AMD Radeon R9 290X vs Nvidia GeForce GTX 970: What is the difference?
40points
AMD Radeon R9 290X
53points
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
PowerColor OCAsus DirectCU IIVTX3D X-EditionPowerColor PCS PlusGigabyte 270X WindForce 3X OC
Gigabyte Mini-ITX
Comparison winner
vs
54 facts in comparison
AMD Radeon R9 290X
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
Why is AMD Radeon R9 290X better than Nvidia GeForce GTX 970?
- 1.11 TFLOPS higher floating-point performance?
4.51 TFLOPSvs3.4 TFLOPS - 32 GTexels/s higher texture rate?
141 GTexels/svs109 GTexels/s - 96GB/s more memory bandwidth?
320GB/svs224GB/s - 256bit wider memory bus width?
512bitvs256bit - 1152 more shading units?
2816vs1664 - 1000million more transistors?
6200 millionvs5200 million - 72 more texture mapping units (TMUs)?
176vs104 - 2 more displays supported?
6vs4
Why is Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 better than AMD Radeon R9 290X?
- 32.
1 GPixel/s higher pixel rate?
67.3 GPixel/svs35.2 GPixel/s - 102W lower TDP?
148Wvs250W - 503MHz faster memory clock speed?
1753MHzvs1250MHz - 2012MHz higher effective memory clock speed?
7012MHzvs5000MHz - 31°C lower load GPU temperature?
63°Cvs94°C - 3005 higher PassMark (G3D) result?
9725vs6720 - 2 more DisplayPort outputs?
3vs1 - 15°C lower idle GPU temperature?
28°Cvs43°C
Which are the most popular comparisons?
AMD Radeon R9 290X
vs
AMD Radeon RX 580
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650
AMD Radeon R9 290X
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
AMD Radeon RX 580
AMD Radeon R9 290X
vs
AMD Radeon RX 550
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050
AMD Radeon R9 290X
vs
AMD Radeon R9 390X
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060
AMD Radeon R9 290X
vs
PowerColor R9 290X OC
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
AMD Radeon R9 290X
vs
AMD Radeon RX 560X
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
AMD Radeon R9 290X
vs
AMD Radeon RX 570
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
AMD Radeon RX 570
AMD Radeon R9 290X
vs
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Laptop
AMD Radeon R9 290X
vs
AMD Radeon RX 560
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060
AMD Radeon R9 290X
vs
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
vs
Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Laptop
Price comparison
User reviews
Overall Rating
AMD Radeon R9 290X
0 User reviews
AMD Radeon R9 290X
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
1000MHz
1050MHz
The graphics processing unit (GPU) has a higher clock speed.
GPU turbo
Unknown. Help us by suggesting a value. (AMD Radeon R9 290X)
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
35.2 GPixel/s
67.3 GPixel/s
The number of pixels that can be rendered to the screen every second.
floating-point performance
4.51 TFLOPS
3.4 TFLOPS
Floating-point performance is a measurement of the raw processing power of the GPU.
texture rate
141 GTexels/s
109 GTexels/s
The number of textured pixels that can be rendered to the screen every second.
GPU memory speed
1250MHz
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
5000MHz
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
320GB/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
512bit
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
✖AMD Radeon R9 290X
✖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
✔AMD Radeon R9 290X
✔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
✖AMD Radeon R9 290X
✖Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
Ray tracing is an advanced light rendering technique that provides more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections in games.
Supports 3D
✔AMD Radeon R9 290X
✔Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
Allows you to view in 3D (if you have a 3D display and glasses).
supports DLSS
✖AMD Radeon R9 290X
✖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
✔AMD Radeon R9 290X
✔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. (AMD Radeon R9 290X)
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. (AMD Radeon R9 290X)
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 970 vs Radeon R9 290X Graphics cards Comparison
When comparing GeForce GTX 970 and Radeon R9 290X, 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 Radeon R9 290X is the price. Does the additional cost justify the performance hit? Our comparison should help you make the right decision.
