RTX 4070 Super AIB Review: Thermals, Noise, Performance

The RTX 4070 Super takes everything the original 4070 did well and gives it more headroom — more cores, more bandwidth, and more performance per watt. But if you’ve looked around, you know every manufacturer puts its own spin on the design. Some stay whisper-quiet, others chase the lowest temperatures, and a few just look great in a build. Here’s how the most popular RTX 4070 Super cards really compare in heat, noise, and real-world performance.

Which RTX 4070 Super Should You Buy? 

NVIDIA’s RTX 4070 Super uses the AD104 chip with 7,168 CUDA cores, 12GB GDDR6X on a 192‑bit bus (504 GB/s), and a 220W TGP. It launched at $599 and typically uses a 12VHPWR (16‑pin) power connector. Compared with the original RTX 4070, expect roughly a mid‑teens performance bump; versus the 4070 Ti, you’re typically about a ten percent step behind. That’s why board partner (AIB) coolers—which affect sustained clocks, temperature, and noise—are the key variables for day‑to‑day experience.

RTX 4070 Super — Core Specifications

▶ Most RTX 4070 Super cards provide 3×DisplayPort (1.4a) and 1×HDMI 2.1 outputs, though layouts can vary by manufacturer—check the specific AIB’s spec sheet before purchase.

How We Tested the RTX 4070 Super AIBs: Thermals, Noise & Real-World Performance

This review summarizes consensus data drawn from multiple independent test labs and manufacturer specifications to ensure balanced, representative results.  

We interpret collective, publicly available test data to identify consistent patterns across AIB models, emphasizing *sustained* performance, thermals, and acoustics under realistic gaming workloads rather than brief synthetic bursts.

Test Criteria

• Cross-source consistency: Findings drawn from at least three independent test suites that use comparable conditions.  
• Noise-normalized evaluation: Coolers are compared at similar acoustic levels (~36–38 dBA) to represent comfort, not just temperature.  
• Long-run stability: Sustained boost behavior after heat soak is reviewed rather than short peak values.  
• Environmental normalization: Ambient temperature is assumed around 21–23 °C, with noise measured at ~30 cm distance.

All conclusions represent aggregated observations and verified manufacturer specifications. This article does not claim proprietary testing; instead, it summarizes patterns seen across credible, third-party data.  

If later driver or firmware updates materially alter performance, the changelog will record any re-evaluations or clarifications.

🎥 Ready to upgrade your stream? Check out the best 4K and 60 fps webcams and find the perfect pick for your setup.

RTX 4070 Super Review — Benchmark Performance and AIB Thermal Testing Compared

Across large game suites, the 4070 Super is typically ~15–19% faster than the RTX 4070 and ~6–12% slower than the 4070 Ti at 1440p. Versus AMD’s RX 7800 XT, the RTX 4070 Super generally trades blows in pure rasterization, while pulling ahead more consistently in ray tracing—especially with DLSS enabled. Typical gaming power draw is around ~210–220 W on Founders-Edition-class cards, while some AIB models can run higher under load due to their raised power limits and factory OCs.

Versus Radeon RX 7800 XT, the 4070 Super tends to lead when ray tracing or DLSS are enabled, while the 7800 XT often edges ahead in pure rasterization. 

The card’s efficient 220 W power target means that cooling and noise behavior—rather than tiny clock differences—define real-world comfort.

Why the cooler matters: AIB cards with better heatsinks and fan curves can hold higher boost clocks longer without throttling, and do so more quietly. In practice, the fastest factory‑OC 4070 Super AIBs perform only a few percent higher than reference, but the day‑to‑day acoustic comfort and sustained thermals under load can differ substantially.

AIB Roundup: Design, Thermals, And Noise

The RTX 4070 Super’s efficiency means that cooler design and acoustic tuning define real-world comfort far more than raw clock speed. Below we separate build characteristics and measured behavior so readers can compare both easily.

Table 1 — Build, Design, and Notable Traits

Summary:
Thicker coolers like the TUF OC emphasize raw heat dissipation and ultra-low fan RPMs; the Aero OC matches that with superior acoustic tuning and aesthetics. The Gaming X Slim and Dual sacrifice a few degrees for size and simplicity but remain quiet compared with most GPUs in the same class.

Table 2 — Measured Thermals, Noise, and Power Behavior

Key insights:

• Every major AIB keeps the 4070 Super comfortably below thermal limits, even in OC profiles.
• Noise-normalized rankings (equal loudness) show Gigabyte Aero OC and ASUS TUF OC trading the top spot for best thermals-to-noise ratio.
• For cramped or airflow-limited builds, the MSI Gaming X Slim offers excellent stability without exceeding 2 slots.
• Buyers chasing MSRP can pick the ASUS Dual, which stays quiet and cool enough for mainstream cases.

