I'm planning to replace my RTX 3070 Ti because its 8GB of VRAM is starting to become a limitation. I've narrowed the choice down to an RTX 5070 Ti or a Radeon RX 9070 XT, and the 9070 XT looks considerably better priced.
My concern is choosing between the Sapphire Pulse and Nitro+ models. I currently use a Corsair RM750x, and Sapphire lists a 750W power supply for the Pulse but recommends 850W for the Nitro+. I would rather not replace my PSU unless the Nitro+ offers a meaningful improvement in cooling, noise, or overclocking potential. I've also heard reports of Pulse cards having inconsistent fan curves and coil whine.
Would the Pulse be the sensible choice with my existing PSU, or is the Nitro+ substantially better enough to justify buying an 850W unit? My CPU is an Intel Core i7-12700.
3 Answers
I'd go with the least expensive model that meets your needs and skip the Nitro+. It uses the 12VHPWR-style connector, which is something I'd personally rather avoid. A good-quality 750W unit should be enough for an RX 9070 XT, especially with an i7-12700 rather than an unusually power-hungry CPU.
The RX 9070 XT and RTX 3070 Ti have fairly similar power demands, so a quality 750W PSU should generally be fine. The Nitro+'s 850W recommendation is more conservative and specific to that factory-overclocked model, rather than proof that every 9070 XT requires an 850W supply.
That makes sense. My hesitation was mainly that Sapphire explicitly lists 850W for the Nitro+, while the Pulse is rated for 750W.
The Pulse is a perfectly reasonable option, and you can create a custom fan curve if the default behavior bothers you. There are also models from XFX and PowerColor worth considering. Unless you specifically want the Nitro+'s larger cooler and modest factory overclock, I wouldn't replace a good RM750x just to get it.
Good to know that the fan behavior can be adjusted. Have you had any problems with your Pulse card, and how long have you been using it?
That helps a lot. I know Sapphire lists 850W specifically for the Nitro+, but with my i7-12700 it sounds like the Pulse and my existing RM750x should be a reasonable combination.