NVIDIA has dropped the next piece of the Pascal puzzle into place. Dubbed the GeForce GTX 1070 Ti, it promises higher gaming frame rates and smoother VR experiences than the standard 1070 without completely blowing your budget. We’ve deployed the chip in several new graphics cards, including a range-topping ROG Strix model whose binned GPUs and beefy cooling are perfect for overclocking, and a streamlined ASUS Turbo that sticks to the essentials.
With 2432 CUDA cores, the GTX 1070 Ti boasts 27% more pixel-processing horsepower than the vanilla 1070. The 1683MHz Boost clock is the same, putting you within striking distance of the GTX 1080 at 2560 cores and 1733MHz. You get 8GB of dedicated video memory with each GPU; the Ti pushes GDDR5 to 8 Gbps, just like the GTX 1070, while the 1080 opts for pricier GDDR5X at speeds up to 11Gbps.
Out of the box, all GeForce GTX 1070 Ti graphics cards run at the same stock clocks. However, we’ve been testing GPUs internally to see how comfortable they are at higher frequencies. The chips with the best overclocking potential are reserved for a special “A8G” version of the ROG Strix 1070 Ti. Regardless of which card you choose, our GPU Tweak II software makes overclocking easy for beginners and veterans alike. Gaming Mode increases the GPU Boost clock with a single click, while extensive manual controls enable serious tuning.
Maximum metal for cooling
Although overclocking potential is heavily dependent on the characteristics of individual GPUs, cooling remains critically important to success. That’s why the Strix 1070 Ti is equipped with a monster heatsink similar to what comes strapped to our top-of-the-line Strix 1080 Ti. The 2.5-slot design includes larger radiators with more fin area for heat dissipation. Underneath, a smoother MaxContact base improves thermal transfer from the GPU by eliminating microscopic gaps between the two surfaces.
The cooler is so effective that its 0dB fans spin down completely when the GPU is idling or lightly loaded, letting the card to operate in stealthy silence. Each of the three wing-blade fans is carefully shaped for maximum airflow when the rotors are turning, and IP5X-certified dust resistance ensures they’ll spin faithfully over the long run.
The Strix isn’t limited to the fans on the card; it also has dual FanConnect headers for system fans. These headers are governed by the GPU temperature, just like the the integrated spinners, allowing your system cooling to respond intelligently to graphics-heavy gaming loads. They’re compatible with both three- and four-pin fans, and you can adjust the response curve in GPU Tweak II.
As many RGB LEDs as you can Aura Sync
A monochrome shroud and brushed metal backplate help the Strix 1070 Ti blend in with any build. It doesn’t have to lurk in the shadows, though. Optional Aura RGB lighting illuminates the card from almost every angle. You can pick the right colors to tastefully accent your rig or opt for a technicolor rave to attract attention at the next LAN. The RGB lighting even offers functional effects that track with the GPU temperature and audio output.
The lighting extends beyond the card via Aura Sync, which is capable of synchronizing colors and effects across a complete ecosystem of products from ROG, ASUS, and our partners. This comprehensive collection of compatible components contains both internal parts and external peripherals. Support for the Strix 1070 Ti will also be added to our expanding Aura SDK, which opens up the lighting to developers who want to control it with their own software.
Squeeze the Turbo into tighter spaces
While the ROG Strix combines the GTX 1070 Ti with premium cooling and lighting, the ASUS Turbo consolidates core essentials in a more compact design. Its dual-slot blower and standard PCB height are a better fit for smaller chassis and crowded multi-GPU configurations.
Subdued styling makes the Turbo an understated alternative to the angular Strix. RGB lighting isn’t included, but you can still personalize the exterior by swapping the backlit ASUS logo for a custom design. Positioned on the top edge, this subtle accent piece gives system builders a prime spot to display their own logos.
The Turbo 1070 Ti is manufactured with the same Auto Extreme Technology as all recent ASUS and ROG graphics cards. An industry first, this fully automated process is more precise and consistent than human assembly, ensuring the best possible quality and reliability. Just try not to think about the slippery slope leading to our eventual robot overlords.
Auxiliary power is provided by a single 8-pin connector, and the usual assortment of video outputs graces the rear I/O bracket. Dual DisplayPort 1.4 outs stand ready for G-Sync monitors, while dual HDMI 2.0 ports can handle everything from VR headsets to 4K60 TVs.
Pricing and availability
The Strix GTX 1070 Ti “A8G” with cherry-picked chips is available for pre-order at $509.99 USD, while the standard “8G” variant rings in at $499.99. The table above lists retailers carrying the cards in the USA, and it will be updated when the Turbo arrives. Check with your local ASUS ROG representative for pricing and availability details for your region.
Source: TPU
