Nvidia GeForce GTX 680 vs Nvidia GeForce GTX 970: What is the difference?
41points
Nvidia GeForce GTX 680
48points
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
KFA2 EX OC 4GB
Gigabyte Mini-ITX
Comparison winner
vs
54 facts in comparison
Nvidia GeForce GTX 680
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
Why is Nvidia GeForce GTX 680 better than Nvidia GeForce GTX 970?
- 20 GTexels/s higher texture rate?
129 GTexels/svs109 GTexels/s - 24 more texture mapping units (TMUs)?
128vs104 - Has Double Precision Floating Point (DPFP)?
- 2.2dB lower idle noise level?
40.5dBvs42.7dB - 1 more DVI outputs?
2vs1
Why is Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 better than Nvidia GeForce GTX 680?
- 0.31 TFLOPS higher floating-point performance?
3.4 TFLOPSvs3.09 TFLOPS - 35.
1 GPixel/s higher pixel rate?
67.3 GPixel/svs32.2 GPixel/s - 47W lower TDP?
148Wvs195W - 251MHz faster memory clock speed?
1753MHzvs1502MHz - 2x more VRAM?
4GBvs2GB - 1004MHz higher effective memory clock speed?
7012MHzvs6008MHz - 1 newer version of DirectX?
12vs11 - 32GB/s more memory bandwidth?
224GB/svs192GB/s
Which are the most popular comparisons?
Nvidia GeForce GTX 680
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650
Nvidia GeForce GTX 680
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
AMD Radeon RX 580
Nvidia GeForce GTX 680
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 750 Ti
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060
Nvidia GeForce GTX 680
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050
Nvidia GeForce GTX 680
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 960
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
Nvidia GeForce GTX 680
vs
Nvidia GeForce 940MX
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
Nvidia GeForce GTX 680
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 770
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
AMD Radeon RX 570
Nvidia GeForce GTX 680
vs
Palit GeForce GTX 950 StormX
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super
Nvidia GeForce GTX 680
vs
AMD Radeon RX 560
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060
Nvidia GeForce GTX 680
vs
KFA2 GeForce GTX 680 EX OC 4GB
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
Nvidia GeForce MX250
Price comparison
User reviews
Overall Rating
Nvidia GeForce GTX 680
0 User reviews
Nvidia GeForce GTX 680
0.
0/10
0 User reviews
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
4 User reviews
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
8.8/10
4 User reviews
Features
Value for money
No reviews yet
7.5/10
4 votes
Gaming
No reviews yet
8.3/10
4 votes
Performance
No reviews yet
7.8/10
4 votes
Quiet operation
No reviews yet
5.8/10
4 votes
Reliability
No reviews yet
8.8/10
4 votes
Performance
GPU clock speed
1006MHz
1050MHz
The graphics processing unit (GPU) has a higher clock speed.
GPU turbo
1058MHz
1178MHz
When the GPU is running below its limitations, it can boost to a higher clock speed in order to give increased performance.
pixel rate
32.
2 GPixel/s
67.3 GPixel/s
The number of pixels that can be rendered to the screen every second.
floating-point performance
3.09 TFLOPS
3.4 TFLOPS
Floating-point performance is a measurement of the raw processing power of the GPU.
texture rate
129 GTexels/s
109 GTexels/s
The number of textured pixels that can be rendered to the screen every second.
GPU memory speed
1502MHz
1753MHz
The memory clock speed is one aspect that determines the memory bandwidth.
shading units
Shading units (or stream processors) are small processors within the graphics card that are responsible for processing different aspects of the image.
texture mapping units (TMUs)
TMUs take textures and map them to the geometry of a 3D scene. More TMUs will typically mean that texture information is processed faster.
render output units (ROPs)
The ROPs are responsible for some of the final steps of the rendering process, writing the final pixel data to memory and carrying out other tasks such as anti-aliasing to improve the look of graphics.
Memory
effective memory speed
6008MHz
7012MHz
The effective memory clock speed is calculated from the size and data rate of the memory. Higher clock speeds can give increased performance in games and other apps.
maximum memory bandwidth
192GB/s
224GB/s
This is the maximum rate that data can be read from or stored into memory.
