Well, my EVGA RTX 3090 FTW finally died. It paid itself off within the first few months during my Bitcoin mining period and lasted a few years after that, so I guess it was a life well lived. I had plans to replace it with the new 5090 card, but the price for performance is quite low this generation. Furthermore, as I really only play World of Warcraft nowadays with my limited free time, I feel the 5090 would just be a waste. Enter the RTX 5070, a true value in a world of extravagantly priced hardware.

As many know, obtaining a GPU in recent years is a mess, filled with bots and scalpers, leaving little for those like me who work full time and can’t camp out at stores on launch day. Today, 3/5/25, was the release of the RTX 5070, and I successfully secured one just moments after the launch. I used a Discord tracking channel that alerted me to the specific drop, then had a surprisingly painless checkout process, which is pretty rare in my past experiences.

Update 3/6/25:

Well, after some thought, I went ahead and canceled my order for the RTX 5070 as I am keen on picking up a 9070XT that launched today. I have a hard time believing the lower VRAM won’t effect anything, and from what I am seeing, the 9070XT is more in line with the RTX 5070ti regarding 1440p performance, which is what I am aiming for. I am still unsure what model I will pick up, but I am leaning towards a black, OC version. I am now on the hunt!

Tips for finding and purchasing GPUs are provided below:

For help with purchasing new, in-demand graphics cards in 2025, see below:

Understanding the Market

Before attempting to purchase a graphics card, it is essential to:

• Know Your Budget – Determine how much you are willing to spend.
• Identify Your Needs – Choose a card based on your gaming, content creation, or AI/ML workload.
• Research Release Dates – New GPUs from NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel often launch in waves, so being aware of upcoming releases can help you prepare.

Using Online Stock Trackers

Several websites offer real-time stock tracking for GPUs:

• NowInStock.net – Tracks multiple retailers and alerts users when stock is available.
• StockInformer.com – Provides alerts for in-stock GPUs at major retailers.
• Distill.io – A browser extension that monitors webpage changes and notifies you.

Setting Up Browser Automation Scripts

To increase your chances of securing a GPU, you can automate part of the purchasing process using browser scripts:

Auto-refresh and Add to Cart Scripts (Chrome Console Method)

1. Open the retailer’s webpage for the desired GPU.
2. Open Chrome Developer Console (Ctrl + Shift + J on Windows, Cmd + Opt + J on macOS).
3. Enter the following script to auto-refresh every few seconds:

setInterval(function() { location.reload(); }, 5000);

Use an “Add to Cart” script (customized per retailer) to automate adding the GPU to your cart. Example for Best Buy:

document.querySelector(".add-to-cart-button").click();

Using Bots for Automated Purchasing

Some advanced users employ bots to speed up the checkout process. While bots can be effective, many retailers have anti-bot protections, and using them may violate terms of service.

Popular GPU Purchasing Bots:

• StreetMerchant (GitHub) – Open-source bot for tracking stock.
• Scalper Bots (Paid) – Private bots used by resellers, though discouraged due to ethical concerns.
• Nvidia Bot by SnailDos – A specialized bot that checks NVIDIA’s store frequently.

Joining Discord Stock Tracking Servers

Several Discord servers provide real-time notifications for GPU restocks. Some of the best include:

• StockDrops – Monitors GPU restocks across major retailers.
• Falcodrin’s GPU Drops – A dedicated server with instant stock alerts.
• NVIDIA & AMD Alerts – Channels focused on NVIDIA and AMD GPU drops.

Enabling Retailer Alerts and Payment Setup

Most major retailers allow you to sign up for stock notifications and pre-save your payment details for faster checkout.

• Best Buy – Sign in, add payment details, and enable notifications.
• Newegg Shuffle – A lottery system for high-demand items.
• Amazon & B&H Photo – Set up 1-click checkout for speed.

Using Proxy Services and Multiple Accounts

If a retailer limits the number of purchases per user:

• Use multiple accounts with different email addresses and payment methods.
• Consider a VPN to avoid IP-based purchase restrictions.
• Use different devices (phone, laptop, desktop) to increase chances.

Best Times to Buy a GPU

• New Launch Windows – Be ready on launch days.
• Major Sales Events – Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day.
• Early Mornings & Late Nights – Retailers often restock at odd hours.