Takeaway:
Choose your 4070 Super AIB by acoustic comfort and case fit rather than minute FPS differences. A Silent-BIOS triple-fan card will transform gaming noise levels, while slim designs still maintain strong thermals when airflow is planned properly.

💻Smaller form, bigger impact — explore the best 65% boards for pro-level gaming setups!

Benchmarks & Real‑World Experience

1440p raster performance (the sweet spot)

The RTX 4070 Super targets high-refresh 1440p with headroom for max or near-max presets in most modern games. Across large, diverse test suites, it consistently lands well above the RTX 4070 and just behind the RTX 4070 Ti. In esports titles (CS2, Valorant, Overwatch), CPU bottlenecks often dominate at very high frame rates, so AIB-to-AIB spreads shrink—further evidence that thermals/noise, not tiny clock bumps, dominate real experience.

Ray tracing, DLSS, and Frame Generation

Ray-traced workloads amplify Ada’s strengths. With DLSS (Quality/Performance) and Frame Generation enabled, the 4070 Super achieves fluid 1440p and pushes 4K into “playable” for many titles. Expect perceptual smoothness boosts from FG, particularly in cinematic single-player games; competitive shooters remain best served by native or DLSS Quality without FG to reduce latency.

4K “sanity checks”

At native 4K the 4070 Super becomes a “tune-to-taste” card: adjust a few heavy settings or enable DLSS to maintain 60–100 FPS depending on title. For buyers prioritizing absolute-max 4K, a higher tier GPU makes sense; for everyone else, the 4070 Super’s efficiency and feature-set make it the better value play.

1% lows and stability

We care as much about 1% lows as averages because they track stutter and fan ramping. AIBs with thicker heatsinks and gentler curves reduce thermal transients, which stabilizes boost clocks and keeps 1% lows closer to averages—a direct quality-of-life win you can feel.

Creation, Streaming, and AI side-quests

• Content creation and streaming

Its 8th‑generation NVENC hardware introduces full AV1 encoding support, delivering roughly 40% better compression efficiency than H.264 at comparable quality settings. This lets streamers and editors deliver 1440p and 4K content with higher visual quality or significantly lower bitrate requirements — ideal for Twitch, YouTube, and OBS workflows. In practice, you can stream 1440p60 content that looks like older H.264 at much higher bitrates, while using less upload bandwidth.

• Rendering and acceleration

GPU-accelerated tools such as Blender Cycles (CUDA / OptiX) and Adobe’s AI-driven effects benefit directly from the 4070 Super’s 7,168 CUDA cores and improved tensor units. Export and render times fall significantly compared with the RTX 4070, especially when projects lean on ray tracing or AI denoising.

• AI and upscaling workloads

Local AI image upscalers, Stable Diffusion models, and LLM inference engines can use the card’s **12 GB GDDR6X** memory effectively. It’s large enough for typical 1.5–2 B parameter models and 4K upscaling pipelines without paging to system RAM.

• Thermals while creating

Long encoding or rendering jobs push the GPU to continuous load. Larger AIB coolers with dual-BIOS silent profiles keep fans at low RPMs and prevent clock oscillation—useful if you work or record audio near your PC.

💡 Tip: If you’re a hybrid gamer-creator, pick an AIB with dual BIOS (e.g., “Silent/Performance”) so you can switch profiles between quiet creation sessions and heavy gaming.

Power Connectors & Cable Safety (12V‑2×6 / 12VHPWR)

• Use a fully seated plug (no metal pins visible once inserted).  
• Avoid tight bends within ~35–40 mm of the connector; route gently or use a quality right‑angle adapter if clearance is tight.  
• Prefer a native 12V‑2×6 PSU cable when available; if using an adapter, ensure all 8‑pin leads are on separate rails for higher‑draw OCs.

Case Airflow Strategy

• Positive pressure (slightly more intake than exhaust) helps dust control and feeds the GPU cooler with cooler air.  
• Side-panel radiators can starve triple-slot cards; if you must front-mount a radiator, reserve at least one *unobstructed* intake for the GPU.  
• In SFF cases, raise the GPU curve floor slightly to prevent repeated fan start/stop cycles—this stabilizes tone.

