Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 vs Nvidia GeForce GTX 980: What is the difference?
52points
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
45points
Nvidia GeForce GTX 980
Gigabyte Mini-ITX
Comparison winner
vs
54 facts in comparison
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
Nvidia GeForce GTX 980
Why is Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 better than Nvidia GeForce GTX 980?
- 17W lower TDP?
148Wvs165W - 18°C lower load GPU temperature?
63°Cvs81°C - 4°C lower idle GPU temperature?
28°Cvs32°C
Why is Nvidia GeForce GTX 980 better than Nvidia GeForce GTX 970?
- 76MHz faster GPU clock speed?
1126MHzvs1050MHz - 1.2 TFLOPS higher floating-point performance?
4.6 TFLOPSvs3.4 TFLOPS - 4.8 GPixel/s higher pixel rate?
72.1 GPixel/svs67.3 GPixel/s - 35 GTexels/s higher texture rate?
144 GTexels/svs109 GTexels/s - 384 more shading units?
2048vs1664 - 24 more texture mapping units (TMUs)?
128vs104
Which are the most popular comparisons?
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650
Nvidia GeForce GTX 980
vs
XFX HD 6950 XXX 2GB
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050
Nvidia GeForce GTX 980
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
AMD Radeon RX 580
Nvidia GeForce GTX 980
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060
Nvidia GeForce GTX 980
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AMD Radeon RX 580
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
Nvidia GeForce GTX 980
vs
Nvidia GeForce MX150
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
Nvidia GeForce GTX 980
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
AMD Radeon RX 570
Nvidia GeForce GTX 980
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop
Nvidia GeForce GTX 980
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060
Nvidia GeForce GTX 980
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop
Price comparison
User reviews
Overall Rating
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
4 User reviews
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
8. 8/10
4 User reviews
Nvidia GeForce GTX 980
0 User reviews
Nvidia GeForce GTX 980
0.0/10
0 User reviews
Features
Value for money
7.5/10
4 votes
No reviews yet
Gaming
8.3/10
4 votes
No reviews yet
Performance
7.8/10
4 votes
No reviews yet
Quiet operation
5.8/10
4 votes
No reviews yet
Reliability
8.8/10
4 votes
No reviews yet
Performance
GPU clock speed
1050MHz
1126MHz
The graphics processing unit (GPU) has a higher clock speed.
GPU turbo
1178MHz
1216MHz
When the GPU is running below its limitations, it can boost to a higher clock speed in order to give increased performance.
pixel rate
67.
3 GPixel/s
72.1 GPixel/s
The number of pixels that can be rendered to the screen every second.
floating-point performance
3.4 TFLOPS
4.6 TFLOPS
Floating-point performance is a measurement of the raw processing power of the GPU.
texture rate
109 GTexels/s
144 GTexels/s
The number of textured pixels that can be rendered to the screen every second.
GPU memory speed
1753MHz
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
7012MHz
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
224GB/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.
GDDR version
Newer versions of GDDR memory offer improvements such as higher transfer rates that give increased performance.
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.
Supports ECC memory
✖Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
✖Nvidia GeForce GTX 980
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 970
✔Nvidia GeForce GTX 980
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 970
✖Nvidia GeForce GTX 980
Ray tracing is an advanced light rendering technique that provides more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections in games.
Supports 3D
✔Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
✔Nvidia GeForce GTX 980
Allows you to view in 3D (if you have a 3D display and glasses).
supports DLSS
✖Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
✖Nvidia GeForce GTX 980
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
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (Nvidia GeForce GTX 980)
This benchmark measures the graphics performance of a video card. Source: PassMark.
Ports
has an HDMI output
✔Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
✔Nvidia GeForce GTX 980
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 980)
More HDMI ports mean that you can simultaneously connect numerous devices, such as video game consoles and set-top boxes.
HDMI version
HDMI 2.0
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value.
(Nvidia GeForce GTX 980)
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 970 vs GeForce GTX 980 Graphics cards Comparison
When comparing GeForce GTX 970 and GeForce GTX 980, we look primarily at benchmarks and game tests. But it is not only about the numbers. Often you can find third-party models with higher clock speeds, better cooling, or a customizable RGB lighting. Not all of them will have all the features you need. Another thing to consider is the port selection. Most graphics cards have at least one DisplayPort and HDMI interface, but some monitors require DVI.