Alternative Options: Buying from Marketplaces

If retail stores fail, consider:

• eBay – Be wary of scalper pricing.
• Reddit’s r/hardwareswap – A trusted community for GPU trading.
• Local Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist – Sometimes sellers offer fair deals.

Final Tips for Success

• Act Fast – Be prepared to buy instantly when a drop happens.
• Use Mobile Apps – Retailer apps sometimes allow quicker purchases than websites.
• Avoid Scalpers – Do not support inflated prices; patience is key.

By combining these strategies, you’ll maximize your chances of securing a new GPU in 2025!

Review: MSI NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 12G GAMING TRIO OC

The MSI NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 12G GAMING TRIO OC is a high-performance graphics card designed to cater to both gamers and content creators. Building upon NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture, this card introduces advanced features and improvements over its predecessors.

Specifications:

• Architecture: NVIDIA Blackwell
• CUDA Cores: TBD
• Memory: 12GB GDDR7
• Memory Interface: 192-bit
• Ray Tracing Cores: Fourth-Generation
• Tensor Cores: Fifth-Generation
• DLSS Version: DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation
• Connectivity: PCI Express Gen 5

Price and Availability:

The RTX 5070 is priced at $549 and is scheduled for release on March 5, 2025.

Performance and Improvements:

NVIDIA claims that the RTX 5070 offers performance comparable to the previous generation’s RTX 4090, primarily through advancements in DLSS 4 technology, which utilizes AI-driven Multi Frame Generation to enhance frame rates and visual fidelity. However, real-world performance metrics indicate that the RTX 5070 is approximately 20% faster than the RTX 4070 and 4% faster than the RTX 4070 Super. While it excels in 1440p gaming scenarios, achieving consistent 4K performance without DLSS remains challenging. The 12GB VRAM, though adequate for current titles, may become a limiting factor as future games demand more memory.

Comparison with RTX 3090:

The RTX 5070 serves as a successor to the RTX 3090, offering several notable enhancements:

• Performance: While the RTX 5070 doesn’t match the raw performance of the RTX 3090, it leverages DLSS 4 to deliver comparable experiences in supported titles.
• Efficiency: The RTX 5070 benefits from architectural improvements, resulting in better performance-per-watt compared to the RTX 3090.
• Features: With newer ray tracing cores and tensor cores, the RTX 5070 supports advanced features like DLSS 4, which are absent in the RTX 3090.

Comparison with RTX 4000 Series:

Within NVIDIA’s lineup, the RTX 5070 positions itself as a mid-range option:

• RTX 4070: The RTX 5070 outperforms the RTX 4070 by approximately 20%, making it a more compelling choice for 1440p gaming.
• RTX 4070 Super: With a 4% performance advantage over the RTX 4070 Super, the RTX 5070 offers marginal improvements, which may not justify an upgrade for existing RTX 4070 Super users.

Comparison with AMD’s Radeon Lineup:

AMD’s Radeon RX 9070 and 9070 XT, priced at $549 and $599 respectively, present direct competition:

• Performance: AMD claims that the RX 9070 XT surpasses the RTX 3090 and offers a 42% performance increase over the RX 7900 GRE at 4K Ultra settings.
• Features: The RX 9000 series introduces RDNA 4 architecture with enhanced ray tracing and AI upscaling via FSR 4.
• Memory: Both RX 9070 models come equipped with 16GB of GDDR6 memory, providing a potential advantage in memory-intensive applications.

System Compatibility:

My current system configuration includes:

• Case: Phanteks Evolv ATX
• Current GPU: EVGA GeForce RTX 3090 FTW3 Ultra Gaming
• Power Supply: Seasonic PX1300 Platinum 1300W
• Motherboard: TUF Gaming X570-Pro (Wi-Fi 6)
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
• Cooling: NZXT Kraken X63 AIO 280mm (Push/Pull Fans)
• Memory: 32GB Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro DDR4-3600
• Storage: Samsung 970 EVO SSD 1TB – M.2 NVMe, WD Blue 1TB HDD, WD Blue 5TB HDD (Backup)

Considering the dimensions and thermal design of the MSI RTX 5070 GAMING TRIO OC, it should fit comfortably within the Phanteks Evolv ATX case, which supports GPUs up to 420mm in length. The RTX 5070 GAMING TRIO OC measures approximately 323mm, ensuring compatibility. Your 1300W power supply exceeds the recommended 750W for the RTX 5070, providing ample headroom. The existing cooling setup, featuring multiple high-performance fans and an AIO cooler, should effectively manage the thermal output of the RTX 5070.

