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.
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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.
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?
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?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 970 or the GeForce GTX 980?
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 |