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MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC Review | 118 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£530
Avg. price in US: ~$550
VRAM: 8 GB
Memory bus width: 256 bit
Thermal Design Power (TDP): 220 W

MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC review. Compare 118 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among graphics cards and if it is worth buying.

6.6

Good

6.2

Good

9.4

Exceptional

4.4
Gaming
Score components:
45.0%
4.3
Floating-point performance
25.0%
2.8
VRAM
20.0%
4.7
Ray tracing cores / units
10.0%
8.8
PCI Express (PCIe) version
5.5
Video editing
Score components:
35.0%
7.0
AV1 encode
30.0%
2.8
VRAM
20.0%
4.3
Floating-point performance
15.0%
8.8
PCI Express (PCIe) version
4.4
1080p
Score components:
55.0%
4.3
Floating-point performance
25.0%
2.8
VRAM
10.0%
4.7
Ray tracing cores / units
10.0%
8.8
PCI Express (PCIe) version
4.1
1440p
Score components:
50.0%
4.3
Floating-point performance
30.0%
2.8
VRAM
15.0%
4.7
Ray tracing cores / units
5.0%
8.8
PCI Express (PCIe) version
4.1
4K
Score components:
40.0%
4.3
Floating-point performance
35.0%
2.8
VRAM
20.0%
4.7
Ray tracing cores / units
5.0%
8.8
PCI Express (PCIe) version

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

#12 in Best NVIDIA RTX 3070 Graphic Cards
#17 in Best 8 GB Graphic Cards
#86 in Best MSI Graphic Cards
#437 in Best NVIDIA RTX Graphic Cards
#543 in Best Graphic Cards For Gaming
#543 in Best Graphic Cards For 1440p Gaming
#544 in Best Graphic Cards For 1080p Gaming
#585 in Best Graphic Cards
#684 in Best Graphic Cards For Video Editing

Verdict

The MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC is a performance-driven graphics card built on NVIDIA's Ampere architecture, featuring 5,888 CUDA cores, a boosted core clock of 1755 MHz, and 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM with a 256-bit interface. Main characteristics include a robust triple-fan cooling system using TORX Fan 3.0 technology for high static pressure, a reinforced graphene backplate for heat dissipation, and Zero Frozr technology for silent operation during low loads. Key pros include excellent thermal management that keeps temperatures below 65°C under load, quiet operation, and reliable 1440p gaming performance with ray tracing and DLSS support. However, cons include its large physical footprint at 305mm in length which may not fit in smaller cases, a lack of RGB lighting for aesthetic enthusiasts, and a restricted 220W power limit that limits manual overclocking headroom.

Technical Specifications of MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC

Overall score

6.6

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the graphics card.

When it matters: When you prefer a graphics card that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Performance

5.4

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3DMark Time Spy benchmark score

What it is: Benchmark result from 3DMark Time Spy, a synthetic DirectX 12 test often used as a quick gaming-performance reference.

When it matters: When you need a fast rough performance sort before digging into game-specific reviews and frame-rate data.

Importance: LOW

3DMark Port Royal score

What it is: Benchmark result from 3DMark Port Royal, a synthetic test focused on ray tracing performance.

When it matters: When ray tracing matters in the games you actually play and you want one quick way to separate stronger and weaker RT cards.

Importance: LOW

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PassMark (G3D) result

What it is: Overall GPU performance score in PassMark G3D benchmark

When it matters: When you need one broad score to sort cards into rough performance tiers.

Importance: LOW

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PassMark (DirectCompute) result

What it is: PassMark score for DirectCompute performance tests

When it matters: When compute workloads matter alongside gaming performance.

Importance: LOW

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Floating-point performance

What it is: Theoretical floating-point compute performance of the GPU.

When it matters: When rendering, AI, or heavy compute work needs strong single-precision throughput.

Importance: LOW

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Memory

5.0

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VRAM

What it is: Total video memory available on the graphics card

When it matters: When you play at high settings, use texture mods, or work with large creative projects.

Importance: HIGH

Memory type

What it is: Type of graphics memory used (GDDR6, HBM2e, etc.)

When it matters: When memory technology is part of the buying decision because it affects bandwidth class, power use, and product positioning.

