NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 TU106-400A vs TU106-400 gets tested

Prior to the launch of NVIDIA's GeForce RTX series, reports popped up about NVIDIA having two different chips, the TU106-400 and the TU106-400A. Basically, the latter is a higher-end model, binned to ensure it's capable of achieving higher clockspeeds. Both parts are sold under the GeForce RTX 2070 name and it may be important to know which one you're buying as there's a performance variability between both chips. The higher-binned parts have a higher native power target, so this allows for a large frequency advantage, even if you're not overclocking. GamersNexus tested cards with both chips, you can read the site's full review over here.

The clock difference is somewhat enormous when looking between the two, at more than 100MHz faster on the higher-end model. This isn’t just the PCB and VRM – it barely is, in fact – it’s the boosting behavior from the silicon quality and the cooler quality. A higher-end cooler with lower operating thermals allows the GPU to hit higher frequencies at lower voltages, pursuant to NVIDIA’s Boost 4.0 stepping. The silicon quality difference is somewhat apparent, if you go back to our first two OC stepping charts in this review.