Consider Upgrading to an RTX 40-Series Card Amidst High RTX 50-Series Prices
Graphics Cards/Hardware

Consider Upgrading to an RTX 40-Series Card Amidst High RTX 50-Series Prices

A look at the newly unveiled RTX 4070 graphics card and its appeal.

If there’s one thing this GPU generation has done thus far, it’s have me nostalgic for both the previous models. Oh, to recall the early days of 2024 when prices were only moderately expensive and stock was available. Thus, the sight of a well-designed RTX 40-series card like this is more thrilling than any forthcoming RTX 50 or RX 9060 card.

This is the Zephyr GeForce RTX 4070 Sakura Snow X, showcased on BilliBilli (via VideoCardz). Unfortunately, it seems this may be a card exclusive to China, at least initially.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen the single-fan RTX 4070 Sakura; Zephyr introduced a version last year and before that, single-fan designs for other models like the Zephyr Sakura & Snow GeForce RTX 3060.

An Aesthetic Upgrade

This new version is slightly larger than last year’s model, sports a bigger fan, and swaps the pink-purple colors for a more universally appealing white-silver theme.

With dimensions of only 178 mm x 128 mm, one of its notable features—at least to me—is the cohesive design where the I/O bracket integrates seamlessly with the shroud, setting it apart from the initial design.

However, I can’t help but notice the fan’s off-center positioning, which is more noticeable given the card’s small size. This placement is likely optimal for cooling, right above the GPU, yet it still tugs at my inner perfectionist.

This card is meant for Mini-ITX builds, though it’s technically a dual-slot card. You generally wouldn’t need to make a card this compact with single-fan designs, but it helps when space is at a premium in your setup.

Keep It in Mind

The slight upgrades in shroud size and fan from last year’s version is evident in the latest stress tests, showcasing a reduction in temperature. If this card makes it to Western markets, it stands out as a reliable option for SFF builds while the RTX 4070 still holds its ground in current gaming scenarios. Considering the ongoing price hikes, opting for a previous generation card may not be a terrible choice after all.

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