I'm thinking about upgrading my GPU from the RTX 3060 Ti to the RTX 5070 and I'm curious about its performance, especially regarding the 12GB VRAM. Are there specific games where this VRAM might bottleneck the GPU's potential? I'm open to any resolution, whether that's 4K or 1440p. I get that 12GB might not be enough for certain Path Tracing scenarios at 4K, but if the performance is only marginally better with 16GB VRAM (like getting 24fps), then it seems somewhat irrelevant. I have only come across Indiana Jones as a game that gets VRAM limited at 1440p with Path Tracing, but it still runs decently if I lower the texture quality. What other games should I be looking at?
5 Answers
Even if you're okay for now, keep in mind that future titles might start to chew through VRAM pretty quickly. Personally, I think any card above the 4070 should have at least 16GB to stay relevant for the next few years.
I think having more VRAM is always a plus. Just because it works for now doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for the future!
Finding specific games that truly push the 12GB limit could be tricky. Most gameplay reviews show only a slight FPS difference at 4K between the 5070 and cards with 16GB VRAM. Most of the time, you’re good unless you’re doing something particularly VRAM-intensive, like extensive Path Tracing settings. As games evolve, this could change, but right now, it often seems overblown.
And don’t forget to take into account the type of games you play. Super high-res textures are great, but they won’t always be necessary.
Exactly! Most scenarios I've seen that go over 12GB also tend to involve settings maxed out, and even then, performance is typically below 60fps.
Get your insights from solid reviewers! Places like Hardware Unboxed and Gamers Nexus provide good perspectives based on real performance rather than just speculation. Reddit can throw you off sometimes with all the opinions floating around, especially without hands-on experience.
Yeah, I just want a solid list of games that stress that 12GB limit. So far, Indiana Jones has been the standout example.
Definitely! Stick to those reliable sources for accurate information.
I managed to hit over 12GB of VRAM in games like Last of Us Part 1 and 2 on Ultra settings, especially at 4K resolutions. That said, you might not see the same usage if you're playing at 1440p or lower, where it might be less of an issue overall.
The 12GB VRAM can definitely be a concern, especially as games tend to become more demanding over time. Even a 4070 Super can handle Path Tracing fairly well if you utilize upscaling—a good point of reference. At 1440p, I’ve had instances where even older games like Cyberpunk 2077 push the VRAM usage to around 15GB with all the bells and whistles, especially if you factor in DLSS and Frame Generation. Just be aware that if you're dropping settings to avoid VRAM issues, it raises an eyebrow about the value of spending so much on a GPU.
But remember, path tracing wasn't implemented in Cyberpunk until 2023, so that's when the demand really ramped up.
True that! Even games from 2020 can max out the VRAM. You might want to keep an eye on upcoming titles—better to have that extra headroom in VRAM.
I hear you! But considering pricing here in Brazil, the 5070 seems like a solid choice once it’s a bit more affordable, despite the potential limitations.