second on high settings, providing a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.
The GTX 1070’s performance was also noteworthy when it came to overclocking. Many users were able to push the card’s clock speeds even further, resulting in improved frame rates and overall performance.
This made it a popular choice among PC enthusiasts who enjoyed tweaking their hardware for optimal performance.
Furthermore, the GTX 1070’s power efficiency was impressive for its time. It consumed less power compared to previous generations of graphics cards, resulting in lower electricity bills and less heat generation.
GTX 1070 Performance in 2023
1080p gaming
The GTX 1070 continues to deliver impressive performance in 2023 when it comes to 1080p gaming. With its powerful architecture and 8GB of VRAM, this graphics card can handle most modern games at this resolution with ease.
Whether you’re playing fast-paced shooters or open-world RPGs, the GTX 1070 will provide smooth gameplay and high frame rates.
It’s a great option for budget-conscious gamers who want to experience great visuals without breaking the bank.
1440p gaming
When it comes to 1440p gaming, the GTX 1070 still holds up quite well in 2023. While it may not be able to max out graphics settings in the most demanding titles, it can still deliver a great gaming experience at this resolution.
With its 8GB of VRAM and strong performance, the GTX 1070 can handle most games at 1440p with smooth frame rates and good visual fidelity. Gamers looking to upgrade their system for 1440p gaming without spending a fortune will find the GTX 1070 to be a solid choice.
4K gaming
When it comes to 4K gaming, the GTX 1070 may struggle a bit in 2023. While it can still run some less demanding games at 4K with decent frame rates, it may struggle with more graphically intensive titles.
Gamers looking to play games at 4K resolution may want to consider a more powerful graphics card like the RTX 30 series or the AMD Radeon RX 6000 series.
These newer cards offer better performance and features specifically designed for 4K gaming.
However, if you’re willing to lower some graphics settings or play older games, the GTX 1070 can still provide a satisfactory 4K gaming experience.
Ray Tracing and DLSS Support
One of the major reasons why the GTX 1070 is still worth considering in 2023 is its support for ray tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology.
Ray tracing is a revolutionary rendering technique that simulates the behavior of light in real-time, resulting in more realistic and immersive graphics.
DLSS, on the other hand, uses AI to upscale lower resolution images to higher resolutions, reducing the strain on your graphics card while maintaining visual quality.
While the GTX 1070 may not be as powerful as the latest RTX series graphics cards, it still delivers impressive performance when it comes to ray tracing and DLSS.
Games that support these technologies can benefit from improved visuals and performance, even on a GTX 1070. It’s a great way to experience the next level of graphical fidelity without breaking the bank.
The Impact of Ray Tracing on Gaming
Ray tracing has been a game-changer in the gaming industry, allowing for more realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows.
With ray tracing support, the GTX 1070 can deliver stunning visuals in games that have implemented this technology.
Imagine walking through a virtual world where light reacts realistically to every surface, creating lifelike reflections and dynamic shadows that enhance the overall immersion.
While not all games have ray tracing support, the number of titles adopting this technology is growing rapidly. Popular games like Cyberpunk 2077, Control, and Battlefield V have all integrated ray tracing, and more games are expected to do the same in the future.
By investing in a GTX 1070, you can still enjoy these visually stunning games without compromising on performance.
The Advantages of DLSS
DLSS is another feature that makes the GTX 1070 a worthwhile option in 2023. This technology leverages the power of AI to upscale lower resolution images, resulting in crisper and more detailed visuals.
It not only improves image quality but also allows for better performance in games.
DLSS can significantly improve frame rates, allowing you to enjoy smoother gameplay even in demanding titles. It does this by rendering the game at a lower resolution and then using AI to upscale it to a higher resolution.
The result is a visually appealing experience with minimal impact on performance. This is particularly beneficial for gamers who want to play at higher resolutions but may not have a high-end graphics card.
GTX 1070 vs. New GPUs
As technology continues to advance, newer graphics cards are hitting the market with improved performance and features.
This raises the question: is the GTX 1070 still worth it in 2023 compared to newer GPUs? Let’s compare the GTX 1070 with two popular options: the RTX 3060 and the RX 6600 XT.
GTX 1070 vs. RTX 3060
The GTX 1070 was released in 2016 and was highly regarded for its performance at the time. However, the RTX 3060, released in 2021, offers significant improvements in terms of power and efficiency.
With its newer architecture and features like ray tracing and DLSS, the RTX 3060 provides a more immersive gaming experience.
Additionally, the RTX 3060 offers better performance in demanding games and supports higher resolutions and refresh rates. If you’re looking for top-notch performance and the latest features, the RTX 3060 is worth considering.
According to Tech4Gamers, the RTX 3060 outperforms the GTX 1070 by a significant margin in various benchmarks.
In games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Control, the RTX 3060 delivers smoother gameplay with higher frame rates and better visual fidelity.
The improved performance of the RTX 3060 makes it a great choice for gamers who want to enjoy the latest titles at their best.
GTX 1070 vs. RX 6600 XT
The RX 6600 XT, released in 2021 by AMD, is another competitor to the aging GTX 1070. This graphics card offers similar performance to the RTX 3060, making it a viable alternative for gamers.
The RX 6600 XT boasts AMD’s advanced RDNA 2 architecture, which provides impressive performance in both gaming and content creation tasks.
According to Tom’s Hardware, the RX 6600 XT performs on par with the RTX 3060 in most games, sometimes even surpassing it in certain titles.
AMD’s Smart Access Memory and Infinity Cache technologies further enhance the card’s performance, allowing it to excel in high-resolution gaming scenarios.
If you’re a fan of AMD and want a powerful GPU without breaking the bank, the RX 6600 XT is a great choice.
Should You Buy a GTX 1070 in 2023?
When it comes to purchasing a new graphics card, it’s important to consider the current market and the specific needs of your gaming setup. The GTX 1070, released in 2016, was a powerful mid-range option at the time. However, in 2023, is it still worth investing in?
Performance and Future-Proofing
The GTX 1070 is still a capable graphics card that can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution with high settings.
It offers a good balance between price and performance, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious gamers.
However, if you are looking to play games at 4K resolution or with ray tracing enabled, you may want to consider more powerful options like the RTX 30 series.
Additionally, it’s important to consider future-proofing when investing in a graphics card. Technology advances rapidly, and newer games may require more powerful hardware. While the GTX 1070 can still handle current games well, it may struggle with upcoming titles that demand higher performance.
Pricing and Availability
One of the factors to consider when purchasing a graphics card is its pricing and availability. The GTX 1070 is no longer being manufactured, which means you will likely have to buy it from the used market.
While this can lead to potential cost savings, it also comes with risks, such as buying a card that has been heavily used or potentially damaged.
Alternatively, you may consider purchasing a newer graphics card that offers better performance for a similar price. The market is filled with options, and it’s worth researching the latest releases to find the best value for your money.
Conclusion
The GTX 1070 holds up well for 1080p gaming 6 years after its release. It provides strong FPS performance in the latest games and can handle high-ultra settings in most titles.
The GPU is still a good value for 1080p gaming on a budget.
However, it lacks newer features like ray tracing and DLSS that are only available on RTX cards. The GTX 1070 can struggle more at 1440p and is not ideal for 4K gaming. But overall, it remains a very capable card in 2023 if you’re mainly targeting 1080p gaming.