Vertical Mounts & Glass Panels

Vertical GPU kits often place fans close to glass—restricting intake and raising temps/noise. If you go vertical:

• Leave 10–15 mm clearance to glass.  
• Consider mesh or ventilated glass options.  
• Expect to bump fan speed slightly to compensate.

Coil Whine & Tone, Not Just dBA

Two cards at “36 dBA” can *sound* different. Tonal peaks in the 1–3 kHz range are more annoying than broadband noise. Practical tips:

• Enable V-Sync/Frame cap in menus to prevent runaway FPS in menus (a coil-whine trigger).  
• Favor Silent BIOS where available; flatter fan ramps reduce pitch shifts.

Software & BIOS Quality

• Dual BIOS is underrated: switch to *Silent* for daily play; flip to *Performance* when benchmarking.  
• Vendor utilities (fan stop thresholds, RGB, OC) vary in stability—set once and exit; let the card’s firmware manage the curve.

Which RTX 4070 Super AIB Should You Buy?

Best Overall (quiet + cool + features): Gigabyte RTX 4070 Super Aero OC

• Why: Among the quietest cards we’ve seen measured—~33–35 dBA depending on BIOS—while keeping GPU ~61 °C in Silent mode; adds dual BIOS and a creator‑friendly white aesthetic.
• Great for: Quiet, premium‑feel builds; streaming/creative rigs.

Best for Absolute Thermals & Build: ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 4070 Super OC

• Why: Low-60 °C GPU temperatures even in OC mode, with near-silent fan speeds around ~1200 RPM. The build feels tank-solid and includes dual-BIOS control. Comes at a premium but sets the cooling bar.
• Great for: Overclockers, silence seekers with airflow to spare.

Best Slim/2‑Slot Choice: MSI RTX 4070 Super Gaming X Slim

• Why: True 2‑slot triple‑fan card that stays cool and quiet while fitting where 3‑slot bricks don’t; typical board power in the ~240–244W range under load on stock BIOS.
• Great for: SFF/mATX builds with tighter GPU clearance.

Best Compact Value: ASUS Dual RTX 4070 Super

• Why: Sensible 2‑fan design with measured ~36–37 dBA noise and ~65 °C GPU temps in a shorter, lighter card; often closer to MSRP.
• Great for: Budget‑minded buyers, simpler airflow paths.

Benchmarks Recap (in one minute)

• Versus RTX 4070: +~15–19% (1440p average), thanks to more cores and slightly higher draw.
• Versus RTX 4070 Ti: ~6–12% behind depending on title/resolution.
• Versus RX 7800 XT: Leads modestly in raster; larger lead in ray tracing and with DLSS 3/Frame Generation.
• Power: ~210–220 W during typical gaming on reference-power targets; slightly higher on factory-OC cards.

Design & build overview (what to look for)

• Heatsink mass & fin density: bigger isn’t everything, but it often equals lower RPMs for the same temp target—hence better acoustics.
• Fan profile/BIOS: Silent BIOS modes (Gigabyte, ASUS) let you choose fan curve characteristics; many users will never need OC BIOS day‑to‑day.
• VRAM/memory thermals: Check reviews for memory temps; the Aero OC keeps memory in the mid‑50s/60s °C range under sustained load—excellent.
• Power budget: Some AIB OC modes raise average board power to ~240–260W; make sure your case airflow and PSU are up to it (quality 650W PSU is typical guidance on these AIBs).

Pricing & Value — when the premium cooler makes sense

MSRP sits at $599 for baseline cards, with premium coolers adding roughly $50–$120 depending on size, materials, and factory OC. 

If your PC sits on-desk or you play in a quiet room, spending extra for a quieter cooler pays off with noticeably lower temps and softer noise. 

Expect typical gaming draw around 210–220 W on reference-power targets, with factory-OC models climbing higher under sustained load. 

If you’re budget-focused and your system is tucked away under the desk, the more affordable coolers remain a smart buy — just plan for slightly higher fan speed under heavy load.

Specs table (reference vs popular AIBs)

⚠️Note: Dimensions vary by sub‑SKU. Check the specific card’s product page for exact length/thickness before buying.

Practical Buying Checklist

Step 1 – Measure your case

• GPU length (front cage/radiator clearance), height, and slot thickness (2 / 2.5 / 3).  
• Confirm PCIe power cable paths—don’t force tight bends on 12VHPWR.

Step 2 – Set a noise target

• Desk-side builds: aim for ≤36–38 dBA under load.  
• Floor/behind-door builds: ≤40–42 dBA is fine; save money here.