GeForce GTX 970
Check Price
Radeon R9 290X
Check Price
Main Specs
| GeForce GTX 970 | Radeon R9 290X | |
| Power consumption (TDP) | 148 Watt | 250 Watt |
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| Supplementary power connectors | 2x 6-pins | 1 x 6-pin + 1 x 8-pin |
| Memory type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Maximum RAM amount | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Display Connectors | 1x DVI, 1x HDMI, 3x DisplayPort | 2x DVI, 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort |
| Recommended system power (PSU) | 500 Watt | |
|
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- Radeon R9 290X has 68% 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 Radeon R9 290X have maximum RAM of 4 GB.
- Both cards are used in Desktops.
- GeForce GTX 970 is build with Maxwell architecture, and Radeon R9 290X — with GCN.
- GeForce GTX 970 and Radeon R9 290X are manufactured by 28 nm process technology.
- Radeon R9 290X is 265 mm longer, than GeForce GTX 970.
- Memory clock speed of Radeon R9 290X is 1243 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 | 50−55 | 35−40 |
| ultra / 1080p | 30−35 | 24−27 |
| QHD / 1440p | 27−30 | 18−20 |
| 4K / 2160p | 14−16 | 10−11 |
| low / 720p | 75−80 | 60−65 |
| medium / 1080p | 60−65 | 45−50 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is 33% more, than Radeon R9 290X. |
||
| high / 1080p | 75−80 | 60−65 |
| ultra / 1080p | 70−75 | 50−55 |
| QHD / 1440p | 50−55 | 35−40 |
| 4K / 2160p | 27−30 | 18−20 |
| low / 720p | 130−140 | 110−120 |
| medium / 1080p | 85−90 | 65−70 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in Battlefield 5 is 27% more, than Radeon R9 290X. | ||
| low / 768p | 45−50 | 50−55 |
| QHD / 1440p | 45−50 | 0−1 |
The average gaming FPS of Radeon R9 290X in Call of Duty: Warzone is 10% more, than GeForce GTX 970. |
||
| low / 768p | 250−260 | 250−260 |
| medium / 768p | 230−240 | 220−230 |
| ultra / 1080p | − | 190−200 |
| QHD / 1440p | 150−160 | 110−120 |
| 4K / 2160p | 100−110 | 70−75 |
| high / 768p | 220−230 | 210−220 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is 10% more, than Radeon R9 290X. | ||
| low / 768p | 70−75 | 60−65 |
| medium / 1080p | 50−55 | 55−60 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in Cyberpunk 2077 is 3% more, than Radeon R9 290X. |
||
| low / 768p | 120−130 | 120−130 |
| medium / 768p | 110−120 | 110−120 |
| ultra / 1080p | 110−120 | 100−110 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in Dota 2 is 2% more, than Radeon R9 290X. | ||
| high / 1080p | 60−65 | 45−50 |
| ultra / 1080p | 60−65 | 45−50 |
| QHD / 1440p | 40−45 | 30−35 |
| 4K / 2160p | 21−24 | 16−18 |
| low / 720p | 100−110 | 85−90 |
| medium / 1080p | 65−70 | 50−55 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in Far Cry 5 is 27% more, than Radeon R9 290X. |
||
| high / 1080p | 90−95 | 65−70 |
| ultra / 1080p | 70−75 | 50−55 |
| QHD / 1440p | 45−50 | 30−35 |
| 4K / 2160p | 21−24 | 27−30 |
| low / 720p | 220−230 | 180−190 |
| medium / 1080p | 140−150 | 120−130 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in Fortnite is 23% more, than Radeon R9 290X. | ||
| high / 1080p | 85−90 | 65−70 |
| ultra / 1080p | 65−70 | 45−50 |
| QHD / 1440p | 45−50 | 35−40 |
| 4K / 2160p | 30−35 | 24−27 |
| low / 720p | 130−140 | 110−120 |
