Buying Guide
The Best Ada Lovelace Graphics Cards
One RTX 40-series card per tier, from the RTX 4090 to the RTX 4060, for buyers still shopping NVIDIA's Ada Lovelace generation.
By The PC Journal editorial team
13 min read7 products evaluated
Ada Lovelace is NVIDIA's RTX 40 series. The RTX 50 series has since replaced it, but many 40-series cards are still listed new, and DLSS 3 frame generation remains supported on them.
We picked one card per Ada tier and compared VRAM, memory type and size from each listing. Compare prices against the RTX 50 card at the same tier before buying.
Quick Picks
Our 7 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Top Ada Tier
PNY GeForce RTX 4090 Verto Triple Fan
An RTX 4090 with 24GB of GDDR6X.
Best for: The most VRAM Ada offers.
Our take Check price for PNY GeForce RTX 4090 Verto Triple Fan (opens in a new tab)
Best RTX 4080 Super
PNY GeForce RTX 4080 Super XLR8 Verto Epic-X RGB OC
16GB of GDDR6X at a 2595MHz listed boost.
Best for: 4K on the Ada platform.
Our take Check price for PNY GeForce RTX 4080 Super XLR8 Verto Epic-X RGB OC (opens in a new tab)
Best 16GB Mid-High Pick
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super Solid OC
An RTX 4070 Ti Super with 16GB of GDDR6X.
Best for: 1440p and 4K with room for textures.
Our take Check price for ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super Solid OC (opens in a new tab)
Best RTX 4070 Super
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4070 Super EVO OC Edition
A 2.5-slot card with 12GB of GDDR6X.
Best for: High-refresh 1440p.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4070 Super EVO OC Edition (opens in a new tab)
Best RTX 4070
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12G
12GB of GDDR6X on the base RTX 4070.
Best for: 1440p on a smaller budget.
Our take Check price for Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12G (opens in a new tab)
Best Dual-Slot Ada Card
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 Ti V2 OC Edition 8GB
A 2-slot RTX 4060 Ti with the SFF-Ready label.
Best for: Compact cases.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 Ti V2 OC Edition 8GB (opens in a new tab)
Entry Ada Pick
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 V2 OC Edition
An RTX 4060 with 8GB of GDDR6.
Best for: 1080p builds.
Our take Check price for ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 V2 OC Edition (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Top Ada Tier1 of 7
PNY GeForce RTX 4090 Verto Triple Fan on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
PNY's Verto runs the RTX 4090 at NVIDIA's reference 2520MHz boost with up to 1,008GB/s of memory bandwidth.
Best for
- The most VRAM Ada offers.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It cost the least of the RTX 4090 cards here at the time of writing. Its 24GB video memory is the largest here; the PNY 4080 Super XLR8 comes next at 16GB. You get an RTX 4090 gpu here, which sets it apart from the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 and its an RTX 4060 gpu.
It is the only pick here with a 2520MHz boost clock; the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 has a 2535MHz (OC mode) boost clock instead. No dimensions are published for the PNY 4090 Verto; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. At our last price check it topped the group, with the PNY 4080 Super XLR8 the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed cooler thickness, look to the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 instead: it comes in at 2-slot, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4090
- VRAM: 24GB
- Memory: GDDR6X
- Boost clock: 2520MHz
Pros
- 24GB of VRAM, room for large local AI models as well as games
- 16,384 CUDA cores and up to 1,008GB/s of memory bandwidth
- Reference 2520MHz boost clock
- RTX 4090 gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 at the time of writing
Best RTX 4080 Super2 of 7
PNY GeForce RTX 4080 Super XLR8 Verto Epic-X RGB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
PNY's XLR8 Verto Epic-X offers 10,240 CUDA cores, 736GB/s of bandwidth and a 2595MHz boost on a 3.5-slot cooler.
Best for
- 4K on the Ada platform.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: its 3.5-slot cooler covers the slots below.
