NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Review: QHD Gaming Excellence with Ray Tracing

GeForce RTX 5070: Blackwell Arrives in the Mid-Range

Following the launch of its high-end offerings, NVIDIA has turned its attention to the mid-range market with the new GeForce RTX 5070. The Founders Edition model we tested represents the reference version of this graphics card, showcasing NVIDIA's latest Blackwell architecture in a more affordable package priced at £549.

The arrival of a new GPU generation from NVIDIA follows a well-established strategy: flagship models launch first, followed by mid-range offerings, and finally entry-level cards. Blackwell adheres to this pattern precisely. After the GeForce RTX 5090 and 5080 arrived in January, and the RTX 5070 Ti was commercialised towards the end of February, it's now the turn of the GeForce RTX 5070 to make its debut. This card targets mid-range buyers who desire the latest technological innovations without breaking the bank.

Unlike its bigger sibling which is exclusively offered by NVIDIA's partners, the company has chosen to sell its own Founders Edition model of the RTX 5070. This positions it as an intriguing proposition for gamers seeking a balance between cutting-edge features and sensible pricing.

Blackwell Architecture: Enhanced Performance and Efficiency

The GeForce RTX 5070 incorporates all the improvements and innovations brought by the Blackwell architecture. The CUDA cores have been redesigned to increase instructions per cycle (IPC) whilst enabling simultaneous execution of single-precision floating-point (FP32) and 32-bit integer (INT32) operations across all cores within a streaming multiprocessor (SM). This results in higher raw performance compared to the previous Ada architecture, where only half the SM cores could process INT32 operations.

The fourth-generation RT cores mark notable progress in ray tracing capabilities by integrating specialised hardware for advanced functionalities. The triangle cluster intersection engine has been improved for more efficient processing of complex scenes. The AI Management Processor (AMP) handles scheduling of AI-related tasks to ensure they don't interfere with traditional graphics rendering.

The fifth-generation Tensor cores represent another significant leap forward by introducing support for the FP4 data format, offering increased throughput for inference operations and artificial intelligence workloads. With 192 Tensor cores delivering 988 AI TOPS, the RTX 5070 provides substantial computational power for AI-driven features.

DLSS 4 and Multi Frame Generation

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Like its larger siblings, the RTX 5070 benefits from DLSS 4 and its new AI model based on transformers, replacing the previous convolutional neural network (CNN) approach. More powerful but slightly more demanding on hardware resources, this AI model promises better pixel stability, reduced ghosting artefacts, richer detail in motion, and smoother edges.

Multi Frame Generation is naturally supported by the RTX 5070. This functionality can generate up to three additional frames for each fully rendered frame, significantly multiplying the frame rate. In demanding titles at 4K resolution, this technology transforms the gaming experience from borderline playable to smooth and enjoyable.

The Transformer-based AI model represents a fundamental shift in how DLSS processes image data. Rather than relying on localised convolution operations, the Transformer architecture can understand relationships between distant parts of an image, leading to more coherent upscaling and better temporal stability across frames.

GB205 Chipset: Specifications and Architecture

Designed to replace the RTX 4070 and 4070 Super in NVIDIA's lineup, the GeForce RTX 5070 relies on the GB205 chipset fabricated using a 5nm process by TSMC with a 4N node specific to NVIDIA cards. This chip integrates approximately 31 billion transistors across a surface area of 263mm². It features a 40MB L2 cache and houses 6144 CUDA cores distributed across 48 active streaming multiprocessors out of the 50 present on the die.

The GB205 chipset also incorporates 48 fourth-generation RT cores, 192 fifth-generation Tensor cores, 192 texture units (TMU), and utilises all 80 render output units (ROPs) available on the chip. The base core frequency is set at 2165 MHz, with boost capability reaching approximately 2510 MHz.

The 12GB of GDDR7 memory operates on a 192-bit bus interface, compared to the 256-bit bus that benefits the RTX 5070 Ti. This configuration still achieves a memory bandwidth of 672 GB per second, thanks to an effective memory speed of 28 Gbps. The card benefits from a revamped and improved video engine, now supporting the AV1 UHQ standard and offering doubled performance in H.264 encoding compared to the previous generation.

Compared to its predecessor, the RTX 5070 shows modest improvements in core count (+4.3% over RTX 4070) but significant gains in memory bandwidth (+33% over RTX 4070) and architectural efficiency. The move to GDDR7 memory provides both higher bandwidth and improved power efficiency over the GDDR6X used in previous generation cards.

