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GeForce GTX 1650 vs GeForce GTX 980

Quick Verdict

On performance, the GeForce GTX 1650 and GeForce GTX 980 are effectively a dead heat — under a few percent apart. Value tips toward the GeForce GTX 980, though: $81 EUR cheaper for what you get.

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

VS
NVIDIA GeForce
GTX 1650
Price
€325
Performance
7/100
VRAM
4 GB GDDR5
Key Specs Advantage
+37% Boost Clock (1,665 MHz vs 1,216 MHz)
NVIDIA GeForce
GTX 980
Price
€998
Performance
7/100
VRAM
4 GB GDDR5
Key Specs Advantage
+129% CUDA Cores (2,048 vs 896)
+100% Memory Bus (256-bit vs 128-bit)
+75% Bandwidth (224.3 GB/s vs 128 GB/s)

GeForce GTX 1650 vs GeForce GTX 980: In-Depth Breakdown

Performance: GeForce GTX 1650 vs GeForce GTX 980

The GeForce GTX 1650 and GeForce GTX 980 post nearly the same score in our performance index, so neither holds a meaningful raw-speed advantage. Both are best suited to entry-level 1080p gaming.

Price & Value

Right now the GeForce GTX 980 starts at $79 EUR against $160 EUR for the GeForce GTX 1650. Despite being slower, the GeForce GTX 980 offers the better performance-per-dollar (~103% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce GTX 980 is trading below its $549 EUR MSRP — a genuine deal.

Power & Efficiency

The GeForce GTX 1650 sips power at 75W next to the GeForce GTX 980's 165W, and still leads on performance-per-watt — quieter, cooler, and gentler on your PSU. Its more modern Turing architecture on a TSMC 12nm process is part of why it does more with each watt.

Memory & Bandwidth

The GeForce GTX 980's memory is faster — 224 GB/s versus 128 GB/s (256-bit vs 128-bit bus) — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.

Generation & Longevity

The GeForce GTX 1650 is roughly 5 years newer than the GeForce GTX 980 (Turing vs Maxwell), so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.

Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1650 or GeForce GTX 980?

Choose the GeForce GTX 1650 if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce GTX 980 stretches your money further for near-identical performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GeForce GTX 1650 better than the GeForce GTX 980?

They're very close on raw performance. The GeForce GTX 980 edges ahead on value, so price and availability should decide it.

Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 1650 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 1650 worth the extra $81 EUR over the GeForce GTX 980?

Only if you need the extra performance or features; on pure value the GeForce GTX 980 comes out ahead.

Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1650 or GeForce GTX 980?

Choose the GeForce GTX 1650 if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce GTX 980 stretches your money further for near-identical performance.

Technical Specifications Comparison

Architecture & Cores

Architecture & Cores specifications comparison between GeForce GTX 1650 and GeForce GTX 980
SpecificationGeForce GTX 1650GeForce GTX 980
ArchitectureTuringMaxwell
Process NodeTSMC 12nmTSMC 28nm
CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores)8962,048

Clock Speeds

Clock Speeds specifications comparison between GeForce GTX 1650 and GeForce GTX 980
SpecificationGeForce GTX 1650GeForce GTX 980
Base Clock1,485 MHz1,126 MHz
Boost Clock1,665 MHz1,216 MHz

Memory

Memory specifications comparison between GeForce GTX 1650 and GeForce GTX 980
SpecificationGeForce GTX 1650GeForce GTX 980
VRAM Capacity4 GB4 GB
Memory TypeGDDR5GDDR5
Memory Bus128-bit256-bit
Memory Speed8 Gbps7 Gbps
Bandwidth128 GB/s224.3 GB/s

Connectivity & Power

Connectivity & Power specifications comparison between GeForce GTX 1650 and GeForce GTX 980
SpecificationGeForce GTX 1650GeForce GTX 980
InterfacePCIe 3.0 x16PCIe 3.0 x16
TDP75 W165 W
Power ConnectorsNone2x 6-pin
ReleasedApr 2019Sep 2014