Why we like it
It was the least expensive RTX 4080 Super here at the time of writing. On video memory it ties with the Zotac 4070 Ti Super Solid OC at 16GB. Its 3.5-slot cooler thickness is the thickest in this group; the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 leads at 2-slot.
You get an RTX 4080 Super gpu here, which sets it apart from the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 and its an RTX 4060 gpu. It is the only pick here with a 2595MHz boost clock; the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 has a 2535MHz (OC mode) boost clock instead. The PNY 4080 Super XLR8 occupies 3.5 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case. When we checked, only the Zotac 4070 Ti Super Solid OC and cheaper picks cost less, and the PNY 4090 Verto cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4080 Super
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6X
- Thickness: 3.5-slot
- Boost clock: 2595MHz
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- 10,240 CUDA cores and 736GB/s of memory bandwidth
- 2595MHz boost clock
- RTX 4080 Super gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Its 3.5-slot cooler covers the slots below
- Cooler thickness trails the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 (2-slot)
- Costs more than the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 at the time of writing
Best 16GB Mid-High Pick3 of 7
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super Solid OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Zotac's Solid OC runs the RTX 4070 Ti Super at 2640MHz with three 100mm fans that stop at light load.
Best for
- 1440p and 4K with room for textures.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
A GPU support stand comes in the box. On video memory it ties with the PNY 4080 Super XLR8 at 16GB. An RTX 4070 Ti Super gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the PNY 4080 Super XLR8 uses an RTX 4080 Super gpu.
No other pick in this guide offers a 2640MHz boost clock; compare the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2, which has a 2595MHz (OC mode) boost clock. No dimensions are published for the Zotac 4070 Ti Super Solid OC; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the Zotac 4070 Ti Super Solid OC with the maker.
It was priced above the ASUS Dual 4070 Super EVO and below the PNY 4080 Super XLR8 at the time of writing. There is no published cooler thickness figure, whereas the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 comes in at 2-slot.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4070 Ti Super
- VRAM: 16GB
- Memory: GDDR6X
- Boost clock: 2640MHz
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1 x HDMI 2.1a
Pros
- 16GB of VRAM for high-resolution textures
- Three 100mm fans with FREEZE fan stop
- Bundled GPU support stand
- RTX 4070 Ti Super gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 at the time of writing
Best RTX 4070 Super4 of 7
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4070 Super EVO OC Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual EVO fits the RTX 4070 Super into a 2.5-slot dual-fan cooler with 0dB fan stop and a 2550MHz boost in OC mode.
Best for
- High-refresh 1440p.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
On video memory it ties with the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce at 12GB. Its 2.5-slot cooler thickness ranks second of 3 here, behind the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 (2-slot) and ahead of the PNY 4080 Super XLR8 (3.5-slot). You get an RTX 4070 Super gpu here, which sets it apart from the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 and its an RTX 4060 gpu.
The ASUS Dual 4070 Super EVO occupies 2.5 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the ASUS Dual 4070 Super EVO with the maker. When we checked, only the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce and cheaper picks cost less, and the Zotac 4070 Ti Super Solid OC cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4070 Super
- VRAM: 12GB
- Memory: GDDR6X
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- Boost clock: 2550MHz (OC mode)
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- 0dB fan stop at light load
- 2.5-slot dual-fan cooler
- Cooler thickness of 2.5-slot, ahead of the PNY 4080 Super XLR8
Cons
- Costs more than the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 at the time of writing
Best RTX 40705 of 7
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
This Gigabyte Windforce OC RTX 4070 adds a dual BIOS switch and an anti-sag bracket, and it was the least expensive RTX 4070 here at the time of writing.
Best for
- 1440p on a smaller budget.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It supports DLSS 3 frame generation, and third-generation RT cores give up to twice the ray tracing performance. On video memory it ties with the ASUS Dual 4070 Super EVO at 12GB. An RTX 4070 gpu is unique to it among these picks, while the ASUS Dual 4070 Super EVO uses an RTX 4070 Super gpu.
