The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Ti was released in 2017 and was considered a high-end graphics card at the time. With its 8GB of GDDR5 memory and 2408 CUDA cores, it could handle 1080p gaming and some 1440p gaming reasonably well.
However, graphics technology has improved tremendously over the past 5 years. Newer graphics cards offer significant performance improvements through architectural changes, faster memory, and new features like ray tracing and DLSS. Upgrading from the aging GTX 1070 Ti can provide a big boost to your gaming experience.
In this guide, we will look at 7 great options to upgrade your GTX 1070 Ti to a more powerful graphics card in 2022 and 2023. We have recommendations at various price points and for both NVIDIA and AMD GPUs.
Factors to Consider When Upgrading Your Graphics Card
Here are some key factors to think about when choosing a new graphics card:
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Budget – How much are you willing to spend on a new GPU? Prices can range from $250 to $2000+.
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Resolution – What resolution do you game at? 1080p, 1440p, or 4K? A more powerful card is needed for higher resolutions.
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Framerate – Do you want higher framrates for smoother gameplay? More powerful GPUs can push framerates above 60fps.
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Ray Tracing – Do you want support for ray tracing for enhanced lighting effects? NVIDIA RTX cards support this.
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Size – Will the new graphics card physically fit in your PC case? Measure carefully.
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Power Supply – Does your power supply provide enough wattage for a more powerful GPU? May need a PSU upgrade too.
Keeping these factors in mind will help you pick the right card for your needs and budget. Now let‘s look at the top options for upgrading from the GTX 1070 Ti.
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 – The Best Overall Upgrade
- VRAM: 24GB GDDR6X
- CUDA Cores: 16,384
- Boost Clock: Up to 2.52 GHz
- Key Features: DLSS 3, Ray Tracing, AV1 encoding
High Efficiency NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 $2,149.99
Buy on Amazon
The NVIDIA RTX 4090 is the single biggest upgrade you can make coming from a GTX 1070 Ti. It is the new flagship GPU from NVIDIA on the latest Ada Lovelace architecture.
With insane specs including 24GB VRAM and over 16,000 CUDA cores, the RTX 4090 delivers up to 2x the performance of the previous generation RTX 3090. It is an absolute beast when it comes to 4K gaming, able to easily handle new titles with max settings and ray tracing enabled.
DLSS 3 is a game changer too, using AI frame generation to boost framerates beyond what was thought possible before. If you want the ultimate 4K gaming experience money can buy right now, look no further than the RTX 4090. It does come at a steep price, but there is nothing else like it.
Pros:
- Massive performance upgrade from GTX 1070 Ti
- Handles 4K gaming with ease
- Next-gen features like DLSS 3 and AV1 encoding
Cons:
- Extremely expensive at $1600+
- Very high power draw (450W+)
- Massive in size – won‘t fit in all cases
NVIDIA RTX 4080 16GB – More Reasonably Priced High-End Card
- VRAM: 16GB GDDR6X
- CUDA Cores: 9,728
- Boost Clock: Up to 2.51 GHz
- Key Features: DLSS 3, Ray Tracing, AV1 encoding
The newly released RTX 4080 16GB delivers nearly as much performance as the RTX 4090 for several hundred dollars less. It still packs incredible power with 9728 CUDA cores and 16GB of super fast GDDR6X memory.
This card can easily handle 1440p and 4K gaming with all settings maxed out. DLSS 3 gives it more headroom to crank up image quality settings while maintaining smooth high framerates. Ray tracing is also handled very well for beautiful lighting effects.
Compared to the GTX 1070 Ti, the RTX 4080 16GB is in a completely different league. It is a high-end GPU that will remain relevant for 4K gaming for years to come thanks to DLSS. If the RTX 4090 is out of your budget, the RTX 4080 16GB is the next best option.
