GPU Comparison

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

Quick Verdict

On raw speed the GeForce GTX 980 comes out dramatically faster — about 140% ahead of the GeForce GTX 960. But the GeForce GTX 960 is the better value, undercutting it by $767 for the performance you get.

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

VS
NVIDIA
GeForce GTX 960
Price
$479
Perf Index
5%
Value Score
0.010
VRAM2GB GDDR6
Thermal TDP
Price
$1245
Perf Index
12%
Value Score
0.010
VRAM4GB GDDR6
Thermal TDP165W

GeForce GTX 980 vs GeForce GTX 960: In-Depth Breakdown

Performance: GeForce GTX 980 vs GeForce GTX 960

The GeForce GTX 980 is dramatically faster, around 140% ahead of the GeForce GTX 960. Both cards sit in the same broad class, well suited to entry-level 1080p.

Price & Value

The GeForce GTX 960 currently lists from $479, $767 less than the GeForce GTX 980 at $1,245. Despite being slower, the GeForce GTX 960 offers the better performance-per-dollar (~8% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce GTX 960 still sits about $280 above its $199 MSRP. The GeForce GTX 980 still sits about $696 above its $549 MSRP.

VRAM & Future-Proofing

The GeForce GTX 980 carries 4GB versus 2GB on the GeForce GTX 960. The extra 2GB helps at 4K, with high-resolution texture packs, and for content-creation or local-AI workloads that exhaust smaller buffers.

Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 960 or GeForce GTX 980?

Choose the GeForce GTX 980 if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce GTX 960 stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GeForce GTX 980 better than the GeForce GTX 960?

The GeForce GTX 980 is dramatically faster, roughly 140% ahead. The GeForce GTX 960 is still worth it if value matters more than top-end frames.

Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 960 or the GeForce GTX 980?

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 worth the extra $767 over the GeForce GTX 960?

Only if you need the extra performance or features; on pure value the GeForce GTX 960 comes out ahead.

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

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