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce with the maker. It was priced above the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 and below the ASUS Dual 4070 Super EVO at the time of writing. There is no published cooler thickness figure, whereas the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 comes in at 2-slot.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4070
- VRAM: 12GB
- Memory: GDDR6X
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Dual BIOS switch
- Anti-sag bracket in the box
- RTX 4070 gpu, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 at the time of writing
Best Dual-Slot Ada Card6 of 7
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 Ti V2 OC Edition 8GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual V2 is a 2-slot, SFF-Ready RTX 4060 Ti with 0dB fan stop and a 2595MHz boost in OC mode.
Best for
- Compact cases.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
Its 0dB fan mode keeps it quiet during light games, and it supports DLSS 3. It matches the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 on video memory (8GB). Its 2-slot cooler thickness is the slimmest here; the ASUS Dual 4070 Super EVO comes next at 2.5-slot.
No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 4060 Ti gpu; compare the PNY 4090 Verto, which has an RTX 4090 gpu. It shares GDDR6 memory with the ASUS Dual 4060 V2; the ASUS Dual 4070 Super EVO goes with GDDR6X memory. You get a 2595MHz (OC mode) boost clock here, which sets it apart from the PNY 4080 Super XLR8 and its a 2595MHz boost clock.
The ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 occupies 2 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case. On price it sat second of 7, between the cheaper ASUS Dual 4060 V2 and the pricier Gigabyte 4070 Windforce, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4060 Ti
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Thickness: 2-slot
- Boost clock: 2595MHz (OC mode)
- SFF-Ready: Yes
Pros
- Dual-slot cooler leaves the next slot free
- Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
- 0dB fan stop at light load
- 2595MHz boost clock in OC mode
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Costs more than the ASUS Dual 4060 V2 at the time of writing
Entry Ada Pick7 of 7
ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 V2 OC Edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS Dual V2 offers a 2535MHz boost in OC mode and an HDMI 2.1a output on a dual-fan RTX 4060.
Best for
- 1080p builds.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games.
Why we like it
It supports DLSS 3 frame generation, and its OC mode boosts to 2,535MHz. Axial-tech fans keep the dual-fan cooler compact. Axial-tech fans with longer blades and a barrier ring push more air down onto the heatsink.
On video memory it ties with the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 at 8GB. You get an RTX 4060 gpu here, which sets it apart from the PNY 4080 Super XLR8 and its an RTX 4080 Super gpu. Like the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2, it has GDDR6 memory, while the PNY 4080 Super XLR8 uses GDDR6X memory.
It is the only pick here with a 2535MHz (OC mode) boost clock; the PNY 4080 Super XLR8 has a 2595MHz boost clock instead. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 was closest. Video memory is its weakest area, and the PNY 4090 Verto covers it better at 24GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 4060
- VRAM: 8GB
- Memory: GDDR6
- Boost clock: 2535MHz (OC mode)
Pros
- 2535MHz boost clock in OC mode
- HDMI 2.1a output
- Dual-fan cooler
- RTX 4060 gpu, the only one here
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM may force lower texture settings in some recent games
- Video memory trails the PNY 4090 Verto (24GB)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Cooling and extras
- We checked cooler design, fan-stop modes, dual BIOS, support brackets and display outputs.
- Power
- We noted the power connector and recommended power supply where listed.
- Price tier
- We grouped picks by price at the time of writing rather than by listed clock speed.
- Fit
- We recorded length and slot thickness where the maker lists them, plus low-profile and SFF-Ready status.
What to Look for in an Ada Lovelace GPUs
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Treat 8GB of VRAM as the floor
Some recent games already push past 8GB at high texture settings. Cards with 12GB or 16GB give more room, especially at 1440p and above.
Two versions of the same chip can differ only in memory; check the capacity in the exact model name.
Compare upscaling and encoders
NVIDIA cards support DLSS, AMD cards FSR and Intel cards XeSS. Each game supports a different mix, so check the titles you play.
Streamers should also compare hardware video encoders.