Pros:
- Significant upgrade from GTX 1070 Ti
- Fantastic 1440p and 4K gaming performance
- DLSS 3 and advanced ray tracing
Cons:
- Still expensive at around $1200
- Requires a beefy power supply
AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX – Powerful RDNA 3 Card
- VRAM: 24GB GDDR6
- Stream Processors: 6,144
- Game Clock: Up to 2.3 GHz
- Key Features: FSR 2, Ray Tracing, RDNA 3 architecture
AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX Desktop Graphics Card
Buy on Amazon
The Radeon RX 7900 XTX is AMD‘s newest flagship graphics card, built on the RDNA 3 architecture. It is positioned to compete directly with NVIDIA‘s RTX 4080 16GB.
Some key specs include 24GB of GDDR6 memory, over 6,000 stream processors, and clock speeds up to 2.3 GHz. It supports advanced features like ray tracing and FSR 2 upscaling. Performance is aimed at 4K gaming with max settings.
Coming from the aging GTX 1070 Ti, the RX 7900 XTX is an enormous upgrade. You can expect at least 2-3x better frame rates in most games at 4K resolution with all eye candy enabled. It trades blows with the RTX 4080 and offers an all-AMD high-end GPU option.
Pros:
- Great performance rivaling the RTX 4080
- Lower $900 price than competing NVIDIA cards
- 24GB VRAM for future proofing
Cons:
- Ray tracing not as fast as NVIDIA
- Higher power consumption than NVIDIA
NVIDIA RTX 3080 12GB – Previous Gen Flagship Card
- VRAM: 12GB GDDR6X
- CUDA Cores: 8,960
- Boost Clock: 1.71 GHz
- Key Features: DLSS, Ray Tracing
ASUS ROG Strix NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 – Buy on Amazon
The RTX 3080 first launched in 2020 and was the previous flagship card until the RTX 4000 series came out. The 12GB model offers nearly identical gaming performance to the 10GB model for a bit more VRAM.
With high speeds of over 1.7 GHz and advanced features like DLSS and ray tracing, the RTX 3080 is still an excellent high-end graphics card choice in 2022 for 1440p and 4K gaming. It is around 35-45% faster on average than the older GTX 1070 Ti.
Pricing has come down a lot on these cards since launch. You can often find an RTX 3080 12GB model for $700-800, delivering great value compared to the latest generation. If you don‘t need the newest tech, grab one of these while inventory lasts.
Pros:
- Faster than GTX 1070 Ti and solid for 1440p/4K gaming
- Support for DLSS and ray tracing
- Good value for performance
Cons:
- Last gen card so harder to find in stock
- Lower VRAM than latestGPUs
AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT – Powerful RDNA 2 Card
- VRAM: 16GB GDDR6
- Stream Processors: 4,608
- Game Clock: Up to 2.25 GHz
- Key Features: FSR, Ray Tracing, RDNA 2 Architecture
GIGABYTE Radeon RX 6800 XT GAMING OC – Buy on Amazon
The Radeon RX 6800 XT was AMD‘s flagship graphics card on the RDNA 2 architecture before the RX 7000 series came out. It still holds up very well for 1440p and 4K gaming in 2022.
Some key specs include 16GB of video memory, over 4500 stream processors, and boost clocks around 2.25 GHz. It supports FidelityFX Super Resolution for upscaling and can handle ray tracing. Performance lands between the RTX 3070 Ti and RTX 3080.
This card can run any modern title at max settings and high frame rates at 1440p resolution, with respectable 4K performance too. It‘s a big upgrade over the older GTX 1070 Ti, often providing 80-100% better frame rates depending on the game.
Pros:
- Great performer at 1440p resolution
- 16GB VRAM for future proofing
- FSR support
Cons:
- Ray tracing not as fast as NVIDIA
- Last gen product so inventory is limited
NVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti – Excellent Mid-Range Card
- VRAM: 8GB GDDR6
- CUDA Cores: 4,864
- Boost Clock: 1.67 GHz
- Key Features: DLSS, Ray Tracing
ASUS Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti – Buy on Amazon
The RTX 3060 Ti first launched in 2020 and slots in below the high-end RTX 3070 as more of a 1440p gaming card. It‘s a very popular GPU thanks to its great balance of price and performance.
