GPU Comparison

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

Quick Verdict

The GeForce GTX 980 is dramatically faster than the GeForce GTX 970, leading by roughly 40% in our performance index. The GeForce GTX 970, however, delivers more performance per dollar — $480 EUR cheaper.

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

VS
NVIDIA
GeForce GTX 970
Price
€344
Performance
5%
VRAM
4 GB GDDR5
Key Specs Advantage

Comparable or lower specs

Price
€824
Performance
7%
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)

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 970 starts at $344 EUR against $824 EUR for the GeForce GTX 980. Despite being slower, the GeForce GTX 970 offers the better performance-per-dollar (~71% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce GTX 980 still sits about $275 EUR above its $549 EUR 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?

Choose the GeForce GTX 980 if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce GTX 970 stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The GeForce GTX 980 is dramatically faster, roughly 40% ahead. The GeForce GTX 970 is still worth it if value matters more than top-end frames.

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.

Is the GeForce GTX 980 worth the extra $480 EUR over the GeForce GTX 970?

Only if you need the extra performance or features; on pure value the GeForce GTX 970 comes out ahead.

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 W165 W
Power Connectors2x 6-pin2x 6-pin
ReleasedSep 2014Sep 2014