Asus RTX 3070 TUF Gaming & MSI RTX 3070 Gaming X Trio Review, Thermals, OC & Gaming Benchmarks The latest video from Hardware Unboxed dives deep into the performance, design, and thermal efficiency of the Asus RTX 3070 TUF Gaming and MSI RTX 3070 Gaming X Trio graphics cards. With the ever-growing demand for high-performance gaming hardware, understanding these cards provides crucial insights for both gamers and enthusiasts.
Overview
The video compares the custom designs of the Asus and MSI cards against Nvidia's Founders Edition (FE) model, highlighting key differences in cooler design, power consumption, and overall thermal performance. This analysis is particularly relevant for gamers looking to maximize performance without compromising system aesthetics.
Design and Specifications
Nvidia Founders Edition:
Compact design measuring 241mm and lightweight at 1035 grams.
Dual-slot card with a clean aesthetic, though it has a less favorable power connector design.
Asus RTX 3070 TUF Gaming:
Measures 301mm, much larger than the FE, yet surprisingly light at 1116 grams.
Features a robust aluminum design with three axial tech fans aimed at reducing turbulence.
Integrated stop fan feature for quieter operation when under lighter loads.
MSI RTX 3070 Gaming X Trio:
The longest at 323mm, heavy at 1463 grams, signifying a high-end build.
Uses a Tri-Frozr 2 cooler with three 90mm fans, engineered to maintain cooling under load.
Aesthetically appealing with a graphene backplate, albeit with structural concerns noted during testing.
Thermal Performance
Through various benchmarks, the video demonstrates significant differences in thermal efficiency:
The Nvidia FE peaked at 72 degrees Celsius, while the MSI Gaming X Trio and Asus TUF Gaming were far superior, peaking at 61 and 62 degrees Celsius, respectively. This not only indicates better heat dissipation but also results in quieter operation—a key factor for many gamers.
Overclocking results showed the Asus and MSI cards maintained impressive temperatures while achieving higher clock speeds (around 2040 MHz) with only modest increases in power consumption.
Conclusion
Both the Asus RTX 3070 TUF Gaming and MSI RTX 3070 Gaming X Trio showcase superior performance over Nvidia's FE model, particularly in thermal management and overclocking capabilities. The anticipated price point of around $530 for the Asus and $560 for the MSI versions positions them as competitive options for gamers wanting quality without excessive heat. For viewers and forum members interested in gaming graphics card performance, this detailed comparison offers valuable insights. Do you own any of these cards? How has your experience been with thermal management and performance? Share your thoughts below!