Nvidia’s groundbreaking claim about the RTX 5070 delivering RTX 4090 performance at a fraction of the cost has sent shockwaves across the gaming and tech communities. With a price point of just $549, this promise seems almost too good to be true. The bold declaration, made by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang during CES 2025, relies heavily on advancements in DLSS 4 and AI-powered rendering techniques. But can this mid-tier GPU truly rival the flagship RTX 4090? Let’s dive deep into the technology, performance benchmarks, and real-world implications to uncover the truth.
The Bold Promise of RTX 5070: A Leap in Performance
The RTX 5070 represents Nvidia’s ambitious vision for the next generation of GPUs. Central to its performance claims is DLSS 4 (Deep Learning Super Sampling), a revolutionary AI-driven rendering technology. Nvidia’s DLSS has evolved significantly, and the latest iteration, DLSS 4, introduces Multi Frame Generation, a feature capable of generating up to three additional frames for every traditionally rendered frame.
Jensen Huang’s assertion that the RTX 5070 can achieve RTX 4090 performance levels is based on frame rate comparisons rather than raw rasterization power. While the RTX 4090 excels in brute-force performance, the RTX 5070 relies on AI to bridge the gap. In supported games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2, DLSS 4 showcases astonishing improvements, boosting frame rates from DLSS 3.5’s 142fps to an impressive 243fps.
Understanding DLSS 4: The Core of RTX 5070’s Power
DLSS 4 is at the heart of Nvidia’s claim. Unlike previous versions, DLSS 4 uses a new transformer model to predict future frames rather than interpolating past frames. This innovative approach reduces latency and enhances frame rate smoothness. The Multi Frame Generation feature amplifies performance by generating multiple frames for every traditionally rendered frame, delivering up to 8x the frame rates of standard rendering.
Key advancements in DLSS 4 include:
- Reduced VRAM Usage: DLSS 4 is 30% more efficient in memory consumption.
- Faster Processing: The transformer model increases speed by 40%.
- Smoothed Frame Times: Even with the added frames, DLSS 4 ensures consistent pacing, reducing stutters.
In games optimized for DLSS 4, the RTX 5070 matches the RTX 4090’s frame rates, making it an attractive option for gamers seeking high performance without the premium price tag.
The “Fake Frames” Debate: Is It Real Performance?
Critics have raised concerns about the legitimacy of DLSS-generated frames, often labeling them as “fake frames.” Traditionalists argue that these frames do not reflect the GPU’s true rendering power, as they rely on AI algorithms rather than rasterization. However, it’s essential to understand that modern gaming has long relied on “tricks” to enhance visuals. From dynamic resolution scaling to AI-powered upscaling, innovation has always been about achieving more with less.
The real issue lies in input latency. While DLSS 4-generated frames look visually smooth, the gameplay may still feel less responsive compared to higher native frame rates. Nvidia claims to have addressed this with GPU pacing, ensuring minimal latency impact. In tests, Digital Foundry observed only a 6ms increase in latency with DLSS 4, a negligible difference for most gamers.
For casual and competitive players alike, the tradeoff between visual fidelity and raw input response is subjective. Many gamers prioritize smoother visuals, especially in cinematic single-player experiences, making DLSS 4 an acceptable compromise.
Performance Benchmarks: RTX 5070 vs. RTX 4090
In benchmarks shared during CES, Nvidia highlighted the RTX 5070’s performance in popular games:
- Cyberpunk 2077:
- Without DLSS: 27fps
- With DLSS 3.5: 142fps
- With DLSS 4: 243fps
- Alan Wake 2:
- Without DLSS: 34fps
- With DLSS 3.5: 156fps
- With DLSS 4: 250fps
These figures demonstrate that the RTX 5070 can achieve RTX 4090-level frame rates in DLSS-supported titles. However, in pure rasterization workloads, the RTX 4090 retains its dominance, delivering unmatched performance in non-DLSS scenarios.
AI Rendering: The Future of Gaming
Nvidia’s push toward AI-powered rendering signals a broader industry shift. AI techniques like DLSS are no longer optional; they are becoming essential for achieving next-gen visuals. Even competitors like AMD and Intel are adopting similar technologies, such as FSR 4 and XeSS, to remain competitive.
The implications extend beyond gaming. AI rendering techniques could revolutionize industries like virtual reality, architecture, and film production, where real-time rendering is critical. By lowering hardware requirements, these advancements democratize access to cutting-edge visuals.
Is the RTX 5070 Worth It?
At $549, the RTX 5070 is a game-changer for budget-conscious gamers. It offers a taste of high-end performance at a mid-tier price, provided you play games that support DLSS 4. For esports titles or older games relying solely on rasterization, the RTX 4090’s raw power remains unmatched.
Pros of the RTX 5070:
- Affordable price for high frame rates.
- DLSS 4 unlocks next-gen visuals.
- Energy-efficient design with reduced VRAM usage.
Cons of the RTX 5070:
- Dependent on DLSS support.
- Higher latency compared to native rendering.
- Limited rasterization performance.
The Future of GPUs: Nvidia’s AI-Powered Vision
Nvidia’s bold vision for AI-powered GPUs is reshaping the gaming landscape. While the RTX 5070’s claim to match the RTX 4090 in performance has sparked debates, it highlights the growing importance of software-driven enhancements. DLSS 4 exemplifies how AI can bridge hardware gaps, delivering transformative experiences without exorbitant costs.
As more games adopt AI rendering techniques, the RTX 5070 could become a beacon of what’s possible at an affordable price. For now, it stands as a testament to Nvidia’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries.
