The mid-range GPU market is buzzing in 2025, with the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 leading the charge. Launched in March 2025, these cards target gamers seeking high performance at 1440p and occasional 4K gaming without a flagship price tag.
AMD emphasizes value and raw power, while NVIDIA doubles down on ray tracing and AI tech. In this comparison, we’ll explore specs, performance, pricing, and features to help you choose the proper GPU. Let’s dive in!
Specifications: RX 9070 XT vs. RTX 5070
Understanding the hardware is the first step. Here’s a detailed spec comparison based on the latest data from March 6, 2025:
| Feature | Radeon RX 9070 XT | GeForce RTX 5070 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | RDNA 4 (Navi 48 XTX) | Blackwell (GB205) |
| Compute Units/CUDA Cores | 64 CU (4,096 shaders) | 6,144 CUDA Cores |
| VRAM | 16GB GDDR6 (20 Gbps) | 12GB GDDR7 (28 Gbps) |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit | 192-bit |
| Bandwidth | 640 GB/s | 672 GB/s |
| Boost Clock | 2.97 GHz | 2.61 GHz |
| Power Draw (TGP) | 304W | 220W |
| Ray Tracing Cores | 64 (3rd Gen) | 48 (4th Gen) |
| AI Accelerators | 112 (2nd Gen) | 192 Tensor Cores (5th Gen) |
| MSRP | $599 | $549 |
| Release Date | March 6, 2025 | March 5, 2025 |
Spec Highlights
- VRAM: The RX 9070 XT’s 16GB GDDR6 outclasses the RTX 5070’s 12GB GDDR7, offering a buffer for future games and creative tasks.
- Bandwidth: Despite a narrower bus, the RTX 5070’s GDDR7 memory delivers a slight edge (672 GB/s vs. 640 GB/s).
- Efficiency: NVIDIA’s 220W TGP is more efficient than AMD’s 304W, which is ideal for smaller builds or lower energy costs.
- Cores: The RTX 5070’s 6,144 CUDA cores suggest higher compute potential than AMD’s 4,096 shaders.
Performance: Gaming Benchmarks
Performance defines a GPU’s worth. Here’s how the RX 9070 XT and RTX 5070 fare in popular titles, based on early March 2025 benchmarks (no upscaling):
1440p Gaming (Ultra Settings, No Ray Tracing)
| Game | RX 9070 XT | RTX 5070 |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 92 FPS | 87 FPS |
| Call of Duty: Warzone | 130 FPS | 118 FPS |
| Black Myth: Wukong | 85 FPS | 80 FPS |
4K Gaming (Ultra Settings, No Ray Tracing)
| Game | RX 9070 XT | RTX 5070 |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 52 FPS | 48 FPS |
| Call of Duty: Warzone | 68 FPS | 62 FPS |
| Black Myth: Wukong | 47 FPS | 43 FPS |
Ray Tracing Performance (1440p, Ultra Settings)
| Game | RX 9070 XT | RTX 5070 |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 (RT On) | 45 FPS | 58 FPS |
| F1 24 (RT On) | 66 FPS | 78 FPS |
Performance Insights
- Rasterization: The RX 9070 XT leads by 5-11% in non-RT scenarios, leveraging its VRAM and compute power.
- Ray Tracing: The RTX 5070 excels with a 20-25% advantage, thanks to NVIDIA’s 4th-gen RT cores.
- 4K Capability: Both cards manage 4K, but the RX 9070 XT’s 16GB VRAM reduces stuttering in demanding titles.
Upscaling Technology: FSR 4 vs. DLSS 4
Upscaling boosts frame rates, making it critical for mid-range GPUs. Here’s a breakdown:
| Feature | FSR 4 (RX 9070 XT) | DLSS 4 (RTX 5070) |
|---|---|---|
| Tech Base | AI-driven (debut in RDNA 4) | AI + Multi-Frame Generation |
| Performance Boost | 52 FPS to 78 FPS (Cyberpunk 4K) | 48 FPS to 115 FPS (Cyberpunk 4K) |
| Image Quality | Good, slightly soft | Excellent, sharp in motion |
| Availability | Open-source, broad support | NVIDIA-exclusive |
- FSR 4: AMD’s first AI upscaling tech improves significantly over FSR 3 but lags in clarity.
- DLSS 4: NVIDIA’s latest iteration offers unmatched smoothness and detail, especially with ray tracing.
Winner: DLSS 4 gives the RTX 5070 a clear edge for upscaling enthusiasts.
Pricing and Availability
| Aspect | RX 9070 XT | RTX 5070 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $599 | $549 |
| Street Price (March 2025) | $590-$610 | $580-$650 (scalping) |
| Availability | Strong, near MSRP | Limited, high demand |
- RX 9070 XT: At $599, it’s a value champ with stable stock from brands like Sapphire and PowerColor.
- RTX 5070: Priced at $549, it’s cheaper on paper, but scalping pushes costs above $600 due to supply shortages.
Value Pick: According to AMD’s data, the RX 9070 XT offers 23% better performance per dollar at MSRP and better real-world pricing.
Features and Ecosystem
| Feature | RX 9070 XT | RTX 5070 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Outputs | DisplayPort 2.1a, HDMI 2.1b | DisplayPort 2.1, HDMI 2.1 |
| Software | HYPR-RX (tuning suite) | NVIDIA Broadcast, Reflex |
| Creator Appeal | 16GB VRAM for workloads | DLSS 4 for gaming focus |
- AMD: Strong for creators with extra VRAM and versatile HYPR-RX tools.
- NVIDIA: Wins with NVIDIA Broadcast for streamers and top-tier driver support.
Which GPU Is Right for You?
Choose the RX 9070 XT If:
- You want top rasterization performance at 1440p/4K.
- Future-proofing with 16GB VRAM matters to you.
- You prefer value and availability near MSRP.
Choose the RTX 5070 If:
- Ray tracing and DLSS 4 are must-haves.
- You value efficiency and NVIDIA’s software ecosystem.
- You can secure it at or near MSRP.
Conclusion
The Radeon RX 9070 XT and RTX 5070 are mid-range titans with distinct strengths. AMD’s card dominates in raw power and value, while NVIDIA’s shines in ray tracing and upscaling.
As of March 2025, the RX 9070 XT is the best choice for most gamers due to its performance, VRAM, and stock stability. However, if ray tracing is your priority and NVIDIA stabilizes supply, the RTX 5070 is a worthy contender.