Step 3 – Pick the cooler class

• Quiet & cool first: ASUS TUF OC, Gigabyte Aero OC (Silent).  
• Tight fit / SFF: MSI Gaming X Slim (true 2-slot).  
• Value / compact: ASUS Dual.

Step 4 – Plan airflow

• Keep at least one direct intake for the GPU.  
• Avoid vertical glass choke without added intake.

Step 5 – Check power supply

• Quality 650W PSU is typical; prefer native 12V-2×6 if available.  
• If using an adapter, ensure no loose pins; reseat after routing.

Step 6 – Final pre-buy check

• Warranty length & local RMA path,  
• BIOS options (Silent/OC),  
• Dimensions vs your case’s published GPU limit.

Coil-Whine & Returns FAQ

Why coil-whine happens 

A faint high-frequency sound under very high FPS or menu screens is normal and comes from GPU power stages vibrating under load. It doesn’t indicate failure.

How to reduce it?

• Enable V-Sync or Frame-rate caps in menus.  
• Use the card’s Silent BIOS; slower fan ramps reduce tonal peaks.  
• Mount the GPU with solid case panels closed—open benches make noise seem louder.

When to consider a return?

If the noise is loud enough to hear through closed panels at normal distance, contact the retailer within their return window. Noise variance between identical cards is normal; replacing the card often solves it.

Is coil-whine normal on RTX 4070 Super cards?  

Yes. High-frequency electrical noise (coil-whine) varies by unit and power load. It’s not harmful and usually less audible inside a closed case. Limiting uncapped FPS in menus or enabling V-Sync can sharply reduce it.

Can I return a card for coil-whine? 

Policies differ by retailer. Most will exchange a card if the sound is excessive or abnormal, but mild coil-whine isn’t treated as a defect. Always test your card early in the return window and record any extreme noise for support.

Does undervolting help? 

Often—it lowers current through the inductors and can soften or eliminate the pitch entirely, alongside the thermal and acoustic benefits already discussed.

Undervolting & power tuning – quick, safe wins

Undervolting is the easiest way to make any RTX 4070 Super AIB cooler and quieter without losing speed. The idea is to sustain the same boost clock at a lower voltage, lowering heat and noise.

How to do it:

1. Open MSI Afterburner or your vendor tool and record your sustained gaming frequency (often 2700–2800 MHz).
2. In the voltage/frequency curve editor, drag that node to around 0.975–1.0 V.
3. Flatten the curve to the right and stress-test in a demanding game for 20 minutes.
4. If stable, save the profile; if not, add a small voltage bump and retry.

Expected outcomes (typical):

• Undervolting can reduce GPU temperatures and noise, often by a few degrees Celsius and a couple of decibels, but exact gains vary by card design, silicon quality, and your case airflow.

💡Tip: Pair an undervolt with a modest power limit cut (e.g., –10%) for an ultra-quiet profile that still outpaces the original RTX 4070.

Final Verdict

If you want a cool, quiet, efficient RTX 4070 Super that nails 1440p and stretches to 4K with DLSS, pick based on acoustics and fit—performance spreads between AIBs are small, but comfort differences are not.

Best overall — Gigabyte RTX 4070 Super Aero OC

• Why: Whisper-quiet in Silent BIOS with excellent temps and dual-BIOS flexibility; easy recommendation for desk-side rigs and creator builds.  
• Buy if: You prize silence and finish over tiny OC deltas.  

Best thermals/build — ASUS TUF Gaming RTX 4070 Super OC

• Why: Massive cooler + smart tuning = sub-60 °C GPU with low RPMs; premium rigidity and component quality.  
• Buy if: You want lowest temps, overclocking headroom, and a tank-like card.  

Best slim / 2-slot — MSI RTX 4070 Super Gaming X Slim

• Why: True 2-slot footprint without giving up cool/quiet behavior; solves the “my case won’t fit a 3-slot” headache.  
• Buy if: You have side-radiators, drive cages, or SFF constraints.  

Best compact value — ASUS Dual RTX 4070 Super

• Why: Shorter, lighter, and typically nearer MSRP while holding mid-30s dBA noise and good temps.  
• Buy if: You want simple, compact, cost-sensible.  

🔇 Block the noise and focus on what matters — explore our 🔝 top-rated closed-back headsets and find the perfect fit for your workspace or commute.

Still Undecided? Quick Picks

• If you can hear your PC while gaming, favor Aero (Silent) or TUF (Silent/Perf).  
• If your case is the limiter, go Gaming X Slim.  
• If price is the limiter, go ASUS Dual.  

For any of the above, consider a quick undervolt to drop noise and temps even further—no visible performance loss in real play.