GPU Comparison

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

Quick Verdict

The GeForce GTX 1070 is noticeably faster than the GeForce GTX 980, leading by roughly 8% 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)

VS
NVIDIA
GeForce GTX 1070
Price
Β£158
Perf Index
13%
Value Score
0.082
VRAM8GB GDDR5
Thermal TDP150W
Price
Β£495
Perf Index
12%
Value Score
0.024
VRAM4GB GDDR5
Thermal TDP165W

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

Performance: GeForce GTX 1070 vs GeForce GTX 980

The GeForce GTX 1070 is noticeably faster, around 8% 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 1070 starts at $158 GBP against $495 GBP for the GeForce GTX 980. Because it's both faster and competitively priced, the GeForce GTX 1070 wins on performance-per-dollar by about 240%. The GeForce GTX 1070 is trading below its $379 GBP MSRP β€” a genuine deal. The GeForce GTX 980 is trading below its $549 GBP MSRP β€” a genuine deal.

Power & Efficiency

The GeForce GTX 1070 draws just 150W versus 165W for the GeForce GTX 980, and it also delivers more performance per watt β€” 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 β€” 256 GB/s versus 224 GB/s β€” 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 β€” 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 noticeably faster, roughly 8% 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 980 worth the extra $337 GBP over the GeForce GTX 1070?

Only if you need the extra performance or features; on pure value the GeForce GTX 1070 comes out ahead.

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.