The mid-high-end GPU market has just gotten more exciting with AMD’s launch of the Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070. These cards are aimed at delivering high-performance 1440p gaming and are positioned to compete directly with NVIDIA’s newly released GeForce RTX 5070 Ti. With gamers increasingly looking for the best balance of price, performance, and features at this resolution, AMD’s latest offerings promise to be strong contenders.
RDNA 4 vs RDNA 3: Key Improvements
AMD’s move from RDNA 3 to RDNA 4 brings several significant improvements, particularly for 1440p gaming:
- Increased Shader Efficiency – Optimized compute units offer better performance per watt, allowing for higher sustained clock speeds without excessive power draw.
- Improved Ray Tracing Performance – While still behind NVIDIA in this area, RDNA 4 has made strides, offering better ray-tracing acceleration for games that support it.
- Better Memory Management – The inclusion of 16GB GDDR6 VRAM ensures these cards are future-proof for modern high-resolution textures and demanding open-world games.
- Lower Power Consumption – Compared to RDNA 3, the RX 9070 series runs more efficiently, generating less heat and requiring less power, making them well-suited for compact or quieter builds.
- FSR 3 Frame Generation – AMD has introduced its own frame generation technology, which helps boost frame rates by generating intermediate frames, similar to NVIDIA’s DLSS Frame Generation.
Gigabyte Radeon RX 9070 XT Elite 16G and RX 9070 Gaming OC 16G
For this review, we tested two Gigabyte models based on these new GPUs: the Gigabyte Radeon RX 9070 XT Elite 16G and the Gigabyte Radeon RX 9070 Gaming OC 16G.
Gigabyte Radeon RX 9070 XT Elite 16G
- Factory overclocked for extra performance
- Features Gigabyte’s Windforce 3X cooling with RGB lighting
- Reinforced backplate for durability
Specifications can be found at https://www.gigabyte.com/us/Graphics-Card/GV-R9070XTAORUS-E-16GD/
Gigabyte Radeon RX 9070 Gaming OC 16G
- Slightly lower clock speeds but still offers excellent performance
- Windforce cooling without the premium RGB aesthetics
- Targeted at gamers who prioritize value over flashy designs
Specifications can be found at https://www.gigabyte.com/us/Graphics-Card/GV-R9070GAMING-OC-16GD#
Both cards maintain solid thermals and fan noise levels under heavy load, thanks to Gigabyte’s cooling solutions. The Gaming OC model offers a more understated design, while the Elite variant caters to those who want both performance and aesthetics.
Performance at 1440p
We put both GPUs through a series of gaming benchmarks to see how they hold up in modern titles at 1440p. Here’s what we found:
Across the board, the RX 9070 XT consistently delivers high frame rates well above 100 FPS in most of our tests, making it an excellent choice for 1440p high-refresh rate gaming. The RX 9070 isn’t far behind and still offers fantastic performance, making it an attractive option for gamers looking to save some money while maintaining smooth gameplay.
A Worthy Upgrade?
For those upgrading from previous-generation GPUs like the RX 7900 XTX or NVIDIA’s RTX 4070 series, the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 provide a refined and more efficient experience at 1440p. They leverage AMD’s RDNA 4 architecture, which enhances power efficiency and shader performance while maintaining competitive frame rates in modern games.
Compared to the RX 7900 XTX, the RX 9070 XT delivers a similar level of performance but with better efficiency at the same level of power draw and thermals, making it a more attractive option for gamers looking to optimize their system’s power consumption. The RX 9070 brings comparable improvements while remaining at a more accessible price point.
On the NVIDIA side, those currently using an RTX 4070 Ti Super will find that the RX 9070 XT competes closely in rasterization performance. While NVIDIA maintains an edge in AI-powered upscaling and ray tracing with DLSS 3.5, AMD counters with FSR 3 frame generation, which boosts frame rates in supported titles.
At a price of $599 for the RX 9070 XT and $549 for the RX 9070, AMD provides a competitive offering for those seeking high-refresh-rate 1440p gaming without the premium price tag of NVIDIA’s RTX 5070 Ti. The choice ultimately depends on individual priorities—if you value AI-powered enhancements, NVIDIA may still have an advantage, but if you’re looking for strong raw performance and power efficiency at a more accessible price, AMD’s RX 9070 series is a compelling choice.
Conclusion: AMD’s Strong Entry into 1440p Gaming
AMD’s Radeon RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 are excellent additions to the mid-high-end GPU market. While NVIDIA still leads in AI-based upscaling, AMD counters with strong rasterization performance and FSR 3 frame generation, which significantly boosts frame rates in supported titles. Combined with improved efficiency and competitive pricing, these GPUs offer an excellent value proposition for 1440p gaming.
For gamers focused on 1440p performance, both the RX 9070 XT and RX 9070 present compelling choices. If you want the absolute best frame rates with extra overclocking potential, the RX 9070 XT is the way to go. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly while still delivering fantastic performance, the RX 9070 remains a strong contender. Either way, AMD has successfully positioned itself as a viable alternative to NVIDIA’s RTX 5070 Ti in the competitive 1440p gaming market.
