Is the GTX 1070 Outdated for Modern Gaming?

Introduction

The NVIDIA GTX 1070, released in 2016, was a powerful graphics card for its time. However, as of August 2023, if you're looking for high-end gaming performance or future-proofing, you might find it increasingly outdated. This article explores the factors that contribute to this perception and whether the GTX 1070 still holds up in modern gaming scenarios.

Performance

One of the key factors in assessing the GTX 1070's relevance today is its performance. Modern games at higher resolutions such as 1440p and 4K can pose challenges for the card, particularly with features like ray tracing enabled. Newer graphics cards, such as those from the RTX 20, 30, and 40 series, have significantly outperformed the GTX 1070. For instance, RTX series cards often offer better frame rates and support advanced graphics features, making them more suitable for these demanding tasks.

VRAM

The GTX 1070 features 8GB of VRAM, which is sufficient for many current games. However, newer titles may require more VRAM for optimal performance. As games evolve and add more graphical complexity, this can become a limiting factor, especially if you're seeking future-proofing. If you are predominantly gaming at 1080p or have lower requirements, the 8GB VRAM in the 1070 should still suffice.

Technology

Newer graphics cards incorporate advanced technologies such as DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and improved power efficiency. These advancements can offer significant performance boosts and better visual quality, which the GTX 1070 lacks. DLSS, for example, enhances frame rates and image quality through AI-driven optimizations, making it highly beneficial for demanding modern games.

Market Position

While the GTX 1070 can still handle many games at lower settings or resolutions, it might not meet the demands of the latest games or applications as effectively as newer options. If you are gaming at higher settings or resolutions, or if you are concerned about future-proofing, it might be worth considering a more recent model. However, for casual gaming or general tasks, the GTX 1070 can still perform well.

Outdated Means What Exactly?

Just Old

It's true that there have been two new generations of NVIDIA graphics cards since the release of the GTX 1070, namely the RTX 20 and RTX 30 series. The GTX 1070 was succeeded by these more powerful cards.

Unable to Run Current Programs

While the GTX 1070 struggles with high-resolution gaming and advanced features, it still works well for most games, especially at lower settings like 1080p with medium or high quality. The vast majority of gaming titles still run fine on the 1070. The card's performance may drop at the very highest resolutions and settings, but it can still handle most games smoothly.

Not to Mention Most People Don’t Run Such Games Anyway

Even if a game demands high-end graphics, many users don't necessarily run them at maximum settings or resolutions. Additionally, other programs that require graphics capabilities don't always need the capabilities of the 1070, making it a bit of overkill for many users.

Just Not Being the Top of the Line

When the GTX 1070 was first released, it was already surpassed by more powerful cards like the 1080 and 1080 Ti. If you are comparing the GTX 1070 to the latest top-tier GPUs, it may seem outdated. However, many users will find the 1070 more than sufficient for their needs, especially given its affordable price point.

Conclusion

While the GTX 1070 can still be used for gaming and general tasks, it may not meet the demands of the latest games or applications as effectively as newer options. However, if you are okay with lowering settings and are not looking for the top-tier performance, the GTX 1070 can still serve you well.