I'm considering upgrading my graphics card from an RTX 2080 Super, and I've come across the RTX 5070 for about $550 and the RTX 5090 for around $3,500. Other than the significant price difference, is there actually a notable gap in performance or features between these two cards? I'm aware that both would be a big upgrade from my current card, but I'm leaning towards understanding if one is more worth the investment. Also, since neither card comes with liquid cooling like my current one, do I need to purchase additional fans? I have three fans in my current setup, but they're integrated with the video card.
3 Answers
There’s definitely a massive gap in performance, especially with the 5090 being geared more towards ultra-high-end gaming and workloads. If you’re just into gaming at 1440p or less, the 5070 should be more than enough for most people. Also, the price difference is quite absurd; I wouldn’t bother with the 5090 unless you’re planning on playing 4K games on ultra settings all the time. As for cooling, you shouldn't need to worry too much about extra fans if you’re using a solid case with good airflow, but a little extra cooling never hurts!
The RTX 5090 is an absolute beast but mainly suited for professionals or enthusiasts who want peak performance and can afford it. For gaming and standard use, the 5070 is really a sweet spot. Just check on reviews for both—those can give you better insights into how they perform in real-world scenarios. Also, you’ll be fine without liquid cooling unless you’re planning on overclocking or pushing your system hard.
Honestly, don’t get too hung up on the 5090’s price tag unless you need that level of power. The 5070 Ti is an amazing card and usually the best pick for gamers looking for good performance without breaking the bank. If you primarily game at 1440p, you’ll be thrilled with the 5070! And you shouldn't need to liquid cool—an air-cooled setup should be fine as long as your case is decent.
Exactly! The 5070 and even the Ti version are perfect for most gaming needs. Save your cash for upgrades in the future!

Totally agree! If you're not into 4K or heavy content creation, just go for the 5070. It offers great value for the performance.