GEFORCE

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q

NVIDIA graphics card specifications and benchmark scores

8 GB
VRAM
1290
MHz Boost
80W
TDP
256
Bus Width
Ray Tracing 🤖Tensor Cores

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q Specifications

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GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q GPU Core

Shader units and compute resources

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q GPU core specifications define its raw processing power for graphics and compute workloads. Shading units (also called CUDA cores, stream processors, or execution units depending on manufacturer) handle the parallel calculations required for rendering. TMUs (Texture Mapping Units) process texture data, while ROPs (Render Output Units) handle final pixel output. Higher shader counts generally translate to better GPU benchmark performance, especially in demanding games and 3D applications.

Shading Units
5,120
Shaders
5,120
TMUs
160
ROPs
80
SM Count
40
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RTX 3070 Max-Q Clock Speeds

GPU and memory frequencies

Clock speeds directly impact the GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q's performance in GPU benchmarks and real-world gaming. The base clock represents the minimum guaranteed frequency, while the boost clock indicates peak performance under optimal thermal conditions. Memory clock speed affects texture loading and frame buffer operations. The GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q by NVIDIA dynamically adjusts frequencies based on workload, temperature, and power limits to maximize performance while maintaining stability.

Base Clock
780 MHz
Base Clock
780 MHz
Boost Clock
1290 MHz
Boost Clock
1,290 MHz
Memory Clock
1500 MHz 12 Gbps effective
GDDR GDDR 6X 6X

NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q Memory

VRAM capacity and bandwidth

VRAM (Video RAM) is dedicated memory for storing textures, frame buffers, and shader data. The GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q's memory capacity determines how well it handles high-resolution textures and multiple displays. Memory bandwidth, measured in GB/s, affects how quickly data moves between the GPU and VRAM. Higher bandwidth improves performance in memory-intensive scenarios like 4K gaming. The memory bus width and type (GDDR6, GDDR6X, HBM) significantly influence overall GPU benchmark scores.

Memory Size
8 GB
VRAM
8,192 MB
Memory Type
GDDR6
VRAM Type
GDDR6
Memory Bus
256 bit
Bus Width
256-bit
Bandwidth
384.0 GB/s
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GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q by NVIDIA Cache

On-chip cache hierarchy

On-chip cache provides ultra-fast data access for the RTX 3070 Max-Q, reducing the need to fetch data from slower VRAM. L1 and L2 caches store frequently accessed data close to the compute units. AMD's Infinity Cache (L3) dramatically increases effective bandwidth, improving GPU benchmark performance without requiring wider memory buses. Larger cache sizes help maintain high frame rates in memory-bound scenarios and reduce power consumption by minimizing VRAM accesses.

L1 Cache
128 KB (per SM)
L2 Cache
4 MB
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RTX 3070 Max-Q Theoretical Performance

Compute and fill rates

Theoretical performance metrics provide a baseline for comparing the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q against other graphics cards. FP32 (single-precision) performance, measured in TFLOPS, indicates compute capability for gaming and general GPU workloads. FP64 (double-precision) matters for scientific computing. Pixel and texture fill rates determine how quickly the GPU can render complex scenes. While real-world GPU benchmark results depend on many factors, these specifications help predict relative performance levels.

FP32 (Float)
13.21 TFLOPS
FP64 (Double)
206.4 GFLOPS (1:64)
FP16 (Half)
13.21 TFLOPS (1:1)
Pixel Rate
103.2 GPixel/s
Texture Rate
206.4 GTexel/s

GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q Ray Tracing & AI

Hardware acceleration features

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q includes dedicated hardware for ray tracing and AI acceleration. RT cores handle real-time ray tracing calculations for realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows in supported games. Tensor cores (NVIDIA) or XMX cores (Intel) accelerate AI workloads including DLSS, FSR, and XeSS upscaling technologies. These features enable higher visual quality without proportional performance costs, making the RTX 3070 Max-Q capable of delivering both stunning graphics and smooth frame rates in modern titles.

RT Cores
40
Tensor Cores
160
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Ampere Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q is built on NVIDIA's Ampere architecture, which defines how the GPU processes graphics and compute workloads. The manufacturing process node affects power efficiency, thermal characteristics, and maximum clock speeds. Smaller process nodes pack more transistors into the same die area, enabling higher performance per watt. Understanding the architecture helps predict how the RTX 3070 Max-Q will perform in GPU benchmarks compared to previous generations.

Architecture
Ampere
GPU Name
GA104
Process Node
8 nm
Foundry
Samsung
Transistors
17,400 million
Die Size
392 mm²
Density
44.4M / mm²
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NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q Power & Thermal

TDP and power requirements

Power specifications for the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q determine PSU requirements and thermal management needs. TDP (Thermal Design Power) indicates the heat output under typical loads, guiding cooler selection. Power connector requirements ensure adequate power delivery for stable operation during demanding GPU benchmarks. The suggested PSU wattage accounts for the entire system, not just the graphics card. Efficient power delivery enables the GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q to maintain boost clocks without throttling.

