Buying Guide
The Best RTX 4070 Graphics Cards
Four RTX 4070 cards compared on memory type, cooler and power guidance, including the GDDR6 variant.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
11 min read4 products evaluated
The RTX 4070 has 12GB of memory and targets 1440p. Most versions use GDDR6X, but MSI's Ventus 3X E1 uses GDDR6, which NVIDIA offered as a variant.
We compared listed specifications from the card makers and retailer listings; we did not benchmark these cards.
Quick Picks
Which of the 4 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price at Writing
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12GThe least expensive RTX 4070 here at the time of writing, with dual BIOS.
Best for: Budget 1440p builds.
Check price for Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Triple-Fan Value
MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Ventus 3X E1 12G OCA triple-fan Ventus cooler at a price close to the Windforce at the time of writing.
Best for: Quieter cooling for little extra.
Check price for MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Ventus 3X E1 12G OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Compact Dual-Fan
MSI GeForce RTX 4070 12GB Ventus 2X OCA dual-fan Ventus cooler with three DisplayPort outputs.
Best for: Smaller cases and multi-monitor desks.
Check price for MSI GeForce RTX 4070 12GB Ventus 2X OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Clearest Power Guidance
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12GBA stated 650W recommended power supply.
Best for: Checking an existing PSU.
Check price for Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12GB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price at Writing1 of 4
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12G
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
- Budget 1440p builds.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 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. It shares GDDR6X memory with the MSI 4070 Ventus 2X and Gigabyte 4070 Windforce OC; the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 goes with GDDR6 memory. 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. On price it sat third of 4, between the cheaper Gigabyte 4070 Windforce OC and the pricier MSI 4070 Ventus 2X, at the time of writing.
Key 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
- The least expensive RTX 4070 here at the time of writing, with dual BIOS
Cons
- Costs more than the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 at the time of writing
Best Triple-Fan Value2 of 4
MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Ventus 3X E1 12G OC
MSI's Ventus 3X E1 is a triple-fan RTX 4070 that uses GDDR6 memory rather than the GDDR6X on the other 4070 cards here, with a 2520MHz boost.
Best for
- Quieter cooling for little extra.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It has three DisplayPort 1.4a outputs and one HDMI 2.1a on a 192-bit memory interface. It uses the GeForce RTX 4070 chip with MSI's three-fan cooler. It has three DisplayPort 1.4a outputs and one HDMI 2.1a, with 12GB of GDDR6 on a 192-bit bus and a 2520MHz clock.
No dimensions are published for the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 with the maker. It cost the least of the 4 picks at the time of writing, with the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce OC the next step up.
Key specs
- GPU
- RTX 4070
- VRAM
- 12GB
- Memory
- GDDR6
- Boost clock
- 2520MHz
- Outputs
- 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1 x HDMI 2.1a
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Triple-fan Ventus cooler
- GDDR6 memory rather than the GDDR6X on other 4070 cards
- A triple-fan Ventus cooler at a price close to the Windforce at the time of writing
Best Compact Dual-Fan3 of 4
MSI GeForce RTX 4070 12GB Ventus 2X OC
MSI's Ventus 2X OC is a dual-fan RTX 4070 with three DisplayPort outputs and one HDMI 2.1.
Best for
- Smaller cases and multi-monitor desks.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It supports up to 7,680 by 4,320 digital output on a 192-bit interface. It shares GDDR6X memory with the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce and Gigabyte 4070 Windforce OC; the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 goes with GDDR6 memory. No dimensions are published for the MSI 4070 Ventus 2X; get length and thickness from the maker's page first.
Its power connector and recommended PSU are not published, so confirm both for the MSI 4070 Ventus 2X with the maker. Another plus: 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce.
Key specs
- GPU
- RTX 4070
- VRAM
- 12GB
- Memory
- GDDR6X
- Outputs
- 3 x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1 x HDMI 2.1
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Dual-fan Ventus cooler
- Three DisplayPort outputs
Cons
- Costs more than the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 at the time of writing
Clearest Power Guidance4 of 4
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12GB
This Gigabyte Windforce OC listing states a 2490MHz boost and a 650W recommended power supply for the RTX 4070.
Best for
- Checking an existing PSU.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It shares GDDR6X memory with the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce and MSI 4070 Ventus 2X; the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 goes with GDDR6 memory. No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce OC; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Gigabyte 4070 Windforce OC: the maker suggests a PSU of 650W or more.
On price it sat second of 4, between the cheaper MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 and the pricier Gigabyte 4070 Windforce, at the time of writing. The trade-off is video memory; for more, the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce offers 12GB.
