iGame RTX 3070 Advanced OC-V Graphics Card Review

This month has been insane for graphics card launches, with new hardware from both AMD and Nvidia, and both offered truly next-gen performance too. Unfortunately, the demand for the cards is insanely high that AMD and Nvidia simply can't get them made fast enough, and a global pandemic certainly hasn't helped. That being said, we've got a new addition to the list of things that'll be out of stock in an instant - the iGame RTX 3070 Advanced OC-V! A hard-core overclocked version of the 3070 chipset, with a big cooler, that's likely to rival that of the STRIX we tested not so long ago! iGame RTX 3070 Advanced OC-V While the RTX 3070 is far from the flagship entry in the latest Nvidia GPU series, it's hardly a slouch. There are 5888 CUDA cores on this card, with an impressive 1815 MHz boost. The thing that should set this card appart from its rivals, however, is the cooler. It uses a huge vacuum chamber with a mixture of liquid and copper powder; a vaper camber basically. It combines their custom 13 blade fans that are set at an off angle, and huge heatpipes. Overall, it should mean it can maintain the top clock speeds all the time! Features A Closer Look One thing I've always loved about iGame is that their cards are pretty unique, and this iGame RTX 3070 Advanced OC-V is no exception. There' as triple fan configuration, with a set of larger outer fans, and a smaller inner fan which has larger fan blades. The outer fans have 13 blades, and are so big that there's even a slight cut-away in the shroud. This means the fans cover the entire width of the GPU, which is going allow for even more airflow! The middle fan is really cool, with a 9 blade design, and they're much more scooped to drive air downwards. That huge ring around it looks fantastic, and I'm sure it has some practical purpose, but right now, it just looks pretty dope. It has a ring of lighting too, adding a little more flair to the build. While it's hard to see here, the fans are slightly tilted too. This way, they don't just blow air down, but ever so slightly off to the side. Down the side, you can see the card is 2.5 slots thick, with a huge heatsink offering impressive cooling potential. There's a large opening on the side, allowing for heat exhaust. The branding looks cool, with the iGame logo on the side, and of course, it's all RGB lit. Power comes from a pair of 8-pin headers, and while this is "only" the RTX 3070, it's still a very powerful card overall. I know what a VGA holder mounting hole is folks, no need to stamp it all over my card, just put it in the damn manual. On a lighter note, look at those heat pipes; those things are reassuringly chunky! The backplate looks fantastic, with a subtle design printed on the corners, then a nice and large Geforce and iGame logo in the middle. I love that black brushed aluminium finish too, it almost makes me want the card with nothing printed on the back, just sleek brushed aluminium... oh yeah, that'd be sweet. Around the back, you'll find three DisplayPorts and a single HDMI, but of course, there's one more thing. There's a small overclocking button, which is effectively a BIOS switch, and if your card could do with a bit of a boost, just tap it into Turbo mode! How We Test We continue to update our testing methods around once per year. As such, we re-test older hardware to reflect changes over time. These can be driver updates, Windows updates, game patches, and more; all of which have an impact on performance figures. Furthermore, we update our test bench to newer and more relevant hardware. This means that our new reviews aren’t always comparable to those of older reviews, so please compare the testing methodology on older reviews should you be trying to compare them with newer ones. RED results indicate a new high-score. Replicate Our Results When it comes to our benchmarks in our reviews, the benchmarks are pretty self-explanatory and kept as simple as possible, although there are a few exceptions. Remember that your choice of a graphics card, CPU, the silicon lottery, and other factors can yield different numbers, and there’s always a margin for error when using any software. Links are provided below, as well as the settings we use. We encourage you to not just look at how one product compares to any other, but how it compares to your own. If you’re looking to build a new system, you should benchmark your current PC using the benchmarks available to you. You should then look at the percentage improvement from your current hardware to the hardware tested here to give you a ballpark figure of how much of an upgrade this will provide you with. Graphics Card Test System MotherboardASUS Crosshair VIII Hero (Wi-Fi)ProcessorAMD Ryzen 9 3900XRAMTEAMGroup DarkZa 16GB 3600MHz (2x8GB)CPU CoolerNoctua NH-D15SPower SupplyPhanteks Revolt Pro 850StorageSeagate FireCuda 520 2TBChassisOpen BenchtableMonitorDell UP3218KOSWindows 10 Pro Version 2004 Additional Hardware Killawatt style electricity usage meter wall plugPrecision Gold N05CC Decibel meter Gaming To gauge performance levels which are easily reproduced time after time, by both ourselves and our readers, we now stick strictly