GeForce GTX 970 vs GeForce GTX 980
Performance-wise the GeForce GTX 980 is out front, dramatically faster, roughly 40% up on the GeForce GTX 970. Value tips toward the GeForce GTX 970, though: $183 EUR cheaper for what you get.
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GeForce GTX 980 vs GeForce GTX 970: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce GTX 980 vs GeForce GTX 970
The GeForce GTX 980 is dramatically faster, around 40% ahead of the GeForce GTX 970. Both cards sit in the same broad class, well suited to entry-level 1080p. The GeForce GTX 980 packs 2,048 CUDA cores versus 1,664 on the GeForce GTX 970.
Price & Value
Right now the GeForce GTX 970 starts at $130 EUR against $313 EUR for the GeForce GTX 980. Despite being slower, the GeForce GTX 970 offers the better performance-per-dollar (~72% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce GTX 970 is trading below its $329 EUR MSRP — a genuine deal. The GeForce GTX 980 is trading below its $549 EUR MSRP — a genuine deal.
Power & Efficiency
The GeForce GTX 970 is the lighter draw at 145W against the GeForce GTX 980's 165W, making it the easier card to power and cool. The GeForce GTX 980 draws more in absolute terms but squeezes out more performance per watt, so budget for a beefier PSU if you go that route.
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 970 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 970 stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GeForce GTX 980 better than the GeForce GTX 970?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 970 or the GeForce GTX 980?
Is the GeForce GTX 980 worth the extra $183 EUR over the GeForce GTX 970?
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 970 or GeForce GTX 980?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce GTX 970 | GeForce GTX 980 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Maxwell | Maxwell |
| Process Node | TSMC 28nm | TSMC 28nm |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 1,664 | 2,048✓ |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce GTX 970 | GeForce GTX 980 |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,050 MHz | 1,126 MHz✓ |
| Boost Clock | 1,178 MHz | 1,216 MHz✓ |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce GTX 970 | GeForce GTX 980 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory Speed | 7 Gbps | 7 Gbps |
| Bandwidth | 224.3 GB/s | 224.3 GB/s |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce GTX 970 | GeForce GTX 980 |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| TDP | 145 W✓ | 165 W |
| Power Connectors | 2x 6-pin | 2x 6-pin |
| Released | Sep 2014 | Sep 2014 |