Key specs
- GPU
- RTX 4070
- VRAM
- 12GB
- Memory
- GDDR6X
- Recommended PSU
- 650W
- Boost clock
- 2490MHz
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- 650W recommended PSU
- WINDFORCE cooler
- A stated 650W recommended power supply
Cons
- Costs more than the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 at the time of writing
How We Chose These RTX 4070 Cards
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up four cards on GPU, video memory, memory and boost clock, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 2 of 4 picks leave out boost clock.
- The shared baseline
- All 4, from the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce to the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce OC, state GPU, video memory and memory and share RTX 4070 GPU.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Gigabyte 4070 Windforce and the MSI 4070 Ventus 2X give no boost clock; the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce and the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce OC give no outputs.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 ($500 to $1000) to the MSI 4070 Ventus 2X ($1000 to $1500).
What to Look for in an RTX 4070 Card
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Boost clock
The MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 lists 2520MHz; the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce OC lists 2490MHz. Settling boost clock first narrows 2 picks to 1 or 1.
Setup checks
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce; get length and thickness from the maker's page first.
The circuit board on the back of a graphics card Features beyond the spec table
The MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1: GDDR6 memory rather than the GDDR6X on other 4070 cards. The MSI 4070 Ventus 2X: three DisplayPort outputs. The Gigabyte 4070 Windforce OC: a WINDFORCE cooler.
Budget
$500 to $1000 buys the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1, the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce OC and the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce; $1000 to $1500 buys the MSI 4070 Ventus 2X at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Budget 1440p builds: the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce. Quieter cooling for little extra: the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1. Smaller cases and multi-monitor desks: the MSI 4070 Ventus 2X.
How to Choose an RTX 4070 Card
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget 1440p builds | Gigabyte 4070 Windforce | The least expensive RTX 4070 here at the time of writing, with dual BIOS |
| Quieter cooling for little extra | MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 | A triple-fan Ventus cooler at a price close to the Windforce at the time of writing |
| Smaller cases and multi-monitor desks | MSI 4070 Ventus 2X | A dual-fan Ventus cooler with three DisplayPort outputs |
| Checking an existing PSU | Gigabyte 4070 Windforce OC | A stated 650W recommended power supply |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Gigabyte 4070 Windforce, the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Boost clock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gigabyte 4070 Windforce | RTX 4070 | 12GB | GDDR6X | Not listed |
| MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 | RTX 4070 | 12GB | GDDR6 | 2520MHz |
| MSI 4070 Ventus 2X | RTX 4070 | 12GB | GDDR6X | Not listed |
| Gigabyte 4070 Windforce OC | RTX 4070 | 12GB | GDDR6X | 2490MHz |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1, sat in the $500 to $1000 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the MSI 4070 Ventus 2X at $1000 to $1500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $500 to $1000 | MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1, Gigabyte 4070 Windforce OC, Gigabyte 4070 Windforce |
| About $1000 to $1500 | MSI 4070 Ventus 2X |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the MSI 4070 Ventus 2X the Best Compact Dual-Fan?
The label rests on a dual-fan Ventus cooler with three DisplayPort outputs. The MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1, the cheapest pick, sat in the $500 to $1000 tier against $1000 to $1500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at smaller cases and multi-monitor desks.
Do the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce and the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 differ on memory?
The Gigabyte 4070 Windforce, the MSI 4070 Ventus 2X and the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce OC use GDDR6X; the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 uses GDDR6.
What should I check before buying the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce OC?
No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce OC; get length and thickness from the maker's page first. Gigabyte 4070 Windforce OC: the maker suggests a PSU of 650W or more. In this guide it ranks fourth of 4, as our Clearest Power Guidance pick.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce and the MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1 apart?
The Gigabyte 4070 Windforce: a dual BIOS switch. The MSI 4070 Ventus 3X E1: a triple-fan Ventus cooler. The MSI 4070 Ventus 2X: a dual-fan Ventus cooler.
Who should choose the Gigabyte 4070 Windforce?
The Gigabyte 4070 Windforce carries our Lowest Price at Writing label for the least expensive RTX 4070 here at the time of writing, with dual BIOS. It ranks first of 4 here and sat in the $500 to $1000 tier at our last price check; it suits budget 1440p builds.
Bottom Line
Gigabyte's Windforce OC with dual BIOS was the best-priced RTX 4070 here at the time of writing. MSI's Ventus 3X E1 adds a third fan but uses GDDR6, and the Ventus 2X suits smaller cases.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best CPUs for the RTX 4070
- Related guideThe Best RTX 4070 Super Graphics Cards
- Related guideThe Best Graphics Cards for 1440p Gaming
- Lower budgetThe Best Budget Graphics Cards
- Similar guideThe Best RTX 4070 Ti Graphics Cards
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- ExplainerGPU Power Connectors Explained
- Check compatibility: power supplies80 Plus Ratings Explained
- Similar guideThe Best RTX 4070 Ti Super Graphics Cards
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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