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Gtx 980 vs 970?

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  • Gtx
  • Graphics Cards
  • Build
  • Graphics
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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September 30, 2014 8:23:40 AM

Having to decide between the Gtx 980 vs 970. The 980 performs better with the 970 being cheaper. My build hasn't got any parts I want to change so the money is needed immediate. Which one would you recommend? (Please provide reasons)

More about : gtx 980 970

a c 138 U Graphics card
September 30, 2014 8:35:11 AM

Depends on your build, GTX 980 is 10-15% better while costing 50-60% more, not worth it over 970 if you plan to SLI in future as you can get two 970s over a single 980 (and some more $$) and SLI 970 would kill a single 980, while SLI 980 would cost $1k+ right now. Post the specs.
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September 30, 2014 8:37:00 AM

If you are building a highend computer and using 2+ monitors, get the 980. otherwise, 970 is ferfectly fine for normal 1080p.
list your parts if you want more suggestions.
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Related resources
September 30, 2014 8:42:05 AM

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/1355?vs=1351

FPS comparison between the two.

I agree with everyone above. You can't argue that the 970 is the better buy in terms of value. The pricing of the 970 undercut the 700 series and I don't anticipate the price of the 900 series to decrease anytime soon.
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September 30, 2014 8:58:38 AM

CPU: Intel Core i7 4790K 4.5ghz Oc
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i Extreme Water Cooler
Operating System: Windows 8.1 (64-bit)
Motherboard: Asus Maximus VII Ranger
RAM: 16GB Corsair 1600mhz Vengeance (4x4GB)
SSD: Plextor 128GB M6e M.2
Hard Drive: 3TB S-ATAIII 6.0Gbs
Internet: Wireless 802.11N 300Mbps MIMO PCI-E card
Case:NZXT H440 Black/Red
PSU: 750W Corsair RM Fully Modular

The monitor is 75hz (don't ask about the 75), but if I do decide to go for the 980 then I would change the monitor for a 144hz to actually use the extra frames.
Monitors: Iiyama 24" GE2488HS-B1 Gaming LED

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a c 138 U Graphics card
September 30, 2014 9:07:27 AM

The build looks good, I'd suggest some changes first (which would be useful):

Get 2X8GB config, 4X4GB is actually two 2X4GB config which put more load on Memory Controller and have less upgradibility, while being a bit slower than 2 8GB sticks.

Get a better PSU, RM 750W and higher models are low quality, and unless you want SLI capability in future, a 550W or higher model from Antec/ XFX/ SeaSonic/ EVGA would be good enough. 750W for SLI 970 (in future of course) and 850W for 980 SLI.

XFX Pro 550W or SeaSonic 620W S12II, or EVGA B2 750W or 850W are good options.

A single 970 would be my choice for single monitor setup, you'd not feel much difference with 980, say 10-15 FPS at max, and forking out $500 (cost over 970+Monitor) isn't worth it.
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September 30, 2014 10:00:31 AM

MeteorsRaining said:
The build looks good, I'd suggest some changes first (which would be useful):

Get 2X8GB config, 4X4GB is actually two 2X4GB config which put more load on Memory Controller and have less upgradibility, while being a bit slower than 2 8GB sticks.

Get a better PSU, RM 750W and higher models are low quality, and unless you want SLI capability in future, a 550W or higher model from Antec/ XFX/ SeaSonic/ EVGA would be good enough. 750W for SLI 970 (in future of course) and 850W for 980 SLI.

XFX Pro 550W or SeaSonic 620W S12II, or EVGA B2 750W or 850W are good options.

A single 970 would be my choice for single monitor setup, you'd not feel much difference with 980, say 10-15 FPS at max, and forking out $500 (cost over 970+Monitor) isn't worth it.

The monitor listed is £119, the 144hz is only around £190. If I go 970 would upgrading the monitor be a bad idea or an ok one.
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a c 138 U Graphics card
September 30, 2014 10:11:40 AM

Upgrading the monitor would be fine, but you'd not see ANY difference on maxed settings. It'll not even reach 100+ on most games maxed out, with either GPU, you'd want SLI for that.
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September 30, 2014 10:42:00 AM

So upgrading the monitor will give me the room to go SLI later. Do you still recommend upgrade on monitor
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Best solution

a c 138 U Graphics card
September 30, 2014 10:47:10 AM

You can SLI on a single monitor, but that'd be overkill for even 144Hz, unless you want to 'feel' the difference of 144 over 75 refreshes, which I honestly can't feel. I'd get 970 and 75Hz or even 2 of them, then SLi in future and get one more for immersive tri monitor setup, better than any single FHD :) 
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September 30, 2014 10:54:32 AM

Thanks. Also could you elaborate a bit more on what you said about PSUs.
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a c 138 U Graphics card
September 30, 2014 10:57:11 AM

Firstly, refer these useful lists:

PSU tier list- quality wise tiered, you won't go below Tier 2B:
http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1804779/power-su...

GPU PSU requirements:
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm

Now, keeping quality in mind, any 550W or higher would do with a single GTX 980 or 970.

750W would be fine for SLI 970, for SLI 980, 850W would be great for lots of headroom too.
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September 30, 2014 11:25:07 AM

I'm getting my system prebuilt and the site (dinopc) doesn't have a lot of options on high end 750w PSUs.

I could either downgrade to 650 RM (which on that tier list is in the second category) or upgrade to a corsair Hx 1050 (which is only £30 more then the 650w).

If I go for the 650 then I would have to upgrade if I wanted to go SLI. Which one do you recommend?
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a c 138 U Graphics card
September 30, 2014 11:33:54 AM

I'd get the HX, great quality, better than RM, though even that is fine quality. But for SLI, its great to have so much of room.
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September 30, 2014 11:49:19 AM

MeteorsRaining said:
I'd get the HX, great quality, better than RM, though even that is fine quality. But for SLI, its great to have so much of room.


Thanks for all the help, it has seriously helped with my final build.
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a c 138 U Graphics card
September 30, 2014 8:17:32 PM

Glad to help :) 
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