Skip to content

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 1070 and GeForce GTX 980.

Quick Verdict

The GeForce GTX 1070 is dramatically faster than the GeForce GTX 980, leading by roughly 57% in our performance index. It is also the stronger value pick here, so it's the easy recommendation if your budget allows.

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

Skip to Spec Sheets ↓

GeForce GTX 1070 vs GeForce GTX 980: In-Depth Breakdown

Performance: GeForce GTX 1070 vs GeForce GTX 980

The GeForce GTX 1070 is dramatically faster, around 57% ahead of the GeForce GTX 980. Both cards sit in the same broad class, well suited to entry-level 1080p.

Price & Value

Right now the GeForce GTX 980 starts at $28,966 JPY against $43,978 JPY for the GeForce GTX 1070. Because it's both faster and competitively priced, the GeForce GTX 1070 wins on performance-per-dollar. The GeForce GTX 980 still sits about $28,417 JPY above its $549 JPY MSRP. The GeForce GTX 1070 still sits about $43,599 JPY above its $379 JPY MSRP.

Power & Efficiency

The GeForce GTX 1070 draws just 150W versus 165W for the GeForce GTX 980, and it also delivers more performance per watt — so it runs cooler and quieter and needs less PSU headroom. Its more modern Pascal architecture on a TSMC 16nm process is part of why it does more with each watt.

VRAM & Future-Proofing

With 8GB against 4GB, the GeForce GTX 1070 has more headroom for 4K textures and memory-hungry creative/AI tasks where the GeForce GTX 980's 4GB can fall short. The GeForce GTX 1070's memory is also faster — 256 GB/s versus 224 GB/s — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.

Generation & Longevity

The GeForce GTX 1070 is roughly 2 years newer than the GeForce GTX 980 (Pascal vs Maxwell), so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.

Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1070 or GeForce GTX 980?

The GeForce GTX 1070 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 980 if you find it at a steep discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GeForce GTX 1070 better than the GeForce GTX 980?

The GeForce GTX 1070 is dramatically faster, roughly 57% ahead. If your budget allows, it's the stronger pick.

Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 1070 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 1070 worth the extra $15,012 JPY over the GeForce GTX 980?

Often yes — despite the higher price the GeForce GTX 1070 delivers better performance-per-dollar here.

Does the GeForce GTX 1070 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.

Technical Specifications Comparison

Architecture & Cores

SpecificationGeForce GTX 1070GeForce GTX 980
ArchitecturePascalMaxwell
Process NodeTSMC 16nmTSMC 28nm
CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores)1,9202,048✓

Clock Speeds

SpecificationGeForce GTX 1070GeForce GTX 980
Base Clock1,506 MHz✓1,126 MHz
Boost Clock1,683 MHz✓1,216 MHz

Memory

SpecificationGeForce GTX 1070GeForce GTX 980
VRAM Capacity8 GB✓4 GB
Memory TypeGDDR5GDDR5
Memory Bus256-bit256-bit
Memory Speed8 Gbps✓7 Gbps
Bandwidth256 GB/s✓224.3 GB/s

Connectivity & Power

SpecificationGeForce GTX 1070GeForce GTX 980
InterfacePCIe 3.0 x16PCIe 3.0 x16
TDP150 W✓165 W
Power Connectors1x 8-pin2x 6-pin
ReleasedJun 2016Sep 2014
Back to Top ↑