VRAM (video RAM) is the dedicated memory of a graphics card. More VRAM generally allows you to run games at higher settings, especially for things like texture resolution.
memory bus width
256bit
256bit
A wider bus width means that it can carry more data per cycle.
It is an important factor of memory performance, and therefore the general performance of the graphics card.
version of GDDR memory
Newer versions of GDDR memory offer improvements such as higher transfer rates that give increased performance.
Supports ECC memory
✖Nvidia GeForce GTX 680
✖Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
Error-correcting code memory can detect and correct data corruption. It is used when is it essential to avoid corruption, such as scientific computing or when running a server.
Features
DirectX version
DirectX is used in games, with newer versions supporting better graphics.
OpenGL version
OpenGL is used in games, with newer versions supporting better graphics.
OpenCL version
Some apps use OpenCL to apply the power of the graphics processing unit (GPU) for non-graphical computing.
Newer versions introduce more functionality and better performance.
Supports multi-display technology
✔Nvidia GeForce GTX 680
✔Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
The graphics card supports multi-display technology. This allows you to configure multiple monitors in order to create a more immersive gaming experience, such as having a wider field of view.
load GPU temperature
A lower load temperature means that the card produces less heat and its cooling system performs better.
supports ray tracing
✖Nvidia GeForce GTX 680
✖Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
Ray tracing is an advanced light rendering technique that provides more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections in games.
Supports 3D
✔Nvidia GeForce GTX 680
✔Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
Allows you to view in 3D (if you have a 3D display and glasses).
supports DLSS
✖Nvidia GeForce GTX 680
✖Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is an upscaling technology powered by AI.
It allows the graphics card to render games at a lower resolution and upscale them to a higher resolution with near-native visual quality and increased performance. DLSS is only available on select games.
PassMark (G3D) result
This benchmark measures the graphics performance of a video card. Source: PassMark.
Ports
has an HDMI output
✔Nvidia GeForce GTX 680
✔Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
Devices with a HDMI or mini HDMI port can transfer high definition video and audio to a display.
HDMI ports
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Nvidia GeForce GTX 680)
More HDMI ports mean that you can simultaneously connect numerous devices, such as video game consoles and set-top boxes.
HDMI version
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Nvidia GeForce GTX 680)
HDMI 2.0
Newer versions of HDMI support higher bandwidth, which allows for higher resolutions and frame rates.
DisplayPort outputs
Allows you to connect to a display using DisplayPort.
DVI outputs
Allows you to connect to a display using DVI.
mini DisplayPort outputs
Allows you to connect to a display using mini-DisplayPort.
Price comparison
Which are the best graphics cards?
GeForce GTX 680 vs GeForce GTX 970 Graphics cards Comparison
In this comparison between GeForce GTX 680 and GeForce GTX 970 you will find out which graphics card performs better in today’s games. Bear in mind that third-party versions may have more efficient cooling and higher clock speeds. This will increase cards’ performance, though not by much. In addition to raw power you should also take into account the dimensions. Thicker models simply will not fit into a small mini-ITX case. The resolution of your monitor also affects the choice, since 4K gameplay requires a more powerful GPU.
And don’t overspend on the graphics card. Other parts of your build may also need to be upgraded, save some money for the CPU or power supply. For some people GeForce GTX 680 will be the best choice, for others GeForce GTX 970 will be their preference. Study the comparison tables below and make your choice.
GeForce GTX 680
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GeForce GTX 970
Check Price
Main Specs
| GeForce GTX 680 | GeForce GTX 970 | |
| Power consumption (TDP) | 195 Watt | 148 Watt |
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| Supplementary power connectors | Two 6-pin | 2x 6-pins |
| Memory type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Maximum RAM amount | 2048 MB | 4 GB |
| Display Connectors | 2x DVI, 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort | 1x DVI, 1x HDMI, 3x DisplayPort |
| Recommended system power (PSU) | 500 Watt | |
|
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- GeForce GTX 680 has 31% more power consumption, than GeForce GTX 970.
- Both video cards are using PCIe 3.0 x16 interface connection to a motherboard.
