When it comes to building a gaming PC, selecting the right graphics card is one of the most crucial decisions.
Two popular graphics cards in the market are the Vega 56 and 1070, both manufactured by AMD and Nvidia, respectively.
This article aims to provide an in-depth comparison of Vega 56 vs. 1070 to help you decide which one is better for your gaming needs.
Overview of Vega 56 and 1070
Before we delve into the specifics, let’s take a brief look at both graphics cards’ features.
Vega 56
Vega 56 is a graphics card manufactured by AMD, which is based on the Vega architecture. It features 56 compute units, 8GB of HBM2 memory, and a base clock speed of 1156 MHz. It’s also equipped with AMD’s FreeSync technology, which synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the graphics card’s output to reduce screen tearing and stuttering.
1070
The 1070 is a graphics card manufactured by Nvidia, which is based on the Pascal architecture. It features 1920 CUDA cores, 8GB of GDDR5 memory, and a base clock speed of 1506 MHz. The 1070 also features Nvidia’s G-Sync technology, which synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the graphics card’s output for a smoother gaming experience.
Performance Comparison
Now that we have an overview of both graphics cards let’s compare their performance.
Gaming Performance
Both the Vega 56 and 1070 are capable of running games at 1080p and 1440p resolutions at high to ultra settings. However, the 1070 performs slightly better than the Vega 56 in most games, especially at 1080p. The Vega 56, on the other hand, performs better at higher resolutions, such as 4K.
Power Consumption
The Vega 56 consumes more power than the 1070, with a TDP (thermal design power) of 210 watts compared to the 1070’s TDP of 150 watts. This means that the Vega 56 requires a more powerful PSU (power supply unit) and generates more heat, leading to higher operating temperatures.
Overclocking
Both graphics cards can be overclocked to improve performance. The Vega 56 has a higher overclocking potential, with some users reporting up to a 10% increase in performance. However, overclocking can lead to higher power consumption and heat generation, so it’s essential to have adequate cooling and a reliable PSU.
VR Performance
Both the Vega 56 and 1070 are suitable for virtual reality (VR) gaming. However, the 1070 performs better in VR due to its faster clock speed and more efficient architecture.
Price and Availability
The price and availability of both graphics cards vary depending on the region and retailer.
However, generally, the Vega 56 is slightly cheaper than the 1070, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.
Conclusion
The Vega 56 and 1070 are both excellent graphics cards, but their performance and features cater to different needs. If you’re primarily gaming at 1080p or 1440p, the 1070 would be a better choice due to its better performance at those resolutions. However, if you’re gaming at 4K or want a more budget-friendly option, the Vega 56 would be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision depends on your gaming needs, budget, and personal preferences.
FAQs
1. Is it worth upgrading from a GTX 1070 to a Vega 56?
Whether or not it’s worth upgrading from a GTX 1070 to a Vega 56 largely depends on your specific needs and circumstances. If you’re happy with the performance of your GTX 1070 and don’t need the extra power of the Vega 56, there may not be much of a reason to upgrade.
2. Which graphics card is more power-hungry, Vega 56 or 1070?
The Vega 56 is more power-hungry than the 1070, with a TDP of 210 watts compared to the 1070’s TDP of 150 watts.
3. Can both graphics cards be overclocked?
Yes, both the Vega 56 and 1070 can be overclocked to improve performance.
4. Which graphics card is better for 4K gaming?
The Vega 56 is better suited for 4K gaming due to its higher performance at higher resolutions.
5. Which graphics card is more budget-friendly?
Generally, the Vega 56 is more budget-friendly than the 1070, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.