GPU Comparison

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

Quick Verdict

On raw speed the GeForce RTX 2060 comes out significantly faster — about 25% ahead of the GeForce GTX 980. But the GeForce GTX 980 is the better value, undercutting it by $110 USD for the performance you get.

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

VS
Price
$195 USD
Perf Index
15%
Value Score
0.077
VRAM6GB GDDR6
Thermal TDP160W
NVIDIA
GeForce GTX 980
Price
$85 USD
Perf Index
12%
Value Score
0.141
VRAM4GB GDDR5
Thermal TDP165W

GeForce RTX 2060 vs GeForce GTX 980: In-Depth Breakdown

Performance: GeForce RTX 2060 vs GeForce GTX 980

The GeForce RTX 2060 is significantly faster, around 25% ahead of the GeForce GTX 980. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 2060 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, $110 USD less than the GeForce RTX 2060 at $195 USD. Despite being slower, the GeForce GTX 980 offers the better performance-per-dollar (~84% 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 RTX 2060 is trading below its $349 USD MSRP — a genuine deal.

VRAM & Future-Proofing

The GeForce RTX 2060 carries 6GB versus 4GB on the GeForce GTX 980. The extra 2GB helps at 4K, with high-resolution texture packs, and for content-creation or local-AI workloads that exhaust smaller buffers.

Generation & Longevity

The GeForce RTX 2060 is roughly 5 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 RTX 2060 or GeForce GTX 980?

Choose the GeForce RTX 2060 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GeForce RTX 2060 better than the GeForce GTX 980?

The GeForce RTX 2060 is significantly faster, roughly 25% ahead. The GeForce GTX 980 is still worth it if value matters more than top-end frames.

Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce RTX 2060 or the GeForce GTX 980?

Neither is a dedicated 4K card; both are best at 1080p. For 4K you'd want a faster GPU, or lean on upscaling.

Is the GeForce RTX 2060 worth the extra $110 USD over the GeForce GTX 980?

Only if you need the extra performance or features; on pure value the GeForce GTX 980 comes out ahead.

Does the GeForce RTX 2060 have enough VRAM advantage to matter?

Its 6GB (vs 4GB) gives real headroom for 4K, heavy texture mods, and creative/AI work. At 1080p the gap matters less.