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.
The GeForce GTX 980 is dramatically faster than the GeForce GTX 970, leading by roughly 40% in our performance index. It is also the stronger value pick here, so it's the easy recommendation if your budget allows.
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Comparable or lower specs
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 980 starts at $28,966 JPY against $87,149 JPY for the GeForce GTX 970. Because it's both faster and competitively priced, the GeForce GTX 980 wins on performance-per-dollar by about 321%. The GeForce GTX 980 still sits about $28,417 JPY above its $549 JPY MSRP. The GeForce GTX 970 still sits about $86,820 JPY above its $329 JPY MSRP.
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 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 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 970 worth the extra $58,183 JPY over the 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 |