Mid-range GPUs are the heart of the gaming market, balancing performance and affordability. Over the past four generations, NVIDIA has released the RTX 2070, 3070, 4070, and 5070, each bringing architectural upgrades, better ray tracing support, and improved efficiency.
How much progress have we really seen from the RTX 2070 to the RTX 5070? Recent independent benchmarks at 1080p and 4K provide a clear picture of performance gains, efficiency, and whether these cards are worth upgrading to.
RTX 2070 vs 3070 vs 4070 vs 5070: Quick Comparison #
| GPU | Cores / Threads | Boost Clock | Avg Raster FPS | Avg RT FPS | Power (W) | Efficiency (FPS/W) | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 2070 | 2304 CUDA | 1620 MHz | ~36 FPS | ~25 FPS | 175W | 0.21 | Entry ray tracing, budget option |
| RTX 3070 | 5888 CUDA | 1725 MHz | ~66 FPS | ~38 FPS | 220W | 0.30 | Strong 1440p gaming, DLSS boost |
| RTX 4070 | 5888 CUDA | 2475 MHz | ~91 FPS | ~52 FPS | 200W | 0.46 | Best balance of performance & efficiency |
| RTX 5070 | 7168 CUDA | 2610 MHz | ~107 FPS | ~63 FPS | 230W | 0.27–0.29 | Highest mid-range performance ceiling |
(FPS values represent average across tested games, mix of 1080p/4K rasterization and ray tracing workloads.)
1080p Gaming Performance: Where CPU Bottlenecks Show #
At 1080p resolution, GPU gains are sometimes masked by CPU bottlenecks. Still, modern titles with ray tracing highlight the generational leap:
- Cyberpunk 2077 (RT Medium, DLSS Balanced)
- RTX 2070: 12.9 FPS
- RTX 3070: 23.8 FPS
- RTX 4070: 48.2 FPS
- RTX 5070: 61.3 FPS
Other notable jumps include:
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered → 24.9 FPS → 63.3 FPS
- Quake II RTX → 52.6 FPS → 166.5 FPS
In high-frame-rate rasterized games like Diablo II: Resurrected and Overwatch 2, even the RTX 2070 delivers 100+ FPS. But newer GPUs push well over 300 FPS, showing they have headroom for more demanding future titles.
4K Gaming Performance: Big Leaps Across Generations #
At 4K resolution, the differences become much more dramatic:
- Cyberpunk 2077: RTX 4070 → 27.8 FPS, RTX 5070 → 32.0 FPS
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart: RTX 2070 → 19.2 FPS, RTX 5070 → 119.2 FPS
- Horizon Forbidden West: RTX 2070 → 31.6 FPS, RTX 5070 → 91.1 FPS
- Overwatch 2: RTX 2070 → 99.3 FPS, RTX 5070 → 275.2 FPS
This shows that 4K gaming with ray tracing is finally viable on the mid-range tier, especially with the RTX 4070 and 5070.
Power Consumption and Efficiency #
Performance across the four generations improved steadily:
- Rasterization: 36 → 107 FPS
- Ray tracing: 25 → 63 FPS
Power consumption fluctuated between 171W and 231W, but efficiency gains were clear:
- Rasterization: 0.21 → 0.46 FPS/W
- Ray tracing: 0.15 → ~0.29 FPS/W
The RTX 4070 often wins on efficiency, thanks to lower power draw and quieter thermals. The RTX 5070 delivers higher peak performance but demands more power and cooling.
Upgrade Recommendations #
For RTX 2070 Owners #
- Upgrade strongly recommended
- RTX 4070 or 5070 offers huge gains in ray tracing and 4K performance
- RTX 5070 is best if budget and cooling allow
For RTX 3070 Owners #
- Upgrade to RTX 4070 for better efficiency + DLSS improvements
- RTX 5070 only worth it if chasing top frame rates
For RTX 4070 Owners #
- RTX 5070 offers more raw power, but efficiency gains are minimal
- Only upgrade if you need maximum FPS in demanding 4K games
FAQ: NVIDIA RTX 2070 vs 3070 vs 4070 vs 5070 #
Q1: Is the RTX 4070 better than the RTX 3070?
Yes. The RTX 4070 offers better efficiency, higher ray tracing performance, and enhanced DLSS 3 support compared to the RTX 3070. It’s also more power-efficient at similar performance levels.
Q2: Is the RTX 5070 good for 4K gaming?
Yes. The RTX 5070 can deliver 4K gaming at high settings with ray tracing enabled, averaging 60+ FPS in many modern titles. It is the most capable mid-range card for 4K today.
Q3: Should I upgrade from RTX 2070 to RTX 4070 or 5070?
If you want smooth 4K gaming or better ray tracing performance, upgrading is highly recommended. The 4070 is more efficient, while the 5070 offers a higher performance ceiling if budget and cooling allow.
Q4: Is the RTX 4070 worth it over the RTX 5070?
The RTX 4070 is the better value for most gamers due to its efficiency and balanced thermals. The 5070 is only worth it if you need the highest frame rates and don’t mind higher power consumption.
Q5: How much more efficient is the RTX 4070 compared to the RTX 2070?
The RTX 4070 roughly doubles efficiency, improving rasterization performance per watt from 0.21 FPS/W to 0.46 FPS/W, while also cutting down power usage compared to older models.
Final Thoughts: Smarter Architectures, Not Just More Power #
The evolution from the RTX 2070 to 5070 shows how NVIDIA has shifted strategy. It’s no longer about piling on raw compute—it’s about:
- Smarter GPU architectures
- AI-driven features like DLSS and frame generation
- Better memory management and efficiency
The RTX 4070 stands out as the sweet spot for balance, while the RTX 5070 is the choice for gamers who want the absolute best mid-range performance at the cost of higher power draw.
For most gamers, the right GPU comes down to balancing budget, resolution goals, and cooling capacity. The mid-range may no longer be “just enough”—it’s becoming the space where 4K gaming and advanced ray tracing are truly accessible.