No, the GTX 1070 Ti is not worth buying going in to 2025. This card is now several generations old and unless you’re getting a great deal on it and are coming from a much older (lower performing card) this one is very out of date in modern gaming. The only reason to really upgrade to a 1070 Ti is if you already own the card and whatever is in your current system is somehow worse. This card won’t handle modern games well, but it should work fine for older games. It’s not recommended if you plan to play new releases, but you might get a good deal if you don’t have those plans.
GTX 1070 Ti: A Retrospective Look at a Gaming Legend
The GTX 1070 Ti, released in late 2017, was a powerhouse in its time, delivering excellent 1080p and even 1440p gaming performance. But as we venture into 2025, is this aging warrior still a viable option for gamers?
Performance in Modern Titles
The GTX 1070 Ti can still hold its own in many modern games at 1080p resolution, offering playable framerates in most titles with medium to high settings. However, demanding AAA games might require lowering some settings or opting for lower resolutions to maintain smooth gameplay.
Ray Tracing and DLSS: Out of Reach
One significant drawback of the GTX 1070 Ti is its lack of support for ray tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), which are becoming increasingly common in newer games. These technologies enhance visuals and performance, respectively, but the 1070 Ti simply doesn’t have the hardware to handle them.
Value Proposition: A Mixed Bag
On the used market, the GTX 1070 Ti can be found at relatively affordable prices, making it an attractive option for budget-minded gamers. However, newer GPUs like the RTX 3060 or RX 6600 offer better performance and features for a slightly higher price.
Longevity: An Aging Champion
While the GTX 1070 Ti can still handle many games, its age is starting to show. Newer titles might not run as smoothly, and its lack of modern features like ray tracing and DLSS might be a dealbreaker for some gamers.
Alternative Options in 2025
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly GPU, the GTX 1070 Ti might still be a decent option, especially if you primarily play older or less demanding games. However, if you want to future-proof your setup and enjoy the latest features, consider investing in a newer GPU like the RTX 3060 or RX 6600.
Comparison Table: GTX 1070 Ti vs. Newer GPUs
| GPU | Price (New/Used) | Performance (1080p) | Ray Tracing | DLSS | Power Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTX 1070 Ti | N/A / $100-200 | Good | No | No | Moderate |
| RTX 3060 | $329 / $200-300 | Excellent | Yes | Yes | Moderate |
| RX 6600 | $249 / $150-250 | Very Good | Limited | No | Low |
Final Verdict
The 1070 Ti is still a capable GPU in 2025 for budget-conscious gamers who primarily play older or less demanding titles at 1080p. However, its lack of modern features and the availability of newer, more powerful GPUs make it a less appealing choice for those seeking top-tier performance and future-proofing. If you have a significantly worse card than the 1070 Ti and can get one affordably (or for free), then go for it! But this card won’t be good enough in the future, so it’s not worth paying a significant amount of money for. There are better options available for almost the same cost (e.g., 2070 Ti) which would be much better performers.
Is a GTX 1070 Ti Worth it in 2025?
| Factor | Worth It | Not Worth It |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | • Handles most popular games at 1080p High/Ultra settings | • Struggles with newer demanding titles at high settings |
| Price | • Relatively affordable compared to newer cards | • Still somewhat expensive for its age and performance |
| Availability | • Readily available from various retailers and used markets | • Newer cards might be easier to find in some regions |
| Power Consumption | • Lower power consumption compared to newer cards | • Not the most energy-efficient option |
| Future Upgradeability | • Lacks features like DLSS and ray tracing found in newer cards | • May become obsolete quicker compared to newer options |
| Drivers & Support | • Still supported by NVIDIA with regular driver updates | • Driver updates might become less frequent over time |
Key Takeaways
- Performance Leap: The GTX 1070 Ti offers a significant performance improvement over lower-end cards like the RX 550.
- Game Compatibility: It handles games like CS, Rust, Fallout, RDR2 effectively.
- Price Consideration: Value depends on the price; alternatives like the RX 6600 or RTX 2060 might offer better value.
- VRAM Advantage: Comes with 2 extra GBs of VRAM compared to some alternatives.
- Suitability for 1440p Gaming: Capable of handling most games at 1440p, with limitations in newer titles.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Get a GTX 1070 Ti if:
- You’re on a tight budget and mainly play 1080p games at Medium/High settings.
- You prioritize affordability and availability over cutting-edge features.
- You’re looking for a temporary solution before upgrading to a newer card.
- Avoid a GTX 1070 Ti if:
- You want to play demanding AAA titles at high settings or above 1080p resolution.