Founders Edition Design: Compact and Refined

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The GeForce RTX 5070 Founders Edition sports a polished and compact design, characterised by an elegant dark finish that echoes the other GeForce RTX 50 Series cards. The card occupies two PCIe slots and measures 242mm in length and 112mm in height, making it compatible with most standard PC cases.

The minimalist design, with its metal shroud and dual axial fans, provides a pleasing and understated aesthetic. Unlike some third-party manufacturer models and consistent with all Founders Edition offerings, this RTX 5070 from NVIDIA presents no RGB lighting or flashy embellishments.

The cooling system utilises a dual-fan design conceived to ensure the most efficient thermal dissipation possible. The Founders Edition's thermal design for the RTX 5070 has been revised and integrates elongated heat pipes that cool the GPU, voltage regulation stage, and memory chips. Cutouts on both sides of the backplate have been incorporated to direct airflow more effectively and maintain stable operating temperatures.

This approach differs from the RTX 5080 and 5090 Founders Editions which use liquid metal and a vapour chamber for cooling the graphics chipset. Instead, the RTX 5070 employs a phase-change thermal interface material: offering superior longevity to traditional thermal paste, this material is potentially slightly less performant in terms of immediate thermal dissipation. Under load, the GPU temperature stabilises around 79°C, which is reasonable though slightly elevated compared to some custom-cooled variants.

The RTX 5070 uses a standard PCIe 5.0 x16 interface and a 16-pin PCIe power connector; positioned recessed and angled, this facilitates cable management. An included Y-adapter allows use with older power supplies lacking the 12VHPWR connector. One HDMI 2.1b output and three DisplayPort 2.1a ports are present at the rear of the Founders Edition, providing comprehensive display connectivity options.

Gaming Performance: QHD Excellence, 4K Capability

Our test configuration paired the RTX 5070 Founders Edition with an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X processor, Asus ROG Strix X670E-F Gaming WiFi motherboard, 32GB of Kingston DDR5-5200 CL16 memory, a BeQuiet! Pure Power 11 FM 1000W power supply, BeQuiet! Pure Loop 2 FX 240 cooling system, and a Samsung 990 Pro 4TB SSD, all housed in a BeQuiet! Pure Base 500 chassis. Measurements were taken with the case closed to obtain values similar to what any gamer would achieve at home.

The test suite includes recent and demanding titles built on varied 3D engines: Cyberpunk 2077 (REDengine 4), Black Myth: Wukong (UE5), Hogwarts Legacy (UE4), Forza Motorsport (ForzaTech), Marvel Rivals (UE5), Shadow of the Tomb Raider (Foundation), and The Riftbreaker (Schmetterling). Measurements were conducted under Windows 11 24H2 at Full HD, QHD, and 4K UHD with different graphical settings.

QHD Performance: The Sweet Spot

The GeForce RTX 5070 Founders Edition positions itself as an ideal solution for QHD gaming (2560×1440 pixels) with maximum graphical settings, including ray tracing. Its raw power allows it to handle the most recent and demanding titles efficiently at this resolution.

In Shadow of the Tomb Raider at QHD with Ultra settings, the RTX 5070 delivers 171 fps, demonstrating its capability in this DX12 title. With ray tracing enabled and upscaling active, performance reaches 131 fps, showcasing the benefits of DLSS in maintaining high frame rates when intensive RT effects are applied.

The Riftbreaker presents similar results: 174 fps at Ultra settings, rising to 213 fps when ray tracing and upscaling are combined. This demonstrates how DLSS can actually improve performance in RT-heavy scenarios by reducing the rendering resolution whilst maintaining visual quality.

For QHD gaming with ray tracing enabled, the RTX 5070 represents excellent value, consistently delivering frame rates well above 60 fps in even the most demanding current titles.

4K Performance: Capable with DLSS

In 4K (3840×2160 pixels), the RTX 5070 faces more challenges: whilst it manages to provide a satisfactory gaming experience in numerous titles, certain demanding games will require reduced graphical settings to maintain sufficient frame rates when running without assistance.

Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K Ultra settings achieves 47 fps in native rendering, which is playable but not ideal for action sequences. Hogwarts Legacy fares slightly better at 57 fps, whilst Shadow of the Tomb Raider manages 96 fps at Ultra settings. The Riftbreaker delivers 102 fps at 4K Ultra, showing good performance in this strategy title.