TDP
80 W
TDP
80W
Power Connectors
None
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GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q by NVIDIA Physical & Connectivity

Dimensions and outputs

Physical dimensions of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q are critical for case compatibility. Card length, height, and slot width determine whether it fits in your chassis. The PCIe interface version affects bandwidth for communication with the CPU. Display outputs define monitor connectivity options, with modern cards supporting multiple high-resolution displays simultaneously. Verify these specifications against your case and motherboard before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.

Bus Interface
PCIe 4.0 x16
Display Outputs
Portable Device Dependent
Display Outputs
Portable Device Dependent
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NVIDIA API Support

Graphics and compute APIs

API support determines which games and applications can fully utilize the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q. DirectX 12 Ultimate enables advanced features like ray tracing and variable rate shading. Vulkan provides cross-platform graphics capabilities with low-level hardware access. OpenGL remains important for professional applications and older games. CUDA (NVIDIA) and OpenCL enable GPU compute for video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific applications. Higher API versions unlock newer graphical features in GPU benchmarks and games.

DirectX
12 Ultimate (12_2)
DirectX
12 Ultimate (12_2)
OpenGL
4.6
OpenGL
4.6
Vulkan
1.4
Vulkan
1.4
OpenCL
3.0
CUDA
8.6
Shader Model
6.8
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GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q Product Information

Release and pricing details

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q is manufactured by NVIDIA as part of their graphics card lineup. Release date and launch pricing provide context for comparing GPU benchmark results with competing products from the same era. Understanding the product lifecycle helps evaluate whether the GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q by NVIDIA represents good value at current market prices. Predecessor and successor information aids in tracking generational improvements and planning future upgrades.

Manufacturer
NVIDIA
Release Date
Jan 2021
Production
End-of-life
Predecessor
GeForce 20 Mobile

GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q Benchmark Scores

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No benchmark data available for this GPU.

About NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q

  1. Is the performance-per-dollar ratio strong enough to justify an upgrade from previous generations?
  2. Does the 8GB of GDDR6 memory present a future bottleneck for high-resolution gaming?
  3. How does the Max-Q design's efficiency translate into real-world laptop thermals and noise?
  4. Can it reliably deliver high-frame-rate 1440p gaming, or is it better suited for a high-fidelity 60fps experience?

Positioned as the savvy enthusiast's choice, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070, particularly in its Max-Q laptop variant, forces us to question what we truly value in mobile gaming. Its core promise is bringing near-desktop-class 1440p performance into a slim, power-efficient form factor, but at what cost to raw clock speeds? With a boost clock of 1290 MHz and an 80W TDP, it prioritizes cool and quiet operation over pushing the absolute limits, making it ideal for sleek gaming laptops that double as portable workstations. This strategic segment placement targets gamers who refuse to compromise on portability but still demand the immersive ray tracing and DLSS capabilities of NVIDIA's Ampere architecture. So, does the performance hit from the Max-Q design undermine the very reason to choose an RTX 3070, or is the trade-off for better battery life and thinner chassis a masterstroke for real-world use?

When analyzing long-term investment value, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 presents a compelling, yet complex, case. The 8GB VRAM pool, while fast thanks to GDDR6, is a point of contention as game textures become more demanding; will this become a limiting factor before the GPU's computational power does? Its foundation on the efficient 8nm process and PCIe 4.0 interface suggests forward-looking design, but can it hold up against future console generations and their shared memory architectures? For a card launched in early 2021, its continued relevance hinges on DLSS 3 and other software enhancements, asking us to consider if NVIDIA's ecosystem support outweighs the hardware's inherent specs. Ultimately, the value isn't just in the silicon but in the full package of features, driver support, and longevity does this particular configuration offer enough runway?

Build recommendations for a system centered on this GPU must start with a crucial question: are you building for peak performance or optimized balance? In a laptop, pairing the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q with a high-wattage CPU could lead to thermal throttling, so a smart cooling solution and a CPU with a similar efficiency focus are paramount. For a desktop builder considering a full-power variant, a capable PCIe 4.0 motherboard and a robust power supply are givens, but the real debate lies in targeting 1440p at high refresh rates versus 4K at lower frames. Should you invest more in faster system memory and storage to avoid bottlenecking the GPU, or does the value proposition of the RTX 3070 itself lie in being a centerpiece of a cost-effective, high-performance rig? The answer depends entirely on whether you prioritize flawless today performance or a build that gracefully adapts to tomorrow's demands.

The AMD Equivalent of GeForce RTX 3070 Max-Q

Looking for a similar graphics card from AMD? The AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.

AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT

AMD • 16 GB VRAM

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