GPU Comparison
Select up to 2 GPUs to analyze their pricing, performance, and specifications side-by-side.
Market Value Leader
It's a tight race! Both the GeForce GTX 970 and the GeForce GTX 980 offer nearly identical market value.
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 — $841 AED cheaper.
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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 970 starts at $1,884 AED against $2,725 AED for the GeForce GTX 980. Despite being slower, the GeForce GTX 970 offers the better performance-per-dollar, so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce GTX 970 still sits about $1,555 AED above its $329 AED MSRP. The GeForce GTX 980 still sits about $2,176 AED above its $549 AED 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?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 970 or the GeForce GTX 980?
Is the GeForce GTX 980 worth the extra $841 AED over the GeForce GTX 970?
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 |