- GeForce GTX 680 has 2044 GB more memory, than GeForce GTX 970.
- Both cards are used in Desktops.
- GeForce GTX 680 is build with Kepler architecture, and GeForce GTX 970 — with Maxwell.
- Core clock speed of GeForce GTX 970 is 44 MHz higher, than GeForce GTX 680.
- GeForce GTX 680 and GeForce GTX 970 are manufactured by 28 nm process technology.
- Both graphics cards are the same length of 10 mm.
- Memory clock speed of GeForce GTX 680 is 5993 MHz higher, than GeForce GTX 970.
Game benchmarks
| Assassin’s Creed OdysseyBattlefield 5Call of Duty: WarzoneCounter-Strike: Global OffensiveCyberpunk 2077Dota 2Far Cry 5FortniteForza Horizon 4Grand Theft Auto VMetro ExodusMinecraftPLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDSRed Dead Redemption 2The Witcher 3: Wild HuntWorld of Tanks | ||
| high / 1080p | 35−40 | 50−55 |
| ultra / 1080p | 21−24 | 30−35 |
| QHD / 1440p | 16−18 | 27−30 |
| 4K / 2160p | 10−11 | 14−16 |
| low / 720p | 60−65 | 75−80 |
| medium / 1080p | 40−45 | 60−65 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is 37% more, than GeForce GTX 680. |
||
| high / 1080p | 55−60 | 75−80 |
| ultra / 1080p | 45−50 | 70−75 |
| QHD / 1440p | 35−40 | 50−55 |
| 4K / 2160p | 18−20 | 27−30 |
| low / 720p | 100−110 | 130−140 |
| medium / 1080p | 60−65 | 85−90 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in Battlefield 5 is 38% more, than GeForce GTX 680. | ||
| low / 768p | 50−55 | 45−50 |
| QHD / 1440p | 0−1 | 45−50 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 680 in Call of Duty: Warzone is 10% more, than GeForce GTX 970. |
||
| low / 768p | 250−260 | 250−260 |
| medium / 768p | 220−230 | 230−240 |
| ultra / 1080p | 180−190 | − |
| QHD / 1440p | 110−120 | 150−160 |
| 4K / 2160p | 70−75 | 100−110 |
| high / 768p | 210−220 | 220−230 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is 10% more, than GeForce GTX 680. | ||
| low / 768p | 60−65 | 70−75 |
| medium / 1080p | 55−60 | 50−55 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in Cyberpunk 2077 is 3% more, than GeForce GTX 680. |
||
| low / 768p | 120−130 | 120−130 |
| medium / 768p | 110−120 | 110−120 |
| ultra / 1080p | 100−110 | 110−120 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in Dota 2 is 2% more, than GeForce GTX 680. | ||
| high / 1080p | 45−50 | 60−65 |
| ultra / 1080p | 40−45 | 60−65 |
| QHD / 1440p | 27−30 | 40−45 |
| 4K / 2160p | 14−16 | 21−24 |
| low / 720p | 80−85 | 100−110 |
| medium / 1080p | 45−50 | 65−70 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in Far Cry 5 is 39% more, than GeForce GTX 680. |
||
| high / 1080p | 60−65 | 90−95 |
| ultra / 1080p | 45−50 | 70−75 |
| QHD / 1440p | 27−30 | 45−50 |
| 4K / 2160p | 27−30 | 21−24 |
| low / 720p | 180−190 | 220−230 |
| medium / 1080p | 110−120 | 140−150 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in Fortnite is 29% more, than GeForce GTX 680. | ||
| high / 1080p | 60−65 | 85−90 |
| ultra / 1080p | 45−50 | 65−70 |
| QHD / 1440p | 30−35 | 45−50 |
| 4K / 2160p | 24−27 | 30−35 |
| low / 720p | 100−110 | 130−140 |
| medium / 1080p | 65−70 | 90−95 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in Forza Horizon 4 is 37% more, than GeForce GTX 680. |
||
| low / 768p | 140−150 | 160−170 |
| medium / 768p | 120−130 | 150−160 |