- You value features like DLSS and ray tracing for future-proofing your setup.
- You prefer the latest performance and don’t mind paying a premium price.
Alternatives to consider:
- Used GTX 1660 Ti/Super: Similar performance in most games, potentially lower price tag.
- AMD RX 5700/5600 XT: Offers competitive performance and often better value than used GTX 1070 Ti.
- New entry-level RTX 3000 series card: Higher price but significantly better performance and future-proof features.
Performance and Gaming Experience
The GTX 1070 Ti, a few years post its release, still holds its ground in the gaming community. Users on Reddit have expressed that upgrading from an RX 550 to a GTX 1070 Ti is a “monumental upgrade,” offering a roughly 500% improvement in performance. This GPU can comfortably run popular games like CS:GO, Rust, Fallout, and Red Dead Redemption 2, making it a viable choice for gamers not chasing the latest hardware.
User Experience: One Reddit user mentioned, “It will play most games fine, most who say no have never tried it. My 1660s runs Fortnite and similar games no problem and it’s worse than a 1070ti.”
Price and Value
When considering the GTX 1070 Ti, price plays a crucial role. If the cost is too high, newer alternatives like the RX 6600 or a used 5700xt might offer better value for money. However, the GTX 1070 Ti’s 2 extra GBs of VRAM give it an edge in certain scenarios, especially when compared to the RTX 2060, which often retails at a similar price point.
Cost-Effectiveness: A Reddit user advised, “Card is ok for less than $140 anymore and you are better off with a new rx6600 or a used 5700xt.”
Technical Specifications
- VRAM: 8 GB GDDR5
- Performance: Capable of 1440p gaming, struggles with newer titles
- Comparison: Comparable to the GTX 1660s in performance
Real-World Applications
In practical terms, the GTX 1070 Ti is more than capable of handling everyday gaming needs. It’s particularly well-suited for gamers who are content with 1080p or 1440p gaming and don’t necessarily need to push the limits with the latest AAA titles.
Gaming Scenarios: Ideal for popular titles and can handle some newer games at adjusted settings.
Alternatives
- RX 6600: Offers similar performance at potentially a better price point.
- RTX 2060: Similar price range but less VRAM.
- Used 5700xt: A viable alternative if available at a lower price.
User Testimonials
- Positive Feedback: Many users report satisfaction with its performance in a variety of games.
- Upgrade Experience: Users upgrading from lower-end cards have noted a significant improvement in their gaming experience.
Video Reviews and Discussions
- GTX 1070 Ultrawide Gaming: Budget Pick in 2024?
- GTX 1070 Still Worth Buying 2023? Can it Run Hogwarts Legacy?
- GTX 1070 Gaming In 2023 | Still Worth It?
FAQs
Is the GTX 1070 Ti good for gaming still?
Yes, the GTX 1070 Ti is still a capable graphics card for gaming in 2023, particularly at 1080p resolution. It can handle most modern games at medium to high settings with respectable frame rates. However, its performance might start to struggle with more demanding AAA titles or at higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K, especially with ray tracing enabled.
How does the GTX 1070 Ti compare to newer GPUs?
Compared to newer GPUs like the RTX 30 series or RX 6000 series, the GTX 1070 Ti lags behind in terms of raw performance, power efficiency, and features like ray tracing and DLSS. Newer cards offer significantly better performance, particularly at higher resolutions and with demanding visual effects.
Is it worth upgrading from a lower-end card like the RX 550 to a GTX 1070 Ti?
Yes, upgrading from a lower-end card like the RX 550 to a GTX 1070 Ti would offer a significant performance boost. You’ll be able to play more demanding games at higher settings and resolutions, and enjoy a smoother overall gaming experience. However, if you’re looking for the best possible performance or want to future-proof your setup, consider investing in a newer generation GPU.
What are some alternatives to the GTX 1070 Ti?
If you’re looking for alternatives to the GTX 1070 Ti, consider newer generation GPUs like the RTX 3060 or RX 6600 XT. These cards offer better performance, features, and power efficiency compared to the 1070 Ti, although they might be more expensive. If you’re on a budget, a used GTX 1080 or even a GTX 1070 Ti could be a good option.
Can the GTX 1070 Ti handle 4K gaming?
The GTX 1070 Ti can technically handle 4K gaming, but you’ll likely need to lower graphical settings and expectations significantly to achieve playable frame rates. Newer and more powerful GPUs are much better suited for 4K gaming. If 4K is your target, it’s recommended to invest in a more capable graphics card.