With specs like 8GB of VRAM, nearly 5000 CUDA cores, and 1.67 GHz boost clocks, the 3060 Ti provides very smooth framerates at 1440p in any game with maxed settings. 1080p gaming is no sweat at all. DLSS can be used to further boost fps when needed.
Moving from a GTX 1070 Ti to an RTX 3060 Ti will provide a very noticeable boost in gaming performance. You‘re looking at potentially double the framerates in some titles at 1440p resolution. If you want great mid-range value, the 3060 Ti is highly recommended.
Pros:
- Fantastic 1440p gaming performance
- DLSS and ray tracing support
- Good value in mid-range bracket
Cons:
- Only 8GB VRAM
- Getting harder to find in stock
AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT – Mid-Range AMD Pick
- VRAM: 12GB GDDR6
- Stream Processors: 2,560
- Game Clock: Up to 2.48 GHz
- Key Features: FSR, Ray Tracing, RDNA 2 Architecture
ASRock AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT Challenger – Buy on Amazon
The RX 6700 XT is positioned as a 1440p gaming card in AMD‘s lineup. It comes with 12GB of fast GDDR6 memory, over 2500 stream processors, and high clock speeds.
Performance is very solid for 1440p gaming with max settings in any title. You‘ll see nicely higher frame rates moving up from the older GTX 1070 Ti. Features like FSR can further improve performance when needed.
Pricing is quite competitive with NVIDIA cards like the RTX 3060 Ti. The extra memory is nice for future proofing too. If you want a good value AMD-powered upgrade from your GTX 1070 Ti, the RX 6700 XT is an excellent choice that balances price and performance nicely.
Pros:
- Great performer for 1440p gaming
- 12GB of VRAM
- Good value in mid-range
Cons:
- Ray tracing lags NVIDIA a bit
- Can run hot and loud
NVIDIA RTX 3050 – Budget-Friendly Upgrade
- VRAM: 8GB GDDR6
- CUDA Cores: 2,560
- Boost Clock: 1.78 GHz
- Key Features: DLSS, Ray Tracing
MSI NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GAMING X – Buy on Amazon
The RTX 3050 is NVIDIA‘s current budget-minded offering that still provides a nice upgrade from an older card like the GTX 1070 Ti. It comes equipped with 8GB of GDDR6 memory, 2560 CUDA cores, and boost clock speeds around 1.78 GHz.
Performance targets 1080p gaming at high frame rates. You‘ll be able to crank up graphics settings that you couldn‘t dream of with the GTX 1070 Ti. DLSS can also be used to boost performance when needed.
While not mind-blowing, the RTX 3050 brings modern features like ray tracing to a budget price point. For around $250, it‘s hard to find a better bang-for-buck upgrade from the GTX 1070 Ti for smooth 1080p gaming.
Pros:
- Very affordable upgrade to 1080p card
- Small and power efficient
- Ray tracing and DLSS supported
Cons:
- Can‘t handle heavy ray tracing
- Only 8GB VRAM
- Lower performance than mid-range cards
Key Things to Remember When Upgrading Your Graphics Card
If you decide to upgrade from your GTX 1070 Ti to one of the cards mentioned in this guide, keep these tips in mind for a smooth transition:
- Use DDU to completely uninstall old NVIDIA drivers
- Upgrade motherboard BIOS if needed for new GPU compatibility
- Make sure PSU has enough wattage and PCIe power cables
- Fully remove old graphics card and insert new one carefully
- Install latest GPU drivers from NVIDIA or AMD website
- Retest overclocks/memory speeds for stability with new card
- Enjoy the performance boost!
Upgrading your graphics card is one of the best ways to give your gaming rig and overall PC experience a major boost. We hope this guide to the top options to move up from the aging GTX 1070 Ti in 2022 has been helpful. Let us know if you have any other questions!