In the ongoing debate of whether to invest in a gaming PC equipped with an RTX 5070 Ti or settle for the slightly less powerful RTX 5070, the answer may hinge on performance needs and budget considerations. To shed light on this decision, both GPUs are being rigorously tested across five of the most demanding PC games currently available, each presenting unique challenges that will reveal the true capabilities of these graphics cards.
For those who prefer a pre-built solution, PC Specialist offers an appealing option with their Cortex Supreme model, which boasts an impressive configuration. Priced at £2,487, it features a sleek Fractal North gaming case housing an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU, an Asus TUF GeForce RTX 5070 Ti OC GPU, 32GB of Corsair DDR5 RAM, and a 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD. This setup is powered by a Corsair 850W power supply and is anchored by the Asus TUF Gaming B850-Plus Wi-Fi 7 motherboard, complemented by the FrostFlow 200 Series CPU cooler to prevent thermal throttling.
How will this work?
As the testing unfolds, the first step involves a pure rendering test without any DLSS options activated, allowing for a baseline assessment of the CUDA core performance. Given that over 90% of RTX 50-series gamers utilize DLSS, subsequent tests will incorporate this technology. The testing includes the multiplayer mode of Black Ops 6, with frame generation disabled but utilizing resolution scaling and Nvidia Reflex, alongside a few instances of 4x multi-frame generation. Performance metrics will be calculated based on the retail prices of the GPUs:
- RTX 5070: 9 / £529
- RTX 5070 Ti: 9 / £729
Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 is not only a visually stunning game but also a significant test for system performance. Pushing both GPUs to 4K Ultra settings with path tracing activated and DLSS features turned off, the results were revealing. The RTX 5070 managed to achieve a modest 17 FPS, while the RTX 5070 Ti delivered a more robust 25 FPS. Although neither reached the coveted 60 FPS mark at Ultra settings, the additional VRAM of the 5070 Ti provided a noticeable advantage.
When DLSS 4 was enabled, the performance gap narrowed, with both GPUs exceeding 100 FPS, ensuring a smooth experience for most single-player titles. The advancements in DLSS 4 also effectively handled the challenging neon lighting, maintaining immersion without flickering or ghosting.
Forza Horizon 5
In the vibrant world of Forza Horizon 5, where speed and smoothness are paramount, the performance of both GPUs was closely scrutinized. While high frame rates are crucial, the consistency of performance, particularly the 1% lows, also plays a significant role in the gaming experience. Interestingly, both the RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti exhibited similar 1% low performance, indicating that both cards faced challenges during the game’s more demanding moments.
Call of Duty Black Ops 6
In the fast-paced environment of Call of Duty Black Ops 6, frame generation can sometimes hinder performance, leading to ghosting and latency issues. In this scenario, frame generation was disabled, and the focus shifted to DLSS resolution scaling with all detail settings set to high. Here, the RTX 5070 began to show its limitations against the superior CUDA core and VRAM capacity of the 5070 Ti, resulting in a smoother gameplay experience on the higher-end card.
Black Myth: Wukong
With its graphics settings maxed out, Black Myth: Wukong proved to be a demanding title, requiring quick frame rates for precise timing in combat. While the performance gap between the two GPUs was evident, it was not substantial enough to create a disadvantage in gameplay.
Alan Wake II
Alan Wake II showcased the capabilities of both GPUs, particularly with the integration of advanced technologies like multi-frame generation and RTX Mega Geometry. Both cards performed admirably, delivering smooth frame rates and consistent 1% lows without noticeable visual artifacts. However, the question remains: in a slower-paced, narrative-driven game, how critical is the additional performance of the Ti model?
Ultimately, the decision between the RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti boils down to individual gaming preferences. For multiplayer enthusiasts, the RTX 5070 Ti is the clear choice, offering the necessary raw power for competitive play. Conversely, those who prefer immersive single-player experiences may find the RTX 5070 sufficient, as it handles demanding titles with ease. For gamers seeking versatility, both cards can adapt to varying settings, allowing for a tailored experience based on budget and performance needs.
For those contemplating an upgrade, if you’re currently using a 30 or 40 series card, the benefits may be less pronounced. However, for anyone with older hardware, either of these GPUs offers a compelling path to enhanced gaming performance and future-proofing in an ever-evolving landscape of graphics technology.