Importance: LOW

GDDR6

GDDR version

What it is: Generation of GDDR memory used by the graphics card.

When it matters: When you want to separate older memory generations from newer ones before comparing bandwidth, power behavior, and market tier.

Importance: LOW

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Memory bus width

What it is: Width of the memory interface bus in bits

When it matters: When you care about steadier performance at higher resolutions, heavier texture settings, or ray-traced workloads that stress memory traffic.

Importance: HIGH

Maximum memory bandwidth

What it is: Maximum data transfer rate between GPU and its memory

When it matters: When 4K gaming, ray tracing, or creator work can choke a slower memory subsystem.

Importance: HIGH

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Platform & Features

9.3

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PCI Express (PCIe) version

What it is: Version of PCI Express interface supported

When it matters: When you are pairing the card with an older motherboard and want to avoid leaving bandwidth or future compatibility on the table.

Importance: LOW

PCIe lanes

What it is: Number of PCI Express lanes used for communication

When it matters: When limited lane width could bottleneck the card in some systems.

Importance: LOW

DirectX version

What it is: Highest supported DirectX API version

When it matters: When you play newer Windows games that depend on the latest graphics features.

Importance: LOW

?

Vulkan version

What it is: Highest supported Vulkan API version

When it matters: When modern games, emulators, or creative apps lean on Vulkan support.

Importance: LOW

OpenGL version

What it is: Highest supported OpenGL API version

When it matters: When older games or pro apps still depend on OpenGL compatibility.

Importance: LOW

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Connectivity & Media

9.0

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Max displays supported

What it is: Total number of external displays supported simultaneously

When it matters: When you run a multi-monitor desk for sim racing, trading, or editing.

Importance: LOW

Max digital resolution

What it is: Maximum supported digital display resolution

When it matters: When you plan to drive 4K or 8K panels at their native resolution.

Importance: LOW

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DisplayPort outputs

What it is: Number of DisplayPort video outputs

When it matters: When your setup needs several high-refresh monitors without adapters.

Importance: LOW

DisplayPort version

What it is: Version of DisplayPort standard supported

When it matters: When your monitor setup depends on newer DisplayPort features for higher refresh rates, higher resolution, or better cable flexibility.

Importance: LOW

DisplayPort link rates

What it is: Supported data link rates for DisplayPort connections

When it matters: When you are pushing high resolution and refresh rate over DisplayPort.

Importance: LOW

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Power & Cooling

8.2

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Thermal Design Power (TDP)

What it is: Typical power consumption under full load (TDP)

When it matters: When you need a realistic idea of power draw before choosing a PSU or case.

Importance: MEDIUM

Power consumption while under peak load

What it is: Peak power draw of the graphics card under maximum load.

When it matters: When transient-heavy gaming loads could stress your power supply.

Importance: LOW

Recommended PSU wattage

What it is: Recommended wattage of the system power supply

When it matters: When you are checking whether your current power supply is enough.

Importance: LOW

Board power limit

What it is: Maximum configurable power limit for the GPU board

When it matters: When you care about how far the card can be pushed through tuning or factory power settings.

Importance: LOW

PCIe power spec

What it is: PCIe power delivery specification followed

When it matters: When you are checking whether the slot and external cables match the card's intended power-delivery standard.

Importance: LOW

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Design

6.5

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Size

What it is: Physical size of the GPU card

When it matters: When you need the card to fit a compact case without blocking nearby hardware.

Importance: LOW

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Length

What it is: Physical length of the GPU card

When it matters: When front radiators or drive cages leave only limited GPU clearance.

Importance: LOW

Height

What it is: Physical height of the GPU card

When it matters: When side panels, brackets, or tight case layouts reduce vertical clearance.

Importance: LOW

Slot width

What it is: Number of PCIe slots occupied by the card

When it matters: When you need room for another PCIe card or better airflow under the GPU.

Importance: LOW

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Weight

What it is: Total weight of the graphics card

When it matters: When sag, bracket support, or shipping stress matters in your build.

Importance: LOW

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MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC vs the average graphics card

Why is MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC better than the average graphics card?

