Interest in Nvidia's RTX 50 series is growing, especially for the RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti. Driven by the Blackwell architecture and DLSS 4, next-gen performance was anticipated. However, recent leaks suggest a need to adjust expectations. The question arises: will these cards be the mid-segment leaders hoped for, or simply a modest improvement over the RTX 40 series?
Performance Reality Check: Leaks Paint a Sobering Picture
Rumored RTX 5070 Ti Performance
According to "Moore's Law Is Dead," early performance figures for the RTX 5070 and 5070 Ti are underwhelming. The RTX 5070 Ti is rumored to achieve only a 5-10% rasterization uplift over the RTX 4070 Ti SUPER. Ray tracing improvements are slightly better, but still modest at 10-15%.
This is not the generational leap many expected. If these leaks are accurate, the RTX 5070 Ti could face strong competition from AMD's upcoming RX 9070 XT, which is expected to challenge the RTX 4080.
The RTX 5070's projected performance is even less impressive in these early reports. A 10-20% rasterization increase over the RTX 4070, with minimal ray tracing performance gains, potentially places it behind AMD's rumored RX 9070. The RX 9070 is expected to outpace the RTX 4070 Ti.
A marginal performance increase may not be enough to generate excitement. AMD's potential impact on the mid-range market adds further context.
Supply Chain Blues: RTX 5070 Ti Launch Looking Sparse?
Deja Vu All Over Again?
Similar to the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 launch, limited availability may be anticipated. Leaks indicate RTX 5070 Ti launch stock will be "VERY limited," possibly slightly better than the top-tier cards. In the GPU market, "limited" often translates to inflated prices and frustrated consumers. Another paper launch appears increasingly likely.
DLSS 4: Can AI Upscaling Be the Savior?
Multi Frame Generation to the Rescue?
Nvidia is relying on DLSS 4, specifically Multi Frame Generation, to enhance the RTX 50 series appeal. AI-powered upscaling aims to deliver significant frame rate improvements, potentially compensating for modest raw performance gains and providing a next-generation experience.
The RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti are positioned as the "most affordable ways" to fully utilize DLSS 4. However, game support is necessary. Even with frame rate improvements, concerns about latency and visual artifacts from AI frame generation remain.
Retail Sightings: Launch Date Hints Emerge
February 20th – Mark Your Calendars (Maybe)?
French retailer TopAchat listed RTX 5070 Ti cards with a launch date of February 20th. This could be a placeholder or error, but it suggests a potentially imminent launch. However, limited supply makes any launch date seem uncertain.
The Verdict (For Now): Proceed with Caution
Currently, the outlook for the RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti is unclear. Leaks point to modest raw performance improvements, potential supply constraints, and a dependence on DLSS 4 to justify upgrading. DLSS 4 is promising, but its real-world impact is yet to be fully determined.
Mid-range gamers considering an upgrade are advised to wait. Delay pre-orders, await independent benchmarks once cards become available, and consider alternatives, including AMD's RX 9000 series. The mid-range GPU battle of 2025 may be more complex and potentially surprising than initially anticipated.
