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GPU Comparison

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

Market Value Leader

Market comparison is currently pending while we verify the latest benchmarks for GeForce GTX 970 and GeForce GTX 980.

Quick Verdict

The GeForce GTX 980 is dramatically faster than the GeForce GTX 970, leading by roughly 40% in our performance index.

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

VS
NVIDIA
GeForce GTX 970
Price
Awaiting Data
Performance
5/100
VRAM
4 GB GDDR5✓
Key Specs Advantage

Comparable or lower specs

NVIDIA
GeForce GTX 980
Price
Awaiting Data
Performance
7/100✓
VRAM
4 GB GDDR5✓
Key Specs Advantage
+23% CUDA Cores (2,048 vs 1,664)
+3% Boost Clock (1,216 MHz vs 1,178 MHz)
Skip to Spec Sheets ↓

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.

Power & Efficiency

The GeForce GTX 970 pulls less power (145W vs 165W), so it's the easier card to cool and the lighter load on your PSU. The faster GeForce GTX 980 draws more overall but extracts more performance from each watt — plan for a sturdier power supply if you pick it.

Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 970 or GeForce GTX 980?

The GeForce GTX 980 is the faster card by about 40%. With live pricing limited for this pair, base your decision on the spec differences above — particularly VRAM and power draw — and check current stock before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GeForce GTX 980 better than the GeForce GTX 970?

The GeForce GTX 980 is dramatically faster, roughly 40% ahead. If your budget allows, it's the stronger pick.

Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 970 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.

Technical Specifications Comparison

Architecture & Cores

SpecificationGeForce GTX 970GeForce GTX 980
ArchitectureMaxwellMaxwell
Process NodeTSMC 28nmTSMC 28nm
CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores)1,6642,048✓

Clock Speeds

SpecificationGeForce GTX 970GeForce GTX 980
Base Clock1,050 MHz1,126 MHz✓
Boost Clock1,178 MHz1,216 MHz✓

Memory

SpecificationGeForce GTX 970GeForce GTX 980
VRAM Capacity4 GB4 GB
Memory TypeGDDR5GDDR5
Memory Bus256-bit256-bit
Memory Speed7 Gbps7 Gbps
Bandwidth224.3 GB/s224.3 GB/s

Connectivity & Power

SpecificationGeForce GTX 970GeForce GTX 980
InterfacePCIe 3.0 x16PCIe 3.0 x16
TDP145 W✓165 W
Power Connectors2x 6-pin2x 6-pin
ReleasedSep 2014Sep 2014
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