to games default profiles. We now use the “High” profiles for all games or their respective equivalent at all resolutions. V-Sync is always disabled in our testing, as are FreeSync and G-Sync technologies or similar. Graphics card power usage is set to optimised or balance, and the system power mode set to High Performance within Windows and the available GPU driver software. Identical settings are used for all resolutions unless otherwise stated. Games Watch Dogs LegionDirt 5Assassin's Creed: ValhallaGodfallDeus Ex: Mankind DividedShadow of the Tomb RaiderHorizon Zero DawnFinal Fantasy XVBorderlands 3Metro ExodusControlFarCry New DawnGhost Recon BreakpointWolfenstein Youngblood Resolutions Tested 1080p (Full HD)1440p (2K)2160p (4K)4320p (8K) Some tests will also include features such as Nvidia DLSS and Ray Tracing. However, these will be clearly labelled and may only appear in reviews for graphics cards that support those features. 8K testing will only appear in reviews of flagship cards that we consider capable. Software Used 3DMark Fire Strike (download)FireStrikeFireStrike UltraPort Royal DXRTimeSpyTimeSpy ExtremeUnigine Superposition (download)4K Optimised BenchmarkHWMonitor (download)GPU-Z (download)MSI Afterburner (download) Noise Everyone has a reasonable noise level preference when it comes to components on a computer. Some can handle all fans at 100% load to keep temperatures down; some want an entirely silent computer. To accurately gauge the noise output of a graphics card, we position a Precision Gold N05CC one meter above our open-air test bench and take an average reading at idle and load. Power Consumption We take power readings during the idle state with no background applications running. Then again at 50% completion of the Unigine Superposition benchmark, using the average as the final published result. Temperatures We take temperature readings after 10 minutes of desktop idle with no background programs running, then take the recorded maximum delivered from Unigine Superposition after a 4K optimised run, confirming the numbers are accurate with HWMonitor. Furthermore, the ambient temperature is always kept +/- 1c from 21c. Synthetic Benchmarks 3DMark FireStrike - 263453DMark FireStrike Ultra - 88593DMark TimeSpy - 136973DMark TimeSpy Extreme - 69753DMark Port Royal (DXR) - 8337Unigine Superposition 4K Optimised - 11356 3DMark FireStrike 3DMark FireStrike Ultra 3DMark TimeSpy 3DMark TimeSpy Extreme ff Unigine Superposition 4K Optimised Build a resistance from virtually anyone you see as you hack, infiltrate, and fight to take back a near-future London that is facing its downfall. Welcome to the Resistance. Recruit and play as anyone in the city. Everyone you see has a unique backstory, personality, and skill set. Hack armed drones, deploy spider-bots and take down enemies using an Augmented Reality Cloak. Explore a massive urban open world featuring London’s many iconic landmarks and fun side activities. Take your recruits online and team up with your friends as you complete missions and challenging endgame content. Available now on UPlay. Watch Dogs Legion Performance 1080p Watch Dogs Legion - 951440p Watch Dogs Legion - 912160p Watch Dogs Legion - 63 DIRT 5 is a fun, amplified, off-road racing experience created by Codemasters. Blaze a trail on routes across the world, covering gravel, ice, snow and sand, with a roster of cars ranging from rally icons to trucks, to GT heroes. With a star-studded Career, four-player split-screen, innovative online modes, livery editor and more new features, DIRT 5 is the next generation of extreme racing. Available now on Steam. Dirt 5 Performance 1080p Dirt 5 - 87.81440p Dirt 5 - 60.92160p Dirt 5 - 46.8 Become Eivor, a legendary Viking raider on a quest for glory. Explore England's Dark Ages as you raid your enemies, grow your settlement, and build your political power. • Lead epic Viking raids against Saxon fortresses throughout England.• Dual-wield powerful weapons and relive the visceral fighting style of the Vikings.• Challenge yourself with the most varied collection of enemies ever found in Assassin's Creed.• Shape the growth of your character with every choice you make and carve your path to glory.• Explore a Dark Age open world, from the harsh shores of Norway to the beautiful kingdoms of England.• Personalize your experience by growing your clan's settlement. Available now on UPlay. Assassin's Creed Valhalla Performance 1080p Assassin's Creed Valhalla - 851440p Assassin's Creed Valhalla - 712160p Assassin's Creed Valhalla - 48 Aperion is on the precipice of ruin. You are the last of the Valorian knights, god-like warriors able to equip Valorplates, legendary armor sets that transform wielders into unstoppable masters of melee combat. Tear through foes as you climb through the elemental realms and challenge the mad god, Macros who awaits you at the top. Ascend in Godfall, the first-of-its-kind, looter-slasher, melee action-RPG. Available now on EPIC. Godfall Performance 1080p Godfall - 95.41440p Godfall - 80.92160p Godfall - 54 Now an experienced covert operative, Adam Jensen is forced to operate in a world that has grown to despise his kind. Armed with a new arsenal of state-of-the-art weapons and augmentations, he must choose the right approach, along with who to trust, in order to unravel a vast worldwide conspiracy. Available now on Steam. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided Performance 1080p Deus Ex Mankind Divided - 138.11440p Deus Ex Mankind Divided - 120.42160p Deus Ex Mankind Divided - 68.1 Experience Lara Croft’s defining moment as she becomes the Tomb Raider. In Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Lara must master a deadly jungle, overcome terrifying tombs, and persevere through her darkest hour. As she races to save the world from a Maya apocalypse, Lara will ultimately be forged into the Tomb Raider she is destined to be. Available now on Steam. Shadow of the Tomb Raider Performance 1080p Shadow of the Tomb Raider - 1401440p Shadow of the Tomb Raider - 1242160p Shadow of the Tomb Raider - 75 For the first time, players take control of Noctis's greatest foe in this brand-new episode of FINAL FANTASY XV! Delve into the dark tale of scorned saviour Ardyn Lucis Caelum and unravel the secrets surrounding his mysterious past. Available now on Steam. Final Fantasy XV Performance 1080p Final Fantasy XV - 124011440p Final Fantasy XV - 99252160p Final Fantasy XV - 6044 Experience Aloy’s entire legendary quest to unravel the mysteries of a world ruled by deadly Machines. An outcast from her tribe, the young hunter fights to uncover her past, discover her destiny… and stop a catastrophic threat to the future. Unleash devastating, tactical attacks against unique Machines and rival tribes as you explore an open world teeming with wildlife and danger. Horizon Zero Dawn is a multi-award-winning action role-playing game – and this Complete Edition for PC includes the huge expansion The Frozen Wilds, featuring new lands, skills, weapons and Machines. Available now on Steam. Horizon Zero Dawn Performance 1080p Horizon Zero Dawn - 1231440p Horizon Zero Dawn - 1072160p Horizon Zero Dawn - 65 The original shooter-looter returns, packing bazillions of guns and a mayhem-fueled adventure! Blast through new worlds and enemies as one of four new Vault Hunters. Play solo or with friends to take on insane enemies, score loads of loot and save your home from the most ruthless cult leaders in the galaxy. At the hard edge of the galaxy lies a group of planets ruthlessly exploited by militarized corporations. Brimming with loot and violence, this is your home—the Borderlands. Now, a crazed cult known as The Children of the Vault has emerged and is spreading like an interstellar plague. Play solo or co-op as one of four unique Vault Hunters, score loads of loot and save the galaxy from this fanatical threat. Available now on Epic Games Store. Borderlands 3 Performance 1080p Borderlands 3 - 115.321440p Borderlands 3 - 100.242160p Borderlands 3 - 58.93 Metro Exodus is an epic, story-driven first-person shooter from 4A Games that blends deadly combat and stealth with exploration and survival horror in one of the most immersive game worlds ever created. Flee the shattered ruins of dead Moscow and embark on an epic, continent-spanning journey across post-apocalyptic Russia in the greatest Metro adventure yet. Explore the Russian wilderness in vast, non-linear levels and follow a thrilling story-line inspired by the novels of Dmitry Glukhovsky that spans an entire year through spring, summer and autumn to the depths of nuclear winter. Available now on Epic Game Store. Metro Exodus Performance 1080p Metro Exodus - 96.31440p Metro Exodus - 59.422160p Metro Exodus - 38.41 A corruptive presence has invaded the Federal Bureau of Control…Only you have the power to stop it. The world is now your weapon in an epic fight to annihilate an ominous enemy through deep and unpredictable environments. Containment has failed, humanity is at stake. Will you regain control? Winner of over 80 awards, Control is a visually stunning third-person action-adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Blending open-ended environments with the signature world-building and storytelling of renowned developer, Remedy Entertainment, Control presents an expansive and intensely gratifying gameplay experience. Available now on Steam. Control Performance 1080p Control - 130.651440p Control - 90.1082160p Control - 45.33 Seventeen years after a global nuclear catastrophe, civilization re-emerges from the chaos to find a world dramatically changed. In Hope County, Montana, the remaining populace has gathered into different groups, each with their own rules for survival. In this new world order, the vicious Highwaymen, led by twin sisters Mickey and Lou, travel from place to place bleeding people dry of all available resources. As the Survivors try to defend their lands against the Highwaymen's relentless onslaught, it's up to you to come to their aid and lead the fight. In the latest instalment of the award-winning Far Cry franchise, you are the last line of defence in a transformed, post-apocalyptic Hope County. Help the community of Survivors grow stronger, craft a makeshift arsenal through Turf Wars and cross-country Expeditions, and form unexpected alliances to fight for survival in a dangerous new frontier. Available