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32 more ROPs
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has more ROPs than the average graphics card (96 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
What it is: Total number of render output units on the GPU
When it matters: When you want more context on pixel output capacity, especially for high-resolution play and older raster-heavy engines.
Importance: HIGH
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has more ROPs than the average graphics card (96 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.96 vs 64
17.1% higher user score
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has a higher user score than the average graphics card (9.37 vs 8.000).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the graphics card.
When it matters: When you want to understand how a graphics card performs in real use and how reliable it is in terms of performance, temperatures, noise, stability, and long-term ownership.
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has a higher user score than the average graphics card (9.37 vs 8.000).9.37 vs 8
4.34x more popular
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC is more popular than the average graphics card (10.00 vs 2.303).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the graphics card.
When it matters: When you prefer a graphics card that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC is more popular than the average graphics card (10.00 vs 2.303).10 vs 2.3
6 more compute units
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has more compute units than the average graphics card (46 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
What it is: Total number of shader multiprocessors or compute units
When it matters: When you want a better sense of the GPU's overall parallel hardware resources before relying on game benchmarks alone.
Importance: HIGH
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has more compute units than the average graphics card (46 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.46 vs 40
6 °C lower idle temperature
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has a lower idle temperature than the average graphics card (32 °C vs 38 °C). The average graphics card has an idle temperature of 38 °C.
What it is: GPU temperature measured while the graphics card is idle.
When it matters: When the system stays on for long periods and you care whether the card runs cool and relaxed outside of gaming sessions.
Importance: LOW
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has a lower idle temperature than the average graphics card (32 °C vs 38 °C). The average graphics card has an idle temperature of 38 °C.32 °C vs 38 °C
Newer shader model
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC supports a newer shader model than the average graphics card (6.9 vs 6.8).
What it is: Highest supported Shader Model version
When it matters: When new rendering features require a newer shader feature set.
Importance: LOW
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC supports a newer shader model than the average graphics card (6.9 vs 6.8).6.9 vs 6.8
32 more ROPs
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has more ROPs than the average graphics card (96 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
6 more compute units
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has more compute units than the average graphics card (46 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
Newer shader model
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC supports a newer shader model than the average graphics card (6.9 vs 6.8).
6 °C lower idle temperature
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has a lower idle temperature than the average graphics card (32 °C vs 38 °C). The average graphics card has an idle temperature of 38 °C.

Platform & Features

Power & Cooling

Why is MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC worse than the average graphics card?

