Can Nvidia’s RTX 5070 Really Deliver RTX 4090 Performance for $549?
Nvidia’s big RTX 5070 claim relies on DLSS 4 and AI-powered rendering techniques.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang made waves at CES this week with a very bold claim: “The new RTX 5070, 4090 performance at the price of just $549” This statement has sparked widespread discussion across all social media platforms, from YouTube to X to TikTok, and reignited debates about DLSS 4’s Multi Frame Generation and its implications for gaming performance.
So, the question is, can a $549 RTX 5070 truly match the performance of the $1,599 RTX 4090? While the answer is not simple, it lies in Nvidia’s use of AI-powered technologies like DLSS Frame Generation.
Hi, my name is CyCoderX and today, in this article, we’ll break down the facts behind Nvidia’s claim, explore the benefits and limitations of DLSS 4, and address the controversy over “fake frames.”
Let’s dive in!
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The RTX 5070 and the DLSS 4 Revolution
The RTX 5070’s ability to compete with the RTX 4090 is heavily reliant on Nvidia’s latest AI-driven technology, DLSS 4 (Deep Learning Super Sampling). Unlike traditional rasterization, which uses brute GPU force to render each frame, DLSS 4 introduces Multi Frame Generation (MFG) to create additional frames with the help of AI.
How DLSS 4 Works:
- Instead of rendering every frame from scratch, DLSS 4 uses an AI algorithm to predict and generate up to three additional frames for every traditionally rendered frame.
- This results in up to an 8x increase in frame rates, as seen in Nvidia’s Cyberpunk 2077 demonstration, where frame rates jumped from 27 fps (native rendering) to 243 fps with DLSS 4 enabled.
Nvidia claims this technology makes it possible for the RTX 5070 to achieve frame rates comparable to an RTX 4090 in supported games. However, it’s important to note that this comparison applies primarily to games using DLSS 4 and doesn’t reflect raw rasterization performance.
The “Fake Frames” Debate: Some PC gamers criticize frame generation as producing “fake frames,” arguing it doesn’t represent true GPU performance. However, Nvidia counters that modern rendering has always involved shortcuts, optimizations, and approximations. With DLSS 4, the company is leaning fully into AI-driven enhancements as the future of gaming.
Performance vs. Perception — The Tradeoffs of Frame Generation
The RTX 5070’s DLSS 4-powered performance raises a critical question: does higher frame rate always equate to better gaming experiences? The answer depends on factors like latency, input responsiveness, and visual quality.
Latency and Input Responsiveness:
- One of the main drawbacks of DLSS 3 Frame Generation was increased input latency, where a game might visually appear smooth but still feel sluggish during gameplay.
- With DLSS 4, Nvidia has addressed this by introducing a new transformer model for Multi Frame Generation. According to Nvidia, this model is:
- 40% faster than previous DLSS versions.
- Uses 30% less VRAM, making it more efficient.
- Adds minimal latency, with an additional 6ms delay observed in early tests.
While this improvement is notable, latency concerns still exist for gamers sensitive to input delays, especially in fast-paced competitive titles like first-person shooters.
Visual Fidelity vs. Native Performance:
- DLSS 4 allows for stunning visuals at high frame rates, enabling more games to feature full ray tracing and realistic lighting effects.
- However, in some cases, games rendered at 27 fps and boosted to over 200 fps with frame generation still feel slower due to the low input frame rate, despite their visual smoothness.
For casual gamers and those focused on immersive experiences, the tradeoffs may be negligible. Competitive gamers, however, might prioritize native frame rates over AI-enhanced visuals.
The Bigger Picture — AI and the Future of Gaming
The RTX 5070 and DLSS 4 highlight a broader shift in the gaming industry toward AI-powered rendering. Nvidia’s approach isn’t unique — both AMD and Sony are exploring similar technologies with AMD’s FSR 4 and the PlayStation 5’s upscaling techniques.
Why “Fake Frames” May Not Matter:
- Realism Through AI: Gaming has always relied on tricks and approximations to simulate reality. Frame generation is just the latest evolution of this process.
- Accessibility: DLSS 4 allows mid-range GPUs like the RTX 5070 to deliver performance levels previously exclusive to high-end hardware, making advanced graphics more accessible to gamers.
- Developer Adoption: With more games supporting technologies like ray tracing and frame generation, players will increasingly see these features as standard.
As gaming hardware advances, it’s clear that AI-driven enhancements are here to stay. While “fake frames” might not satisfy purists, they offer a glimpse into a future where cutting-edge graphics and performance are more widely available.
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Conclusion
Can the RTX 5070 deliver RTX 4090 performance for $549? The answer is yes and no. While the 5070 cannot match the 4090 in raw rasterization performance, DLSS 4 enables it to achieve comparable frame rates in supported games. For gamers who prioritize visual fidelity and frame rates over native performance, the RTX 5070 offers incredible value.
Ultimately, the success of the RTX 5070 and Nvidia’s broader AI-driven strategy will depend on how well DLSS 4 integrates with future games and how much players are willing to embrace AI-powered rendering as the norm.
Note that I am not sponsored or affiliated with any services or products mentioned; my advice comes from my own experiences. Always conduct your own research and verify online information.
Sources:
Final Words:
Thank you for taking the time to read my article. Article first published on Medium by CyCoderX.
Hi, I’m CyCoderX! A engineer passionate about sharing knowledge, I write articles about Python, SQL, Data Science, Data Engineering and more!
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