Zephyr, a niche Chinese GPU manufacturer renowned for its compact and uniquely designed graphics cards, has unveiled the RTX 4070 Sakura Snow X edition. This latest offering features a fully CNC-machined aluminum shroud with an integrated I/O bracket, specifically tailored for small form factor (SFF) builds. Unlike typical mini-ITX GPUs that often utilize plastic or less expensive metals, the Sakura Snow X distinguishes itself with a precision-machined metallic design measuring 176x127x41mm.
The card’s all-metal construction is not merely aesthetic; it contributes to enhanced thermal performance. Equipped with a single 105mm fan, the Sakura Snow X achieves core temperature reductions of up to 3°C compared to the original Sakura edition, according to Zephyr’s in-house testing. This design choice underscores Zephyr’s commitment to delivering both form and function in their products.
In terms of specifications, the RTX 4070 Sakura Snow X adheres to Nvidia’s reference standards, featuring 5,888 CUDA cores, 12GB of GDDR6X memory, and a 200W Total Graphics Power (TGP). This ensures solid performance, with the card reportedly performing only 16% behind its Blackwell-based successor. Additionally, users have the option to undervolt the GPU to optimize thermal efficiency and power consumption further.
Priced at 4,399 RMB (approximately $600), the RTX 4070 Sakura Snow X is available through Chinese online retailers. Its combination of compact size, robust construction, and efficient cooling makes it a compelling choice for enthusiasts aiming to build powerful yet space-efficient PCs.
This release follows Zephyr’s earlier introduction of the Sakura Blizzard RTX 4070, which was recognized as the world’s first ITX-sized RTX 4070 graphics card. The Sakura Blizzard featured a pink shroud and single cooling fan, measuring 172 x 123 x 42mm, and was designed to fit most Mini-ITX cases. Despite its compact size, the Sakura Blizzard maintained performance parity with full-sized RTX 4070 implementations, demonstrating Zephyr’s expertise in delivering high-performance GPUs in small form factors.
Zephyr’s focus on small form factor GPUs aligns with Nvidia’s “SFF-ready” design guidelines introduced at Computex 2024. As the demand for compact yet powerful PC components grows, Zephyr’s offerings like the Sakura Snow X and Sakura Blizzard provide enthusiasts with viable options that do not compromise on performance or aesthetics.
