New RTX 4070 GDDR6 doesn’t have any clear GDDR6 references on the box
It may be harder to distinguish GDDR6X from GDDR6 models.
The GeForce RTX 4070 has undergone two significant updates: the SUPER variant with slightly higher specs, and a non-standard model featuring the AD103 GPU. The former includes more cores and a higher power target, while the latter involves a GPU replacement sold with the same specs. However, availability of the latter model is limited to the point of being very rare.
GeForce RTX 4070 GDDR6 models, Source: Various
A third update was released yesterday, introducing a GDDR6 variant of the original RTX 4070 graphics card. This version replaces the 21 Gbps GDDR6X memory with slower 20 Gbps GDDR6 modules. According to NVIDIA, the performance should be similar, but in practice, it might vary.
Unfortunately, for gamers looking to upgrade to the RTX 4070, the decision is now more difficult. None of the GDDR6-based models announced so far clearly indicate the memory type. While some brands may list the memory type (such as G6/GDDR6) next to the memory specification, the first models launched so far do not show this information.
RTX 4070’s GDDR6 specs are hidden in the description/product specs, Source: Gainward/Palit
After looking closely at the manufacturer’s website, it appears that these GDDR6 variants have been added to the same category as the original RTX 4070 model. In other words, manufacturers are treating it as the same graphics card, despite the difference in memory type.
First GeForce RTX 4070 GDDR6 Models
- PALIT GeForce RTX 4070 GDDR6 12GB DUAL NE64070019K9-1048D
- PALIT GeForce RTX 4070 GDDR6 12GB DUAL OC NE64070S19K9-1048D
- PALIT GeForce RTX 4070 GDDR6 12GB WHITE NE64070019K9-1048L
- PALIT GeForce RTX 4070 GDDR6 12GB WHITE OC NE64070S19K9-1048L
- GAINWARD GeForce RTX 4070 GDDR6 12GB GHOST OC NE64070S19K9-1048B
- GAINWARD GeForce RTX 4070 GDDR6 12GB GHOST NE64070019K9-1048B
- ZOTAC GeForce RTX 4070 12GB DESTROYER OC HA
- ZOTAC GeForce RTX 4070 GDDR6 12GB NEBULAE OC
A total of eight models were announced, but none of them are available yet. NVIDIA has confirmed that these cards will be released next month. In any case, make sure you are buying the model you want and obviously wait for benchmarks.