These results position the RTX 5070 between the previous generation's RTX 4070 Super and RTX 4070 Ti Super in pure rasterisation performance, representing a modest generational improvement in raw rendering capability.

DLSS 4 and Multi Frame Generation: Transformative at 4K

DLSS 4 and especially Multi Frame Generation genuinely relieve the RTX 5070 when gaming at 4K. Performance depends on the titles and settings used, but these technologies truly enhance the gaming experience, particularly in the most graphically demanding games.

In Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K Ultra, activating ray tracing with upscaling boosts performance from 47 fps to 57 fps. Adding standard Frame Generation increases this to 94 fps. Enabling Multi Frame Generation pushes the frame rate to an impressive 157 fps – more than tripling native performance.

Hogwarts Legacy shows similar gains: from 57 fps native to 80 fps with RT and upscaling, 119 fps with Frame Generation, and a remarkable 195 fps with Multi Frame Generation active. This transforms the experience from merely playable to buttery smooth.

Marvel Rivals demonstrates equally impressive scaling: 59 fps native rises to 68 fps with RT and upscaling, 108 fps with Frame Generation, and 179 fps with Multi Frame Generation. Black Myth: Wukong, one of the most demanding titles tested, jumps from 49 fps native to 59 fps with standard Frame Generation enabled.

These results demonstrate that whilst the RTX 5070 can handle 4K gaming natively, DLSS 4 and Multi Frame Generation are practically essential for maintaining high frame rates with maximum settings and ray tracing enabled at this resolution. The technology works as intended, though it does raise questions about whether the card is truly a native 4K performer or relies heavily on AI assistance.

Acoustics and Power Consumption

Under load, the RTX 5070 Founders Edition remains relatively quiet with measured noise levels of just 35.1 dB(A) at full load. In contrast, GPU temperature is slightly elevated, stabilising around 79°C under the same conditions. At idle or with light workloads, the fans stop entirely, offering complete silence.

The GeForce RTX 5070 Founders Edition displays a TGP of 250W. This figure is reasonable for the level of performance offered but represents a slight increase compared to the 200W of the RTX 4070. During gaming tests, measured consumption generally hovers around this value, with possible peaks depending on the workload.

For system builders, a quality 650W power supply should suffice for most configurations, though 750W provides comfortable headroom for overclocking or high-power CPUs.

Value Proposition and Competition

At £549, the RTX 5070 Founders Edition occupies an interesting position in the market. It offers performance generally between the RTX 4070 Super and RTX 4070 Ti Super in rasterisation, with the added benefits of DLSS 4 and Multi Frame Generation. For QHD gaming with ray tracing, it represents excellent value.

However, buyers focused on 4K gaming might find the RTX 5070 Ti a more suitable choice, offering 16GB of GDDR7 memory and a wider 256-bit bus for improved 4K performance. Conversely, those primarily gaming at QHD might consider waiting for the RTX 5060 Ti, which should offer compelling performance at a lower price point.

The 12GB of GDDR7 memory, whilst adequate for current games, may prove limiting for future titles as texture resolutions and asset complexity continue to increase. This is particularly relevant at 4K resolution, where memory bandwidth and capacity become critical factors.

Verdict

With rasterisation performance that generally sits between the RTX 4070 Super and RTX 4070 Ti Super, the GeForce RTX 5070 relies on its neural rendering technologies – DLSS 4 and Multi Frame Generation – to differentiate itself from the previous generation and genuinely improve frame rates in compatible games. Although NVIDIA's promise of RTX 4090-equivalent performance with DLSS 4 doesn't quite materialise in practice, the RTX 5070 nonetheless offers worthwhile improvements over the RTX 4070, particularly at higher resolutions and in scenarios leveraging its new AI and ray tracing capabilities.

The polished design and controlled power consumption make it an attractive option for many configurations. However, the RTX 5070 leaves a slight sense of incompleteness: whilst this new graphics card offers more than interesting performance at QHD, it reaches its limits at 4K in certain titles. The 12GB of GDDR7 memory, potentially insufficient for the most demanding future games, reinforces this concern.

For QHD gaming with ray tracing, the RTX 5070 Founders Edition delivers excellent performance and represents good value. For 4K enthusiasts, the RTX 5070 Ti with its additional memory and wider bus might prove the better investment. Those focused solely on QHD gaming might benefit from waiting for the RTX 5060 Ti, which should offer compelling performance at a more accessible price point.