GPU Comparison

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

Quick Verdict

On raw speed the Radeon RX 580 comes out significantly faster — about 29% ahead of the GeForce GTX 970. It also wins on performance-per-dollar, making it the cleaner choice when you can afford it.

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

VS
Price
$1068
Perf Index
7%
Value Score
0.007
VRAM4GB GDDR6
Thermal TDP
AMD
Radeon RX 580
Price
$180
Perf Index
9%
Value Score
0.050
VRAM8GB GDDR6
Thermal TDP185W

Radeon RX 580 vs GeForce GTX 970: In-Depth Breakdown

Performance: Radeon RX 580 vs GeForce GTX 970

The Radeon RX 580 is significantly faster, around 29% ahead of the GeForce GTX 970. Both cards sit in the same broad class, well suited to entry-level 1080p.

Price & Value

The Radeon RX 580 currently lists from $180, $888 less than the GeForce GTX 970 at $1,068. Because it's both faster and competitively priced, the Radeon RX 580 wins on performance-per-dollar by about 663%. The Radeon RX 580 is trading below its $229 MSRP — a genuine deal. The GeForce GTX 970 still sits about $739 above its $329 MSRP.

VRAM & Future-Proofing

The Radeon RX 580 carries 8GB versus 4GB on the GeForce GTX 970. The extra 4GB helps at 4K, with high-resolution texture packs, and for content-creation or local-AI workloads that exhaust smaller buffers.

Generation & Longevity

The Radeon RX 580 is roughly 3 years newer than the GeForce GTX 970, so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.

Features & Ecosystem

Beyond raw numbers, the GeForce GTX 970 brings NVIDIA DLSS upscaling/frame generation and stronger ray tracing, while the Radeon RX 580 offers AMD FSR upscaling and strong rasterization value. If you lean on upscaling or ray tracing, that ecosystem difference can matter as much as the frame-rate gap.

Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 970 or Radeon RX 580?

the Radeon RX 580 is the all-round winner here — it's faster and the better value, so buy it if it fits your budget. Only consider the GeForce GTX 970 if you find it at a steep discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Radeon RX 580 better than the GeForce GTX 970?

The Radeon RX 580 is significantly faster, roughly 29% ahead. If your budget allows, it's the stronger pick.

Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 970 or the Radeon RX 580?

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 970 worth the extra $888 over the Radeon RX 580?

Only if you need the extra performance or features; on pure value the Radeon RX 580 comes out ahead.

Does the Radeon RX 580 have enough VRAM advantage to matter?

Its 8GB (vs 4GB) gives real headroom for 4K, heavy texture mods, and creative/AI work. At 1080p the gap matters less.