| high / 1080p | 70−75 | 95−100 |
| ultra / 1080p | 30−35 | 45−50 |
| QHD / 1440p | 21−24 | 40−45 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in Grand Theft Auto V is 27% more, than GeForce GTX 680. | ||
| high / 1080p | 24−27 | 35−40 |
| ultra / 1080p | 20−22 | 30−35 |
| QHD / 1440p | 16−18 | 24−27 |
| 4K / 2160p | 8−9 | 14−16 |
| low / 720p | 65−70 | 95−100 |
| medium / 1080p | 30−35 | 50−55 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in Metro Exodus is 53% more, than GeForce GTX 680. |
||
| low / 768p | 130−140 | 120−130 |
| medium / 1080p | 120−130 | − |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 680 in Minecraft is 8% more, than GeForce GTX 970. | ||
| high / 1080p | − | 75−80 |
| ultra / 1080p | 14−16 | 55−60 |
| 4K / 2160p | − | 18−20 |
| low / 720p | 100−110 | 120−130 |
| medium / 1080p | 18−20 | 85−90 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS is 95% more, than GeForce GTX 680. |
||
| high / 1080p | 24−27 | 35−40 |
| ultra / 1080p | 16−18 | 24−27 |
| QHD / 1440p | 10−11 | 16−18 |
| 4K / 2160p | 7−8 | 10−12 |
| low / 720p | 65−70 | 90−95 |
| medium / 1080p | 35−40 | 55−60 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in Red Dead Redemption 2 is 48% more, than GeForce GTX 680. | ||
| low / 768p | 130−140 | 180−190 |
| medium / 768p | 85−90 | 120−130 |
| high / 1080p | 45−50 | 70−75 |
| ultra / 1080p | 24−27 | 40−45 |
| 4K / 2160p | 16−18 | 24−27 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is 45% more, than GeForce GTX 680. |
||
| low / 768p | 90−95 | 120−130 |
| medium / 768p | 60−65 | − |
| ultra / 1080p | 50−55 | 65−70 |
| high / 768p | 60−65 | − |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in World of Tanks is 33% more, than GeForce GTX 680. | ||
Full Specs
| GeForce GTX 680 | GeForce GTX 970 | |
| Architecture | Kepler | Maxwell |
| Code name | GK104 | GM204 |
| Type | Desktop | Desktop |
| Release date | 22 March 2012 | 19 September 2014 |
| Pipelines | 1536 | 1664 |
| Core clock speed | 1006 MHz | 1050 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1058 MHz | 1178 MHz |
| Transistor count | 3,540 million | 5,200 million |
| Manufacturing process technology | 28 nm | 28 nm |
| Texture fill rate | 128. 8 billion/sec |
109 billion/sec |
| Floating-point performance | 3,090.4 gflops | 3,920 gflops |
| Length | 10.0″ (25.4 cm) | 10.5″ (26.7 cm) |
| Memory bus width | 256-bit GDDR5 | 256 Bit |
| Memory clock speed | 6000 MHz | 7.0 GB/s |
| Memory bandwidth | 192.2 GB/s | 224 GB/s |
| Shared memory | — | — |
| G-SYNC support | + | |
| DirectX | 12 (11_0) | 12 (12_1) |
| Shader Model | 5.1 | 6.4 |
| OpenGL | 4.2 | 4.4 |
| OpenCL | 1.2 | 1. |
| Vulkan | 1.1.126 | 1.1.126 |
| CUDA | + | + |
| Monero / XMR (CryptoNight) | 0.48 kh/s | |
| CUDA cores | 1536 | 1664 |
| Bus support | PCI Express 3.0 | PCI Express 3.0 |
| Height | 4.376″ (11.1 cm) | 4.376″ (11.1 cm) |
| SLI options | + | + |
| Multi monitor support | 4 displays | 4 displays |
| HDMI | + | |
| HDCP | + | + |
| Maximum VGA resolution | 2048×1536 | 2048×1536 |
| Audio input for HDMI | Internal | Internal |
| Bitcoin / BTC (SHA256) | 121 Mh/s | 478 Mh/s |
| Decred / DCR (Decred) | 1.
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