GPU Comparison

Select up to 2 GPUs to analyze their pricing, performance, and specifications side-by-side.

Quick Verdict

The GeForce GTX 980 Ti is dramatically faster than the Geforce GTX 1050, leading by roughly 233% in our performance index. The Geforce GTX 1050, however, delivers more performance per dollar — $610 CAD cheaper.

Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)

VS
NVIDIA
Geforce GTX 1050
Price
$25 CAD
Performance
3%
VRAM
2 GB GDDR5
Key Specs Advantage
+35% Boost Clock (1,455 MHz vs 1,075 MHz)
Price
$635 CAD
Performance
10%
VRAM
6 GB GDDR5
Key Specs Advantage
+340% CUDA Cores (2,816 vs 640)
+200% Bandwidth (336.5 GB/s vs 112 GB/s)
+200% Memory Bus (384-bit vs 128-bit)

GeForce GTX 980 Ti vs Geforce GTX 1050: In-Depth Breakdown

Performance: GeForce GTX 980 Ti vs Geforce GTX 1050

The GeForce GTX 980 Ti is dramatically faster, around 233% ahead of the Geforce GTX 1050. Both cards sit in the same broad class, well suited to entry-level 1080p. The GeForce GTX 980 Ti packs 2,816 CUDA cores versus 640 on the Geforce GTX 1050.

Price & Value

Right now the Geforce GTX 1050 starts at $25 CAD against $635 CAD for the GeForce GTX 980 Ti. Despite being slower, the Geforce GTX 1050 offers the better performance-per-dollar (~662% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The Geforce GTX 1050 is trading below its $109 CAD MSRP — a genuine deal.

Power & Efficiency

The Geforce GTX 1050 draws just 75W versus 250W for the GeForce GTX 980 Ti, and it also delivers more performance per watt — so it runs cooler and quieter and needs less PSU headroom. Its more modern Pascal architecture on a Samsung 14nm process is part of why it does more with each watt.

VRAM & Future-Proofing

With 6GB against 2GB, the GeForce GTX 980 Ti has more headroom for 4K textures and memory-hungry creative/AI tasks where the Geforce GTX 1050's 2GB can fall short. The GeForce GTX 980 Ti's memory is also faster — 337 GB/s versus 112 GB/s (384-bit vs 128-bit bus) — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.

Which should you buy: Geforce GTX 1050 or GeForce GTX 980 Ti?

Choose the GeForce GTX 980 Ti if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the Geforce GTX 1050 stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GeForce GTX 980 Ti better than the Geforce GTX 1050?

The GeForce GTX 980 Ti is dramatically faster, roughly 233% ahead. The Geforce GTX 1050 is still worth it if value matters more than top-end frames.

Which is better for 4K gaming, the Geforce GTX 1050 or the GeForce GTX 980 Ti?

Neither is a dedicated 4K card; both are best at entry-level 1080p. For 4K you'd want a faster GPU, or lean on upscaling.

Is the GeForce GTX 980 Ti worth the extra $610 CAD over the Geforce GTX 1050?

Only if you need the extra performance or features; on pure value the Geforce GTX 1050 comes out ahead.

Does the GeForce GTX 980 Ti have enough VRAM advantage to matter?

Its 6GB (vs 2GB) gives real headroom for 4K, heavy texture mods, and creative/AI work. At 1080p the gap matters less.

Technical Specifications Comparison

Architecture & Cores

SpecificationGeforce GTX 1050GeForce GTX 980 Ti
ArchitecturePascalMaxwell
Process NodeSamsung 14nmTSMC 28nm
CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores)6402,816

Clock Speeds

SpecificationGeforce GTX 1050GeForce GTX 980 Ti
Base Clock1,354 MHz1,000 MHz
Boost Clock1,455 MHz1,075 MHz

Memory

SpecificationGeforce GTX 1050GeForce GTX 980 Ti
VRAM Capacity2 GB6 GB
Memory TypeGDDR5GDDR5
Memory Bus128-bit384-bit
Memory Speed7 Gbps7 Gbps
Bandwidth112 GB/s336.5 GB/s

Connectivity & Power

SpecificationGeforce GTX 1050GeForce GTX 980 Ti
InterfacePCIe 3.0 x16PCIe 3.0 x16
TDP75 W250 W
Power ConnectorsNone1x 6-pin + 1x 8-pin
ReleasedOct 2016Jun 2015