Buying Guide
The Best RTX 5070 Cards, Premium First
Four graphics cards ranked on video memory and cooler thickness; the ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read4 products evaluated
Premium RTX 5070 cards add larger coolers and clocks to a 12GB chip. Every pick is an RTX 5070, ordered with the most expensive first.
Rankings weigh GPU, VRAM and memory as the makers state them; if a maker skips thickness, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 4 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Premium Pick
ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 5070 12GB OC
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a vapor chamber with MaxContact.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 5070 12GB OC (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5070 WINDFORCE OC SFF 12G
A WINDFORCE cooler.
Best for: Buyers who want WINDFORCE cooler.
Our take Check price for GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5070 WINDFORCE OC SFF 12G (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5070 Solid OC
Three 90mm fans with FREEZE fan stop.
Best for: Buyers who want three 90mm fans with FREEZE fan stop.
Our take Check price for ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5070 Solid OC (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASUS SFF-Ready Prime GeForce RTX 5070
The cheapest way into this group, below the Zotac 5070 Solid OC.
Best for: Getting dual BIOS for the least money.
Our take Check price for ASUS SFF-Ready Prime GeForce RTX 5070 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a vapor chamber with MaxContact. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 5070 12GB OC (opens in a new tab) |
| A WINDFORCE cooler. | Buyers who want WINDFORCE cooler. | Check price for GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5070 WINDFORCE OC SFF 12G (opens in a new tab) |
| Three 90mm fans with FREEZE fan stop. | Buyers who want three 90mm fans with FREEZE fan stop. | Check price for ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5070 Solid OC (opens in a new tab) |
| The cheapest way into this group, below the Zotac 5070 Solid OC. | Getting dual BIOS for the least money. | Check price for ASUS SFF-Ready Prime GeForce RTX 5070 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Premium Pick1 of 4
ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 5070 12GB OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ROG Strix RTX 5070 is a premium take on the RTX 5070, with a vapor chamber, digital power control and ARGB lighting.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Pass on it if its 3.2-slot cooler covers the slots belo rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It suits a 9800X3D build aimed at 1440p rather than 4K. It also comes with a protective PCB coating. The ROG Strix RTX 5070 occupies 3.2 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 ROG Strix RTX 5070 with the maker. Another plus is 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards. Worth noting too: faster GDDR7 memory. Only the Gigabyte RTX 5070 Windforce SFF came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 4 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5070
- VRAM: 12GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Thickness: 3.2-slot
- Boost clock: 2685MHz (OC mode)
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Vapor chamber with MaxContact
- Digital power control with 15K capacitors
Cons
- Its 3.2-slot cooler covers the slots below
- Costs more than the ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 4
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 5070 WINDFORCE OC SFF 12G on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Gigabyte's RTX 5070 Windforce SFF is an RTX 5070 with NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label and 12GB on a 192-bit bus.
Best for
- Buyers who want WINDFORCE cooler.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its cooler thickness before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
It cost more than the ASUS RTX 5070 at the time of writing. It also offers a 192-bit memory interface. No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RTX 5070 Windforce SFF; 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 RTX 5070 Windforce SFF with the maker. SFF-Ready is NVIDIA's size guideline, not a guarantee the Gigabyte RTX 5070 Windforce SFF fits every small case. When we checked, only the Zotac 5070 Solid OC and cheaper picks cost less, and the ROG Strix RTX 5070 cost more. If you want a confirmed cooler thickness, look to the ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 instead: it comes in at 2.5-slot, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5070
- VRAM: 12GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- SFF-Ready: Yes
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
- WINDFORCE cooler
Cons
- No published cooler thickness
- Costs more than the ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 4
ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5070 Solid OC on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Zotac's RTX 5070 Solid OC offers a 2542MHz boost with three 90mm fans, FREEZE fan stop and a support stand in the box.
Best for
- Buyers who want three 90mm fans with FREEZE fan stop.
Skip if
- Its cooler thickness is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
No dimensions are published for the Zotac 5070 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 5070 Solid OC with the maker. Another plus is 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards.
It also brings faster GDDR7 memory. On price it sat second of 4, between the cheaper ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 and the pricier Gigabyte RTX 5070 Windforce SFF, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its cooler thickness; if that figure matters, the ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 comes in at 2.5-slot.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5070
- VRAM: 12GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Boost clock: 2542MHz
- Outputs: 3 x DisplayPort 2.1b, 1 x HDMI 2.1b
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Three 90mm fans with FREEZE fan stop
- Bundled GPU support stand
Cons
- No published cooler thickness
- Costs more than the ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 4
ASUS SFF-Ready Prime GeForce RTX 5070 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 is a 2.5-slot card with 12GB of GDDR7, a dual BIOS and a three-year warranty listed.