| medium / 1080p | 90−95 | 70−75 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in Forza Horizon 4 is 28% more, than Radeon R9 290X. |
||
| low / 768p | 160−170 | 140−150 |
| medium / 768p | 150−160 | 130−140 |
| high / 1080p | 95−100 | 75−80 |
| ultra / 1080p | 45−50 | 30−35 |
| QHD / 1440p | 40−45 | 24−27 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in Grand Theft Auto V is 21% more, than Radeon R9 290X. | ||
| high / 1080p | 35−40 | 27−30 |
| ultra / 1080p | 30−35 | 21−24 |
| QHD / 1440p | 24−27 | 18−20 |
| 4K / 2160p | 14−16 | 9−10 |
| low / 720p | 95−100 | 70−75 |
| medium / 1080p | 50−55 | 35−40 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in Metro Exodus is 38% more, than Radeon R9 290X. |
||
| low / 768p | 120−130 | 130−140 |
| medium / 1080p | − | 120−130 |
| The average gaming FPS of Radeon R9 290X in Minecraft is 8% more, than GeForce GTX 970. | ||
| high / 1080p | 75−80 | − |
| ultra / 1080p | 55−60 | 14−16 |
| 4K / 2160p | 18−20 | − |
| low / 720p | 120−130 | 100−110 |
| medium / 1080p | 85−90 | 18−20 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS is 95% more, than Radeon R9 290X. |
||
| high / 1080p | 35−40 | 27−30 |
| ultra / 1080p | 24−27 | 18−20 |
| QHD / 1440p | 16−18 | 12−14 |
| 4K / 2160p | 10−12 | 8−9 |
| low / 720p | 90−95 | 70−75 |
| medium / 1080p | 55−60 | 35−40 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in Red Dead Redemption 2 is 37% more, than Radeon R9 290X. | ||
| low / 768p | 180−190 | 140−150 |
| medium / 768p | 120−130 | 90−95 |
| high / 1080p | 70−75 | 50−55 |
| ultra / 1080p | 40−45 | 27−30 |
| 4K / 2160p | 24−27 | 16−18 |
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is 34% more, than Radeon R9 290X. |
||
| low / 768p | 120−130 | 90−95 |
| medium / 768p | − | 60−65 |
| ultra / 1080p | 65−70 | 55−60 |
| The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 970 in World of Tanks is 28% more, than Radeon R9 290X. | ||
Full Specs
| GeForce GTX 970 | Radeon R9 290X | |
| Architecture | Maxwell | GCN |
| Code name | GM204 | Hawaii XT |
| Type | Desktop | Desktop |
| Release date | 19 September 2014 | 24 October 2013 |
| Pipelines | 1664 | 2816 |
| Core clock speed | 1050 MHz | |
| Boost Clock | 1178 MHz | 947 MHz |
| Transistor count | 5,200 million | 6,200 million |
| Manufacturing process technology | 28 nm | 28 nm |
| Texture fill rate | 109 billion/sec | 176. 0 |
| Floating-point performance | 3,920 gflops | 5,632 gflops |
| Length | 10.5″ (26.7 cm) | 275 mm |
| Memory bus width | 256 Bit | 512 Bit |
| Memory clock speed | 7.0 GB/s | 1250 MHz |
| Memory bandwidth | 224 GB/s | 320 GB/s |
| Shared memory | — | — |
| G-SYNC support | + | |
| DirectX | 12 (12_1) | |
| Shader Model | 6.4 | 6.3 |
| OpenGL | 4.4 | 4.6 |
| OpenCL | 1.2 | 2.0 |
| Vulkan | 1.1.126 | + |
| CUDA | + | |
| Monero / XMR (CryptoNight) | 0. 48 kh/s |
0.76 kh/s |
| FreeSync | + | |
| CUDA cores | 1664 | |
| Bus support | PCI Express 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Height | 4.376″ (11.1 cm) | |
| SLI options | + | |
| Multi monitor support | 4 displays | |
| HDMI | + | |
| HDCP | + | |
| Maximum VGA resolution | 2048×1536 | |
| Audio input for HDMI | Internal | |
| Bitcoin / BTC (SHA256) | 478 Mh/s | 623 Mh/s |
| Eyefinity | + | |
| HD3D | + | |
| TrueAudio | + | |
| Design | reference | |
| DisplayPort support | + | |
| CrossFire | + | |
| DDMA audio | + | |
| Decred / DCR (Decred) | 1.
|