now on UPlay. Far Cry New Dawn Performance 1080p Far Cry New Dawn - 1211440p Far Cry New Dawn - 1132160p Far Cry New Dawn - 80 Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint puts you in the boots of the Ghosts, an Elite US Special Operations Unit stranded behind enemy lines. This time there is no briefing. All contact has been lost with Auroa. This archipelago is home to Skell Technology, a high-tech company. You are sent there with your unit for a recon mission, but your helicopters are shot down: Skell Tech has fallen into the wrong hands. The Wolves, a lethal ex-US military unit gone rogue, have taken over the island. Led by your ex-brother-in-arms, Colonel Cole D. Walker, they have reprogrammed Skell’s drones into killing machines and are ready to use them, no matter the casualties. Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint is a military shooter set in a diverse, hostile, and mysterious open world that you can play entirely solo or in four-player co-op. Injured, without support, and hunted down by ex-Ghosts, you must fight to survive while lost in Auroa. Choose the right alliances and decide how to take down your toughest enemy. Available now on UPLAY. Ghost Recon: Breakpoint 1080p Breakpoint - 1671440p Breakpoint - 1542160p Breakpoint - 101 Wolfenstein: Youngblood is the first modern co-op Wolfenstein adventure. Nineteen years after the events of Wolfenstein II, BJ Blazkowicz has disappeared after a mission into Nazi-occupied Paris. Now, after years of training from their battle-hardened father, BJ’s twin daughters, Jess and Soph Blazkowicz, are forced into action. Team up with a friend or play alone. Level up, explore, and complete missions to unlock new abilities, weapons, gadgets, cosmetics, and more to complement your playstyle and customize your appearance. Wolfenstein: Youngblood features the most open-ended Wolfenstein experience to date. From a new base of operations located deep in the heart of the Paris catacombs, plan how and when to attack and dismantle the Nazi regime. Available now on Steam. Wolfenstein Youngblood Performance 1080p Wolfenstein Youngblood - 3261440p Wolfenstein Youngblood - 2242160p Wolfenstein Youngblood - 129 Ray tracing is now available on both Nvidia and AMD cards, so we can finally compare how the two stack up. Of course, as you can see, AMD is off to a flying start with the 6800X, as with before, it's a bit behind in some, on par in others, and ahead in some too. Dirt 5 was a new record score for us, and Watch Dogs Legion did pretty great too. Control Ray Tracing - 37.386Dirt 5 RT - 46.8Metro Exodus RT - 38.41Shadow of the Tomb Raider RT Shadows - 46Watch Dogs Legion RT - 31 Power Consumption Temperatures Acoustics How Much Does It Cost? Of course, with stock issues being persistent, scalping, and just insane levels of consumer demand for the RTX 3000 series right now, stock and pricing is just a mind field. We'll update this as it become appropriate and we can actually find something to link to! Be patient folks, these companies really do want to sell you their hardware, and I'm certain they're pushing hard to make that possible. Overview Well, the RTX 3070 is one of the most exciting GPUs we've had in ages. It's obviously less expensive than the RTX 3080 and even if it were carved from a block of gold, it'd be cheaper than the RTX 3090. What surprised most people, however, is that the performance was such a lift up from the previous RTX 2000 series, and at a much more competitive price point. I mean, it's no bloody wonder the things sold out in a heart-beat. This card goes head to head with the incredible RTX 2080 Ti, what was the flagship gaming experience for PC gaming and ray tracing is now rivalled by the mid-tier card in the range, and that's pretty incredible. All things said and done, the RTX 3070 performance isn't all that far off the RTX 3080 either and offers just enough power for those wanting to game at 4K. Ray Tracing Cranking up the ray tracing settings did take the performance down a few pegs, giving us around 40-50 FPS in most games. That being said, that's really playable for those who favour quality over quantity when it comes to visuals over frame rate. However, for games that support DLSS, you'll be able to push those frame rates far above 60 FPS. Of course, we test our ray tracing at 4K. So for gamers, this is 4K maxed out without RT, 1440p with RT, it's that simple. Value for Money The card is really well made, and while it does have the smart and professional edge you'll find on an AORUS or ASUS card, it does have a bonkers design that makes it stand out from the crowd. The cooler looks fantastic, and iGame cards always have had that unique look to them. You still get a premium quality cooler, massive boost clocks, and as seen in our benchmarks, you get fantastic performance too. Should I Buy One? While I know stock issues persist, I've always loved the iGame cards. They can go head to head with the best many popular western brands have to offer and beyond. However, they've always had the advantage of more outlandish and unique designs. If you want something that's just a bit different from the usual cards like ASUS and AORUs, this is a great option.