Best for
- Getting dual BIOS for the least money.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It suits 1440p in a compact case. It also offers a phase-change GPU thermal pad. The ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 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 SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 with the maker. SFF-Ready is NVIDIA's size guideline, not a guarantee the ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 fits every small case. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Zotac 5070 Solid OC was the next step up. If video memory is your priority, the ROG Strix RTX 5070 (12GB) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- GPU: RTX 5070
- VRAM: 12GB
- Memory: GDDR7
- Thickness: 2.5-slot
- SFF-Ready: Yes
- Outputs: HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1
Pros
- 12GB of VRAM, more than 8GB cards
- Faster GDDR7 memory
- Carries NVIDIA's SFF-Ready label
- Dual BIOS
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side four cards on GPU, video memory, memory and cooler thickness from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 4, from the ROG Strix RTX 5070 to the ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070, state GPU, video memory and memory and share RTX 5070 GPU and GDDR7 memory.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Gigabyte RTX 5070 Windforce SFF and the Zotac 5070 Solid OC give no cooler thickness; the Gigabyte RTX 5070 Windforce SFF and the ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 give no boost clock.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 ($500 to $1000) to the ROG Strix RTX 5070 ($1000 to $1500).
What to Look for in an RTX 5070 Cards, Premium First
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much cooler thickness you need
Here cooler thickness runs from 3.2-slot on the ROG Strix RTX 5070 to 2.5-slot on the ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070. Start with the ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 if cooler thickness decides it. No figure for the Gigabyte RTX 5070 Windforce SFF and the Zotac 5070 Solid OC.
Setup checks
The ROG Strix RTX 5070 occupies 3.2 slots, but no length is published, so check the maker's spec page against your case. No dimensions are published for the Gigabyte RTX 5070 Windforce SFF; get length and thickness from the maker's page first.
Extras that separate them
The Gigabyte RTX 5070 Windforce SFF: a 192-bit memory interface. The Zotac 5070 Solid OC: a bundled GPU support stand. The ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070: a phase-change GPU thermal pad.
How much to spend
$500 to $1000 buys the ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070, the Zotac 5070 Solid OC and the Gigabyte RTX 5070 Windforce SFF; $1000 to $1500 buys the ROG Strix RTX 5070 at our last check.
Start from what matters most
Buyers who want the most complete package: the ROG Strix RTX 5070. Getting dual BIOS for the least money: the ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070.
How to Choose an RTX 5070 Cards, Premium First
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want the most complete package | ROG Strix RTX 5070 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a vapor chamber with MaxContact |
| Buyers who want WINDFORCE cooler | Gigabyte RTX 5070 Windforce SFF | A WINDFORCE cooler |
| Buyers who want three 90mm fans with FREEZE fan stop | Zotac 5070 Solid OC | Three 90mm fans with FREEZE fan stop |
| Getting dual BIOS for the least money | ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 | The cheapest way into this group, below the Zotac 5070 Solid OC |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 leads on cooler thickness at 2.5-slot, ahead of the ROG Strix RTX 5070 at 3.2-slot. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Card | GPU | VRAM | Memory | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROG Strix RTX 5070 | RTX 5070 | 12GB | GDDR7 | 3.2-slot |
| Gigabyte RTX 5070 Windforce SFF | RTX 5070 | 12GB | GDDR7 | Not listed |
| Zotac 5070 Solid OC | RTX 5070 | 12GB | GDDR7 | Not listed |
| ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 | RTX 5070 | 12GB | GDDR7 | 2.5-slot |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 was the lowest-priced pick and the ROG Strix RTX 5070 the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Cards |
|---|---|
| About $500 to $1000 | ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070, Zotac 5070 Solid OC, Gigabyte RTX 5070 Windforce SFF |
| About $1000 to $1500 | ROG Strix RTX 5070 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the ROG Strix RTX 5070 compare with the ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 on cooler thickness?
The ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 comes out best at 2.5-slot, with the ROG Strix RTX 5070 at 3.2-slot. The Gigabyte RTX 5070 Windforce SFF and the Zotac 5070 Solid OC don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
What does the ROG Strix RTX 5070 add over the ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070?
On the figures both makers state, it adds little. It does not win everywhere: the ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 still leads on cooler thickness (2.5-slot). The ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if a feature outside the spec sheet matters to you.
Why is the ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 our Lowest Price Here pick?
It earns the label for the cheapest way into this group, below the Zotac 5070 Solid OC. It suits getting dual BIOS for the least money.
Do the ROG Strix RTX 5070 and the Zotac 5070 Solid OC differ on boost clock?
The ROG Strix RTX 5070 uses 2685MHz (OC mode); the Zotac 5070 Solid OC uses 2542MHz. The makers of the Gigabyte RTX 5070 Windforce SFF and the ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 don't say.
Will the ROG Strix RTX 5070 work with my setup?
The ROG Strix RTX 5070 occupies 3.2 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 ROG Strix RTX 5070 with the maker. In this guide it ranks first of 4, as our Premium Pick pick.
What extras do the ROG Strix RTX 5070 and the Gigabyte RTX 5070 Windforce SFF include?
The ROG Strix RTX 5070: a vapor chamber with MaxContact. The Gigabyte RTX 5070 Windforce SFF: a WINDFORCE cooler. The Zotac 5070 Solid OC: three 90mm fans with FREEZE fan stop.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ROG Strix RTX 5070, chosen for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a vapor chamber with MaxContact. Look at the Gigabyte RTX 5070 Windforce SFF for a WINDFORCE cooler, the Zotac 5070 Solid OC for three 90mm fans with FREEZE fan stop and the ASUS SFF-Ready Prime RTX 5070 for the cheapest way into this group, below the Zotac 5070 Solid OC if those matter more to you.
A premium cooler matters more for noise than for frame rate.