Performance comparison: which is faster?
GeForce RTX 3070 (NVIDIA, 2020) and GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU (NVIDIA, 2023) are compared here. Compare scores and VRAM, generative AI usability, and CPUs that pair well with each GPU.
Overall performance: RTX 3070 is about 2.5% faster
Both have 8GB of VRAM, so they support a similar range of generative AI models. For gaming, prioritize performance score and CPU compatibility; for AI, prioritize VRAM.
Relative performance score (higher is faster). Actual fps varies by resolution, game, and CPU configuration.
| Item | RTX 3070 | RTX 4070 Laptop GPU |
|---|---|---|
| Performance Score | 20,500 | 20,000 |
| VRAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Manufacturer | NVIDIA | NVIDIA |
| Series | RTX 30 | RTX 40 |
| Release Year | 2020 | 2023 |
| Compatible CPU Example | Core i3-12100 | Core Ultra 5 238V |
| If You Want To... | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Prioritize high fps and smooth performance in demanding games | RTX 3070 |
| Run larger generative AI and LLM models | RTX 3070 |
| Prioritize value and adequate performance | RTX 4070 Laptop GPU (the lower model is often sufficient) |
RTX 3070 is about 2.5% higher by score (RTX 3070: 20500 points / RTX 4070 Laptop GPU: 20000 points). Actual fps also varies by resolution, game, and CPU, so price is a reasonable deciding factor when the gap is only a few percent.
Both have 8GB of VRAM, so the range of generative AI models they can run is nearly the same.
Using our guideline, Core i3-12100 pairs well with RTX 3070 and Core Ultra 5 238V with RTX 4070 Laptop GPU (CPU:GPU ≈ 0.9:1). If the CPU is too weak, replacing the GPU may not raise fps, so check the combination before buying.