Before you buy, check the TDP of the graphics card — this characteristic will help you estimate the consumption of the graphics card. You may even have to upgrade your PSU to meet its requirements. An important factor when choosing between GeForce GTX 970 and GeForce GTX 980 is the price. Does the additional cost justify the performance hit? Our comparison should help you make the right decision.
GeForce GTX 970
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GeForce GTX 980
Check Price
Main Specs
| GeForce GTX 970 | GeForce GTX 980 | |
| Power consumption (TDP) | 148 Watt | 165 Watt |
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 3. 0 x16 |
| Supplementary power connectors | 2x 6-pins | 2x 6-pins |
| Memory type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Maximum RAM amount | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Display Connectors | 1x DVI, 1x HDMI, 3x DisplayPort | 1x DVI, 1x HDMI, 3x DisplayPort |
| Recommended system power (PSU) | 500 Watt | 500 Watt |
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- GeForce GTX 980 has 11% more power consumption, than GeForce GTX 970.
- Both video cards are using PCIe 3.0 x16 interface connection to a motherboard.
- GeForce GTX 970 and GeForce GTX 980 have maximum RAM of 4 GB.
- Both cards are used in Desktops.
- GeForce GTX 970 and GeForce GTX 980 are build with Maxwell architecture.
- GeForce GTX 970 and GeForce GTX 980 are manufactured by 28 nm process technology.
- Both graphics cards are the same length of 10 mm.
- Memory clock speed of GeForce GTX 970 and GeForce GTX 980 is 7 MHz.
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 | 50−55 | 55−60 |
| ultra / 1080p | 30−35 | 35−40 |
| QHD / 1440p | 27−30 | 30−35 |
| 4K / 2160p | 14−16 | 18−20 |
| low / 720p | 75−80 | 80−85 |
| medium / 1080p | 60−65 | 65−70 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 980 in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is 11% more, than GeForce GTX 970. |
||
| high / 1080p | 75−80 | 85−90 |
| ultra / 1080p | 70−75 | 75−80 |
| QHD / 1440p | 50−55 | 60−65 |
| 4K / 2160p | 27−30 | 30−35 |
| low / 720p | 130−140 | 140−150 |
| medium / 1080p | 85−90 | 95−100 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 980 in Battlefield 5 is 10% more, than GeForce GTX 970. | ||
| low / 768p | 45−50 | 45−50 |
| QHD / 1440p | 45−50 | − |
GeForce GTX 970 and GeForce GTX 980 have the same average FPS in Call of Duty: Warzone. |
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| low / 768p | 250−260 | 250−260 |
| medium / 768p | 230−240 | 230−240 |
| QHD / 1440p | 150−160 | 150−160 |
| 4K / 2160p | 100−110 | 100−110 |
| high / 768p | 220−230 | 220−230 |
| GeForce GTX 970 and GeForce GTX 980 have the same average FPS in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. | ||
| low / 768p | 70−75 | 70−75 |
| medium / 1080p | 50−55 | 50−55 |
GeForce GTX 970 and GeForce GTX 980 have the same average FPS in Cyberpunk 2077. |
||
| low / 768p | 120−130 | 120−130 |
| medium / 768p | 110−120 | 110−120 |
| ultra / 1080p | 110−120 | 110−120 |
| GeForce GTX 970 and GeForce GTX 980 have the same average FPS in Dota 2. | ||
| high / 1080p | 60−65 | 70−75 |
| ultra / 1080p | 60−65 | 65−70 |
| QHD / 1440p | 40−45 | 45−50 |
| 4K / 2160p | 21−24 | 24−27 |
| low / 720p | 100−110 | 100−110 |
| medium / 1080p | 65−70 | 75−80 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 980 in Far Cry 5 is 8% more, than GeForce GTX 970. |
||
| high / 1080p | 90−95 | 100−110 |
| ultra / 1080p | 70−75 | 80−85 |
| QHD / 1440p | 45−50 | 50−55 |
| 4K / 2160p | 21−24 | 21−24 |
| low / 720p | 220−230 | 230−240 |
