After several driver releases and multiple game updates, it’s time to check back in on the Radeon RX 9070 XT and test how it performs with the latest software. We’re comparing new results to those from our original review, using the same 16 games and settings to measure any changes over the past four months.
Initial user feedback suggested the RX 9070 XT now runs faster than at launch. We wanted to see if these gains come from AMD’s own driver work or if recent game patches have helped boost frame rates.
To get a clearer picture, this review also includes the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti. If both cards show similar improvements, updated games are likely the reason. If only one card improves, the drivers are likely responsible.
We used the same test rig as our previous review: a 9800X3D processor, 32 GB DDR5-6000 CL30 memory, and the newest edition of Windows 11. While the original test had 18 games, two were left out this time: Marvel Rivals (replay now invalid) and War Thunder (stability problems for both cards). Everything else is consistent.
Benchmark Results
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
There are no updates for this game in 2024, so if performance changes, drivers would be the reason. Both cards performed exactly as before with the latest drivers at 1440p and 4K.
A Plague Tale: Requiem
This title has had no patches in a long time. Any change is down to drivers. Previously, the 5070 Ti was 8% ahead of the 9070 XT at 1440p, but now both reach 122 fps. At 4K, they both hit 68 fps, closing the gap.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
No game updates since January, so only drivers could affect results. Both cards were neck-and-neck before, but now the 9070 XT is 4% faster. The RTX 5070 Ti matches that improvement, so each card gained a little. At 4K, the GeForce card shows a bigger gain, matching the Radeon’s numbers thanks to better 1% lows.
Dying Light 2 Stay Human
Despite a few game updates, performance remains steady for both cards. Variations are under 2% at either 1440p or 4K.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
No significant updates for the game or drivers here. The 5070 Ti improved by 3% at 1440p, but such a small change could be test variance. At 4K, the numbers are almost identical to the earlier review.
Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered
No updates to the game, so all changes stem from drivers. The Radeon RX 9070 XT jumped 27% in performance at 1440p, from 169 fps to 214 fps. Previously, it was 8% slower than the RTX 5070 Ti, but now it’s 24% faster. At 4K, the 9070 XT sees a 7% gain, so it now leads by 7%.
Hogwarts Legacy
This game has seen updates, but not for performance since the RX 9070 XT launched. The 5070 Ti holds steady, but the 9070 XT jumps 18% at 1440p, now averaging 153 fps and extending its lead to 21%. At 4K, the Radeon card is 10% faster and enjoys better 1% lows.
The Last of Us Part I
No change for the 9070 XT at 1440p, but the 5070 Ti is now 4% slower, putting both cards on equal footing. At 4K, results remain the same.
Star Wars Outlaws
The RX 9070 XT improves by 3% at 1440p (matching the RTX 5070 Ti), but there’s no change at 4K. Both cards remain close, with the GeForce model slightly ahead.
Starfield
The Radeon GPU improved by 5% at 1440p (from 79 to 83 fps), while the GeForce card slipped by 2 fps, resulting in a tie. At 4K, both average 55 fps.
Delta Force
The RTX 5070 Ti dropped by 3%, now at 168 fps. The RX 9070 XT increased by 14%, moving from 160 fps to 183 fps. Where it used to trail the GeForce card, it now leads by 10%. At 4K, both deliver similar performance.
God of War Ragnarök
Here, the 5070 Ti improved by 2.5%, but the 9070 XT gained 10% and is now 9% faster at 1440p. At 4K, performance remains consistent.
Counter-Strike 2
The 5070 Ti’s performance is unchanged, but the 9070 XT improved by 23%, taking the lead. Previously, Radeon was behind by 10%, now it’s 10% ahead. At 4K, it’s up 14%, though the GeForce card remains 4% faster in average frames but loses out in 1% lows.
Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl
After a game update, the RTX 5070 Ti held steady. The RX 9070 XT, though, improved by 12%, going from 58 to 65 fps, putting it just ahead. At 4K, an 8% gain lets Radeon match the GeForce results.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
This title was patched for performance and later received an important driver fix for the 5070 Ti. With the updates, the GeForce card is now 36% faster at 1440p, and Radeon gained 10%. Numbers are now closer, but the RTX 5070 Ti now leads by 6%. At 4K, Nvidia’s card averages 72 fps, a 63% jump, while Radeon hits 66 fps (10% up), so Nvidia leads by 9%.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Both cards improve, but Radeon’s 14% jump pushes its lead from 22% to 30% at 1440p. At 4K, the 5070 Ti is up 3%, and the 9070 XT is up 13%, pushing Radeon’s lead to 30%.
16-Game Average
Across all 16 games, the RX 9070 XT averages a 9% boost with current updates. The RTX 5070 Ti only improved by 2.5%. Before, the GeForce card was 2.5% ahead. Now, the RX 9070 XT is 3% in front. Still, both cards perform closely and offer similar gaming experiences.
At 4K, improvements are smaller. The RX 9070 XT increases by 4%, the RTX 5070 Ti by 3%. Both are neck and neck at this resolution, so updates don’t really change their standings.
Games like Spider-Man, Counter-Strike 2, Hogwarts Legacy, Delta Force, Call of Duty, Stalker 2, Space Marine 2, and God of War Ragnarök saw gains of 10% or more for the 9070 XT. Six games, such as Starfield, Star Wars Outlaws, The Last of Us Part I, Jedi: Survivor, Dying Light 2, and Dragon Age, saw gains of 5% or less.
At 4K, only three games saw double-digit improvements. For 10 of 16 games, gains were 5% or less, and seven games showed no change at all.
Driver Improvements and Pricing
Early RDNA4 drivers were not as effective at 1440p, which explains why the RX 9070 XT lagged behind the RTX 5070 Ti at that resolution, despite keeping pace at 4K. Given the RTX 5070 Ti’s use of GDDR7 and more bandwidth, one might expect the opposite.
Even with these gains, the overall picture stays the same. The RX 9070 XT and the RTX 5070 Ti are still closely matched and should offer a similar experience for most players.
Pricing is still the deciding factor. The RX 9070 XT currently sells for $700 on Newegg, above its $600 MSRP but trending down. The RTX 5070 Ti is around $900, nearly 30% more, which is tough to justify for most buyers.
In Australia, the 9070 XT costs $1,200 AUD while the 5070 Ti is at $1,600 AUD, a 33% price difference. Stock varies, with only one RX 9070 XT listed versus four for the 5070 Ti.
Driver updates continue to make the 9070 XT a stronger value, supporting AMD’s reputation for post-launch improvements. While RDNA3 struggled with features like FSR4, RDNA4 shows better progress. We’ll keep tracking both cards with future benchmarks.