MSI is preparing a new variant of their popular GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER Ventus 3X GPU, and this one ditches the chrome for a full-on blackout treatment. But is this GPU all about aesthetics, or does it pack a secret punch under the hood? Well, yes, strangely enough, it features the AD102 GPU chip, rather than AD103 which is commonly used for the 4070 Ti Super.
The AD102 GPU is generally reserved for the RTX 4090, Nvidia’s current flagship, but it seems like MSI is using a variation of this processing unit in their new 4070 series model. We’ve got a breakdown of all the specs and important features to help you make a judgment.
Dark theme
According to a leak from @wxnod, MSI’s design team went all-in on the black theme, with the Ventus 3X Black rocking a sleek, monochromatic look. This is a definite upgrade for users who prioritize a clean, stealthy look in their builds. MSI didn’t skimp on the internals either. The card boasts a healthy 8448 CUDA cores, 16GB of GDDR6X VRAM, and a speedy 21 Gbps memory interface, adding up to a potential 672 GB/s of bandwidth. That’s serious muscle for tackling demanding games and applications.
ADA102 GPU chip
Here’s where things get interesting. The Ventus 3X Black reportedly uses the Nvidia AD102 GPU chip, the same powerhouse found in high-end RTX 4090 cards. However, there’s a twist. This appears to be a recycled die with less than half the cores enabled. While some might see this as a drawback, it could be a strategic move by MSI. They’re offering a card with the potential for impressive performance at a price likely closer to the standard RTX 4070 Ti SUPER.
Looking at the GeForce 40 series, we can see that both the 4090 and cut-down 4090D use AD102-300 and AD102-250 GPUs respectively, while the new MSI model is expected to use a recycled variant, assumedly the AD102-225.
Cooling and power
MSI outfitted the Ventus 3X Black with their tried-and-true triple-fan Torx Fan 4.0 setup for efficient cooling. This should ensure the card stays frosty even under heavy loads. The 295W TDP is slightly higher than the reference design, but the robust cooling system should handle it without breaking a sweat. For power delivery, a single 12V-2×6 connector keeps things simple. The card also comes factory overclocked to 2655 MHz, offering a slight performance edge out of the box.
Balancing aesthetic with performance
The MSI GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER Ventus 3X Black is a strong contender for PC builders seeking a powerful GPU with a unique visual style. While it utilizes a repurposed GPU die, the impressive core count, overclocking potential, and generous memory bandwidth suggest it can still hold its own against the competition. The real question lies in the final price tag. If MSI can keep it reasonably low, this blacked-out beast could be a tempting option for those who prioritize both performance and aesthetics.