Conclusion

The MSI NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 12G GAMING TRIO OC offers a blend of modern features and improved efficiency, making it a viable upgrade for users seeking enhanced 1440p gaming performance. However, its reliance on DLSS 4 for performance gains and the competitive offerings from AMD’s RX 9000 series necessitate careful consideration based on individual performance requirements and preferences.

Review: AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT OC

The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT OC is AMD’s latest high-performance graphics card, designed to deliver exceptional gaming and computing experiences. Built on the RDNA 4 architecture, it introduces significant advancements in ray tracing and AI capabilities.

Specifications:

• Architecture: RDNA 4
• Compute Units: 64
• Stream Processors: 4,096
• Ray Accelerators: 64
• AI Accelerators: 128
• Base Clock Speed: 2.40 GHz
• Boost Clock Speed: Up to 2.97 GHz
• Memory: 16 GB GDDR6
• Memory Interface: 256-bit
• Memory Bandwidth: 640 GB/s
• TDP: 304W
• Display Outputs: 1x HDMI 2.1b, 3x DisplayPort 2.1a
• Interface: PCIe 5.0

Performance and Improvements:

The RX 9070 XT OC showcases a 42% performance increase at 4K Ultra settings compared to its predecessor, the RX 7900 GRE. This leap is attributed to the enhanced Compute Unit design and the integration of second-generation AI accelerators, which bolster both gaming and AI-driven tasks. Additionally, the introduction of FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4), AMD’s machine-learning upscaling technology, enhances image quality without compromising performance.

Comparison with NVIDIA RTX 3090:

The RTX 3090, based on NVIDIA’s Ampere architecture, was a flagship GPU known for its robust performance. However, the RX 9070 XT OC surpasses the RTX 3090 in several areas:

• Performance: The RX 9070 XT OC delivers higher frame rates and improved ray tracing capabilities, providing a more immersive gaming experience.
• Power Efficiency: Thanks to the RDNA 4 architecture, the RX 9070 XT OC is more power-efficient, leading to reduced heat output and lower energy consumption.
• Price Point: At a launch price of $599, the RX 9070 XT OC offers superior performance at a more accessible price compared to the RTX 3090’s original MSRP.

Comparison with NVIDIA RTX 5070:

When pitted against NVIDIA’s RTX 5070, the RX 9070 XT OC demonstrates clear advantages:

• Performance: The RX 9070 XT OC matches the performance of the RTX 5070 Ti but at a $150 lower price point.
• Memory Capacity: With 16 GB of GDDR6 memory, the RX 9070 XT OC offers more VRAM than the RTX 5070’s 12 GB, benefiting high-resolution textures and futureproofing.
• Advanced Features: AMD’s FSR 4 provides AI-powered upscaling, enhancing image quality and performance, positioning it competitively against NVIDIA’s DLSS technology.

System Compatibility:

Given my current system configuration, integrating the RX 9070 XT OC should be seamless:

• Case Compatibility: The Phanteks Evolv ATX Case is spacious and supports high-end GPUs, ensuring adequate airflow and accommodation for the RX 9070 XT OC.
• Power Supply: Your Seasonic PX1300 Platinum 1300W PSU provides ample power, comfortably supporting the RX 9070 XT OC’s 304W TDP.
• Motherboard and CPU: The TUF Gaming X570-Pro (Wi-Fi 6) motherboard and AMD Ryzen 7 5800X CPU are compatible with the RX 9070 XT OC, ensuring optimal performance without bottlenecks.
• Cooling System: The NZXT Kraken X63 AIO, combined with additional high-performance fans, will maintain efficient cooling for both the GPU and overall system.

Conclusion:

The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT OC represents a significant advancement in GPU technology, offering superior performance, enhanced features, and excellent value. Its improvements over the RTX 3090 and competitive stance against the RTX 5070 make it a compelling choice for gamers and professionals seeking top-tier performance. With your current system setup, the RX 9070 XT OC would integrate seamlessly, providing an enhanced computing experience.

For my next upgrade, I will wait for a good bundle deal at Microcenter to replace my CPU, motherboard, and RAM or pick up a 5950X CPU and use my existing equipment. I also want to upgrade my case as I am running out of room. I will pick up this new graphics card on Saturday and will update this post with my full review, as well as more pictures. Stay tuned!