| medium / 1080p | 140−150 | 150−160 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 980 in Fortnite is 8% more, than GeForce GTX 970. | ||
| high / 1080p | 85−90 | 95−100 |
| ultra / 1080p | 65−70 | 75−80 |
| QHD / 1440p | 45−50 | 55−60 |
| 4K / 2160p | 30−35 | 35−40 |
| low / 720p | 130−140 | 140−150 |
| medium / 1080p | 90−95 | 100−110 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 980 in Forza Horizon 4 is 11% more, than GeForce GTX 970. |
||
| low / 768p | 160−170 | 160−170 |
| medium / 768p | 150−160 | 150−160 |
| high / 1080p | 95−100 | 100−110 |
| ultra / 1080p | 45−50 | 55−60 |
| QHD / 1440p | 40−45 | 45−50 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 980 in Grand Theft Auto V is 4% more, than GeForce GTX 970. | ||
| high / 1080p | 35−40 | 40−45 |
| ultra / 1080p | 30−35 | 35−40 |
| QHD / 1440p | 24−27 | 27−30 |
| 4K / 2160p | 14−16 | 16−18 |
| low / 720p | 95−100 | 100−110 |
| medium / 1080p | 50−55 | 60−65 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 980 in Metro Exodus is 11% more, than GeForce GTX 970. |
||
| low / 768p | 120−130 | 120−130 |
| GeForce GTX 970 and GeForce GTX 980 have the same average FPS in Minecraft. | ||
| high / 1080p | 75−80 | 90−95 |
| ultra / 1080p | 55−60 | 65−70 |
| 4K / 2160p | 18−20 | 18−20 |
| low / 720p | 120−130 | 130−140 |
| medium / 1080p | 85−90 | 100−110 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 980 in PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS is 13% more, than GeForce GTX 970. | ||
| high / 1080p | 35−40 | 40−45 |
| ultra / 1080p | 24−27 | 27−30 |
| QHD / 1440p | 16−18 | 21−24 |
| 4K / 2160p | 10−12 | 14−16 |
| low / 720p | 90−95 | 100−110 |
| medium / 1080p | 55−60 | 60−65 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 980 in Red Dead Redemption 2 is 15% more, than GeForce GTX 970. |
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| low / 768p | 180−190 | 210−220 |
| medium / 768p | 120−130 | 140−150 |
| high / 1080p | 70−75 | 80−85 |
| ultra / 1080p | 40−45 | 45−50 |
| 4K / 2160p | 24−27 | 30−33 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 980 in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is 15% more, than GeForce GTX 970. | ||
| low / 768p | 120−130 | 140−150 |
| ultra / 1080p | 65−70 | 70−75 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 980 in World of Tanks is 12% more, than GeForce GTX 970. |
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Full Specs
| GeForce GTX 970 | GeForce GTX 980 | |
| Architecture | Maxwell | Maxwell |
| Code name | GM204 | GM204 |
| Type | Desktop | Desktop |
| Release date | 19 September 2014 | 19 September 2014 |
| Pipelines | 1664 | 2048 |
| Core clock speed | 1050 MHz | |
| Boost Clock | 1178 MHz | 1216 MHz |
| Transistor count | 5,200 million | 5,200 million |
| Manufacturing process technology | 28 nm | 28 nm |
| Texture fill rate | 109 billion/sec | 144 billion/sec |
| Floating-point performance | 3,920 gflops | 4,981 gflops |
| Length | 10. 5″ (26.7 cm) |
10.5″ (26.7 cm) |
| Memory bus width | 256 Bit | 256 Bit |
| Memory clock speed | 7.0 GB/s | 7.0 GB/s |
| Memory bandwidth | 224 GB/s | 224 GB/s |
| Shared memory | — | — |
| G-SYNC support | + | + |
| DirectX | 12 (12_1) | 12 (12_1) |
| Shader Model | 6.4 | 6.4 |
| OpenGL | 4.4 | 4.5 |
| OpenCL | 1.2 | 1.2 |
| Vulkan | 1.1.126 | 1.1.126 |
| CUDA | + | + |
| Monero / XMR (CryptoNight) | 0. 48 kh/s |
0.54 kh/s |
| CUDA cores | 1664 | 2048 |
| 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) | 478 Mh/s | 579 Mh/s |
| DisplayPort Multimode (DP++) support | + | |
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