GPU Comparison
Select up to 2 GPUs to analyze their pricing, performance, and specifications side-by-side.
On raw speed the GeForce GTX 1080 comes out significantly faster — about 33% ahead of the GeForce GTX 980. But the GeForce GTX 980 is the better value, undercutting it by $80 USD for the performance you get.
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GeForce GTX 1080 vs GeForce GTX 980: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce GTX 1080 vs GeForce GTX 980
The GeForce GTX 1080 is significantly faster, around 33% ahead of the GeForce GTX 980. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce GTX 1080 is comfortable at 1080p, while the GeForce GTX 980 is better matched to entry-level 1080p.
Price & Value
The GeForce GTX 980 currently lists from $85 USD, $80 USD less than the GeForce GTX 1080 at $165 USD. Despite being slower, the GeForce GTX 980 offers the better performance-per-dollar (~46% better value), so budget-focused buyers should weigh it carefully. The GeForce GTX 980 is trading below its $549 USD MSRP — a genuine deal. The GeForce GTX 1080 is trading below its $599 USD MSRP — a genuine deal.
Power & Efficiency
On power, the GeForce GTX 980 is the gentler choice at 165W versus 180W. The GeForce GTX 1080 is more efficient per watt because it's faster, but its higher 180W draw means more heat and a bigger PSU.
VRAM & Future-Proofing
The GeForce GTX 1080 carries 8GB versus 4GB on the GeForce GTX 980. The extra 4GB helps at 4K, with high-resolution texture packs, and for content-creation or local-AI workloads that exhaust smaller buffers.
Generation & Longevity
The GeForce GTX 1080 is roughly 2 years newer than the GeForce GTX 980, so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 1080 or GeForce GTX 980?
Choose the GeForce GTX 1080 if you want the most performance and can absorb the higher price. If you're optimizing for value, the GeForce GTX 980 stretches your money further for only slightly lower performance.