NVIDIA’s RTX-4000 Series GPU launch came with more than a few surprises.
One was the massive power draw of the enormous GPUs, leading to its problems. Another was the eye-raising inclusion of two RTX 4080 GPU models with different specs, a strategy previously unseen by Team Green.
It didn’t take long before the lowered-powered option was withdrawn, but now strong rumors are swirling that the once-removed GPU will return with what many deem its rightful title… the NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti.
Rumors Suggest the RTX 4070 Ti Will Replace the RTX 4080 12GB
We’ll caveat this with the warning that this is a rumor, though the rumor comes from well-respected and renowned leaker kopite7kimi on Twitter. This account frequently leaks graphics cards, hardware, and performance information, and is often accurate with its revelations.
Now, kopite7kimi has tweeted that the RTX 4080 12GB version, launched alongside the RTX 4080 16GB and the RTX 4090 earlier in 2022, will be relaunched as the NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti.
NVIDIA’s “Ti” branded GPUs are often the middle ground between GPU versions, offering more performance than the original model but not quite as much power as the next tier. For example, there is the RTX 3060 and RTX 3060 Ti, and the RTX 3070 and RTX 3070 Ti.
When NVIDIA launched its new 4000-Series GPU generation, more than a few eyebrows were raised with the revelation that there would be two RTX 4080 models, especially considering their respective spec sheets.
- RTX 4080 16GB: 9,728 CUDA cores, 2.21GHz base clock, 2.52GHz boost clock, 113 RT-TFLOPs, TDP of 320W
- RTX 4080 12GB: 7,680 CUDA cores, 2.31GHz base clock, 2.61GHz boost clock, 92 RT-TFLOPs, TDP of 285W
The difference in performance between the two cards is significant, and is the main reason that so many were confused by NVIDIA’s initial decision to launch the secondary model with the “4080” branding.
How Much Will the Rumored NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti Cost?
Now, there’s a question. The “original” RTX 4080 12GB was meant to launch for $899 (the 16GB version will launch at $1,199). But since NVIDIA’s original announcement, AMD has launched its new Radeon RX 7000-Series GPUs, altering the GPU hardware landscape once more.
Although third-party testing hasn’t taken place for AMD’s new GPUs (nor has it for NVIDIA’s RTX 4080 GPUs, either model), the RX 7900 XTX and XT GPUs look to offer at least comparable performance—but prices start from $899.
AMD’s new entries in the GPU market effectively force NVIDIA’s hand, and it’s hard to see it launching what will become the RTX 4070 Ti for $899. Consumers won’t go for it; it’ll be dead on arrival.
It’s a Tricky Time for NVIDIA and Its 12GB RTX 4080 GPU
Fumbling the launch of the RTX 4080 GPU could well come back to haunt NVIDIA, at least in the short term. The company had the drop on AMD, launching its new GPUs ahead of its closest rivals.
However, miscommunications, odd decisions, and expensive pricing have immediately allowed AMD to claw back the difference. And that’s without even getting a single GPU into consumer hands.
How it all pans out remains to be seen, but if AMD’s 7000-Series GPUs offer better performance than the RTX 4000-Series for a significant discount, you can guess where gamers will head for their next new GPU.
According to kopite7kimi, the “new” RTX 4070 Ti GPUs will launch in early 2023.