Horizon Zero Dawn is a visually stunning action role-playing game that demands high-performance hardware to run smoothly at high settings. With the release of the RTX 4070 Super and the RTX 4070, gamers are eager to compare their performance to determine which card offers the best gaming experience.

Overview of the Graphics Cards

The NVIDIA RTX 4070 Super is a newer, more powerful variant designed to deliver enhanced gaming performance and improved ray tracing capabilities. The RTX 4070, while slightly less capable, still offers excellent performance for modern titles. Both cards are built on the latest Ada Lovelace architecture, ensuring efficient power consumption and advanced features.

Benchmark Setup

Benchmarks were conducted using the latest version of Horizon Zero Dawn on a high-end gaming rig. The system included an Intel Core i7-13700K processor, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and the latest drivers for both graphics cards. Tests were run at 1440p resolution with ultra settings enabled, including ray tracing and DLSS 3.0 for optimal performance.

Performance Results

RTX 4070 Super Benchmarks

The RTX 4070 Super delivered an average frame rate of 85 FPS, with dips not falling below 70 FPS during intense scenes. Ray tracing effects were rendered smoothly, providing a highly immersive visual experience. DLSS 3.0 significantly boosted performance without compromising image quality.

RTX 4070 Benchmarks

The RTX 4070 achieved an average of 75 FPS, with some dips to 60 FPS during demanding scenes. While still playable and visually impressive, it showed slightly less headroom for ray tracing effects compared to the Super variant. DLSS 3.0 helped to bridge the performance gap effectively.

Comparison and Analysis

The performance difference between the RTX 4070 Super and the RTX 4070 in Horizon Zero Dawn is approximately 10-12%. The Super variant provides a smoother experience at high settings, especially during graphically intensive scenes. Both cards handle ray tracing well, but the Super's additional cores and higher clock speeds give it a noticeable edge.

Conclusion

For gamers seeking the best performance in Horizon Zero Dawn, the RTX 4070 Super is the superior choice, offering higher frame rates and better ray tracing performance. However, the RTX 4070 remains a strong contender, providing excellent value and solid performance for those with a slightly more budget-conscious approach.