Check length and thickness
Partner cards of the same GPU can differ by several centimetres. Compare the card's length with the case's GPU clearance, allowing for front fans or a radiator, and check how many slots it covers.
Pair it with a balanced CPU
A fast card with an old CPU can stall at high frame rates, especially at 1080p. At 4K the GPU does most of the work, so the CPU matters less.
Cooler size affects noise
Larger triple-fan coolers usually run quieter under load than compact dual-fan designs. A 0dB mode stops the fans at light load.
Count the display outputs
Most cards offer three DisplayPort outputs and one HDMI, but some swap that balance. Check that the ports match your monitors, TV or VR headset.
How to Choose an Ada Lovelace GPUs
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The most VRAM Ada offers | PNY 4090 Verto | An RTX 4090 with 24GB of GDDR6X |
| 4K on the Ada platform | PNY 4080 Super XLR8 | 16GB of GDDR6X at a 2595MHz listed boost |
| 1440p and 4K with room for textures | Zotac 4070 Ti Super Solid OC | An RTX 4070 Ti Super with 16GB of GDDR6X |
| High-refresh 1440p | ASUS Dual 4070 Super EVO | A 2.5-slot card with 12GB of GDDR6X |
| 1440p on a smaller budget | Gigabyte 4070 Windforce | 12GB of GDDR6X on the base RTX 4070 |
| Compact cases | ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 | A 2-slot RTX 4060 Ti with the SFF-Ready label |
| 1080p builds | ASUS Dual 4060 V2 | An RTX 4060 with 8GB of GDDR6 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PNY 4090 Verto | RTX 4090 | 24GB | GDDR6X | Not listed |
| PNY 4080 Super XLR8 | RTX 4080 Super | 16GB | GDDR6X | 3.5-slot |
| Zotac 4070 Ti Super Solid OC | RTX 4070 Ti Super | 16GB | GDDR6X | Not listed |
| ASUS Dual 4070 Super EVO | RTX 4070 Super | 12GB | GDDR6X | 2.5-slot |
| Gigabyte 4070 Windforce | RTX 4070 | 12GB | GDDR6X | Not listed |
| ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 | RTX 4060 Ti | 8GB | GDDR6 | 2-slot |
| ASUS Dual 4060 V2 | RTX 4060 | 8GB | GDDR6 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $250 to $500 | ASUS Dual 4060 V2, ASUS Dual 4060 Ti V2 |
| About $500 to $1000 | Gigabyte 4070 Windforce, ASUS Dual 4070 Super EVO, Zotac 4070 Ti Super Solid OC |
| About $1000 to $1500 | PNY 4080 Super XLR8 |
| Over $1500 | PNY 4090 Verto |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an 8GB graphics card still enough?
For 1080p with tuned texture settings, often yes. For 1440p or high textures in new games, 12GB or 16GB is safer.
Should I choose AMD or NVIDIA?
Compare price and memory at your budget first, then features such as DLSS or FSR support in your games and hardware encoding if you stream.
Do partner cards of the same GPU perform differently?
Only slightly. Factory overclocks add a few percent at most; cooling, noise, size and price differ more.
Do I need a GPU support bracket?
Long, heavy cards can sag and stress the slot. Some come with a support stand or bracket; otherwise one is inexpensive to add.
Will a PCIe 5.0 card work in a PCIe 4.0 or 3.0 slot?
Yes, the interface is backward compatible. Cards with a narrow x8 link can lose some performance on PCIe 3.0 boards.
How big a power supply do I need?
Use the maker's recommendation for your exact card, then add headroom if you run a high-power CPU. Also check the connectors, not just the wattage.
Bottom Line
The PNY RTX 4090 Verto is the top of Ada, and the PNY RTX 4080 Super is the 4K step below. The Zotac RTX 4070 Ti Super adds 16GB for 1440p, the ASUS 4070 Super and Gigabyte 4070 cover 12GB, and the ASUS RTX 4060 Ti V2 and 4060 V2 finish the range for 1080p.