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29.8% lower boost clock speed
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,755 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.
21.9% lower base clock speed
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,500 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.
14.3% lower texture rate
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (322.9 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 376.8 GTexel/s.
2 fewer ray tracing cores
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (46 vs 48). The average graphics card has 48 ray tracing cores.
8 fewer AI cores
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has fewer AI cores than the average graphics card (184 vs 192). The average graphics card has 192 AI cores.
9.6% lower FP32 performance
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has a lower FP32 performance than the average graphics card (20.7 TFLOPS vs 22.86 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP32 performance of 22.86 TFLOPS.
4 GB less VRAM
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (8 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
26.3% slower memory speed
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (14,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.
87.5% smaller L2 cache
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has fewer L2 cache than the average graphics card (4 MB vs 32 MB). The average graphics card has 32 MB L2 cache.
60% larger process node
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has a higher process node than the average graphics card (8 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.
3 older
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC was released earlier than the average graphics card (2,020 vs 2,023).
Older encoder generation
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC uses an older encoder generation than the average graphics card (7 vs 8). The average graphics card uses encoder generation 8.
28.8% larger GPU die
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has a higher GPU die size than the average graphics card (392 mm² vs 304.25 mm²). The average graphics card has a GPU die size of 304.25 mm².
No AV1 encoding
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
16.7% lower HDMI bandwidth
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average graphics card (40 Gbps vs 48 Gbps). The average graphics card has HDMI bandwidth of 48 Gbps.
36.4% higher idle power draw
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has a higher idle power draw than the average graphics card (15 W vs 11 W). The average graphics card has an idle power draw of 11 W.
No RGB lighting
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC does not include RGB lighting, the average graphics card does.
19.63 mm longer card length
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC is longer than the average graphics card (305 mm vs 285.37 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 285.37 mm.
29.8% lower boost clock speed
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,755 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.
What it is: Maximum boost frequency the GPU can reach under load
When it matters: When you want a rough idea of peak advertised frequency, while knowing real sustained clocks still depend on cooling and power limits.
Importance: HIGH
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,755 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.1755 MHz vs 2500 MHz
60% larger process node
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has a higher process node than the average graphics card (8 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.
What it is: Size of the manufacturing process in nanometers
When it matters: When process node differences may affect power, heat, and overall efficiency.
Importance: MEDIUM
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has a higher process node than the average graphics card (8 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.8 nm vs 5 nm
4 GB less VRAM
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (8 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
What it is: Total video memory available on the graphics card
When it matters: When you play at high settings, use texture mods, or work with large creative projects.
Importance: HIGH
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (8 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.8 GB vs 12 GB
21.9% lower base clock speed
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,500 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.
What it is: Base operating frequency of the GPU core under standard conditions
When it matters: When you want to understand the card's guaranteed starting frequency instead of looking only at optimistic boost figures.
Importance: HIGH
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,500 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.1500 MHz vs 1920 MHz
26.3% slower memory speed
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (14,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.
What it is: Effective memory data rate combining clock and bus width
When it matters: When you compare how quickly each card can push data through its memory subsystem.
Importance: MEDIUM
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (14,000 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.14000 MHz vs 19000 MHz
No AV1 encoding
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
What it is: Supports hardware encoding of AV1 video codec
When it matters: When you stream or export video and want efficient AV1 encoding on the GPU.
Importance: LOW
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.No vs yes
No RGB lighting
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC does not include RGB lighting, the average graphics card does.
What it is: Includes customizable RGB lighting effects
When it matters: When the GPU is part of a windowed build with synchronized lighting.
Importance: LOW
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC does not include RGB lighting, the average graphics card does.
87.5% smaller L2 cache
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has fewer L2 cache than the average graphics card (4 MB vs 32 MB). The average graphics card has 32 MB L2 cache.
What it is: Total size of the GPU’s L2 cache memory
When it matters: When cache size can help the GPU feed data faster in demanding scenes.
Importance: LOW
MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC has fewer L2 cache than the average graphics card (4 MB vs 32 MB). The average graphics card has 32 MB L2 cache.4 MB vs 32 MB

Platform & Features

Connectivity & Media

Power & Cooling

Graphic comparison of MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC?

Excellent 1440p gaming performance with high frame rates in AAA titles
Efficient triple-fan cooling system that maintains low temperatures under load
Quiet operation, with fans that stop completely during low-load tasks (Zero Frozr)
Includes a bundled support bracket to prevent GPU sag
Sleek, industrial design that fits well in most non-RGB builds
Good power efficiency compared to some higher-tier custom models

What customers dislike about MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC?

Locked power limit (100%/220W) significantly restricts manual overclocking potential
Large physical dimensions (305mm length) may not fit in smaller ITX cases
Plastic backplate instead of metal, which some users feel looks and feels cheaper
Lacks RGB lighting, which may be a drawback for users who prefer a more colorful aesthetic
Pricing is often higher than the Founders Edition despite being a more 'entry-level' custom card
Some users noted higher temperatures if case airflow is not optimal

Expert reviews

notebookcheck.net

04/01/2021

MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC desktop graphics card in review

The MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC is a high-performing desktop graphics card built on Nvidia’s 8nm Ampere architecture, delivering power roughly on par with the previous generation's flagship, the RTX 2080 Ti. Operating with a 220-watt power limit and running on a base clock of 1,500 MHz, it features 5,888 CUDA cores, 184 Tensor cores, and 46 RT cores. Benchmarks indicate it is...Read more

servethehome.com

07/01/2021

MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3x OC Edition Review If you would like to explore this specific hardware configuration further, I can provide the detailed...

The ServeTheHome review of the MSI GeForce RTX 3070 Ventus 3X OC Edition highlights the card's exceptional computational performance, offering performance comparable to a 2080 Ti with a 1,755 MHz boost clock, a quiet tri-fan cooler, and better market availability than the Founders Edition. However, the card faces limitations due to its 12-inch, 3-slot size which prevents dense...Read more

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