In terms of graphics cards, we’ve seen enormous gains with each era, and both AMD and NVIDIA appear to be aiming for the best and introducing new graphics cards virtually every year. Despite all the hullabaloo, a budget gamer understands that all he requires is a graphics card that can provide steady frame rates in the newest games, even if he has to drop the setting or quality. The NVIDIA GTX 970, which itself is 5 years old, is now one of the greatest graphics cards for this reason.
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 is a three-generation older graphics card than the RTX 3000 graphics cards. Even yet, this graphics card’s performance for 1080P gaming is incredible, and you’ll achieve more than 40 FPS on average settings even with the most demanding AAA titles of 2022. There are 1664 shader processing units, 104 TMUs, and 56 ROPs on the graphics card.
Although 4 GB Storage of VRAM is not the ideal situation for today’s games, you may drop the visual settings a little and not experience any hitches or other issues. The graphics card’s base clock speed is 1050 MHz, with a boost clock of 1178 MHz.
The graphics card uses 148 watts of power, which is comparable to the GTX 1660 Super and other graphics cards, and we suggest using a PSU with at least 600 watts of reliable power. You may pair this graphics card with AMD Ryzen 5 2600 processors for maximum performance, and there will be no bottleneck.
Choosing a high-end GeForce GTX 970 is a great choice since the 900-series graphics cards offer good overclocking. As a result, you’ll be able to overdrive this graphics card to 1500 MHz on the core to get the most performance out of it. This article will examine some of the top GTX 970 graphics cards that can be used with mid-range CPUs to provide a seamless gaming experience.
ZOTAC GeForce GTX 970
Key Features
- The ZOTAC GeForce GTX 970 is one of the industry’s most powerful graphics cards.
- It is equipped with a custom-built GM204 graphics card equipped with 2,048MB of GDDR5 memory.
- Additionally, the GTX 970 supports DirectX 12 and OpenGL 4.5.
- The ZOTAC GeForce GTX 970 is a premium graphics card aimed towards gamers that seek the best.
- Featuring astonishingly realistic visuals and powered by the newest NVIDIA Maxwell architecture.
- This card performs really well and consumes very little power. Additionally, it has a slew of cutting-edge features that offer you a competitive advantage.
- At 1080p resolution, this graphics card achieves a respectable edge rate of 29 frames per second on Ultra in Microsoft Flight Simulator.
- It recovered a respectable 78 frames per second, whereas Halo: Reach and Halo: The Master Chief Collection both maintained a consistent 132 frames per second.
- The Zotac 970 has a base clock of 1076 MHz and a maximum boost clock of 1216 MHz.
- This is a huge improvement above the 1050 MHz and 1178 MHz of the original card.
Advanced gamers will see the GeForce GTX 970 Zotac 4GB Edition Graphics card as a significant boost in processing power. This card will fulfill the needs and play the most demanding AAA games, and it will do so with superb graphics settings as standard, pushing over the required game fps to run current titles, making it the finest GTX 970 efficiency.
This card combines gaming requirements with DirectX 12. The ZOTAC GeForce GTX 970 appears to be capable of running games at high Framerate on Ultra settings at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K resolutions till 2018. This system is capable of running 531 of the top 1000 Gameplay available today.
Surprisingly, its boost frequency is also slightly higher than a factory GTX 980s 1216 MHz. With such power and cooling, the Zotac 970 (connected to a 256-piece transport) has plenty of room for further overclocking. You’ll also benefit from Nvidia’s Maxwell engineering, which provides provisions for VXGI, DSR, and MFAA.
Verdict
If you’re searching for a strong graphics card to fuel your next gaming session, the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 970 is a good option. This card is filled with features and performs well. It was created specifically for high-end gamers, and its actual 4K gaming capability is unmatched. Additionally, it has a variety of cutting-edge technology, making it one of the most powerful graphics cards available today.
Pros
- The design is elegant.
- 2 fans with a more efficient heatsink
- OC potential is reasonable.
- Other GTX 970 cards are smaller.
Cons
- There is no RGB lighting.
- There is no backplate.
Specifications
| Brand | ZOTAC |
| VRAM | 4 GB |
| Base Clock | 1102 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1241 MHz |
| Power Consumption | 145W |
| Power Supply | 500W |
MSI ARMOR 2X GeForce GTX 970
- The MSI ARMOR 2X GeForce GTX 970 is the first gaming graphics card with a metal backplate and two fan cooling.
- NVIDIA’s new Maxwell architecture is used to improve speed and power efficiency.
- It has GDDR5 memory, which has a greater bandwidth than conventional GDDR3 memory and allows for quicker gaming frame rates.
- NVIDIA GameWorks technologies are also supported by the MSI ARMOR 2X GeForce GTX 970.
- It offers the greatest in dramatic game settings, high graphical competition, and dynamic internet play.
- On the Twin Frozr IV Professional cards, Rotor Blade fans may also be found.
- have received several awards for their ability to maintain cool while remaining mute.
- A monstrous heatsink with exquisite metal blades.
- It assists in dissipating heat generated by the GPU under the eye-catching cover and ground-breaking twin fans.
The GeForce GTX 970 MSI Armor 2X OC 4GB Edition’s game performance highlights the bigger games performed on Ultra settings at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K screen objectives in 2022. This card is the most affordable option, yet it can handle today’s most demanding games, making it the greatest GTX 970 for the money.
On Microsoft Flight Simulator at 1080p, the GeForce GTX 970 MSI Armor 2X OC 4GB Edition graphics card is expected to provide a passable performance of 30 frames per second at Ultra settings on the GeForce GTX 970 MSI Armor 2X OC 4GB Edition GPU.
MSI chose a proprietary VGA cooler that is based on the ARMOR 2X warm construction. We can observe a peaceful VGA cooler with two 100micrometers fans behind this advertising name. Is it, in any case, effective? In the consumer test, we’ll see whether that’s the case. The boost clock on this MSI GTX 970 is 1240MHz.
In comparison to the standard card, the Graphics card is overclocked. The Armor2X OC graphic card comes with faster clock speeds out of the box, resulting in superior in-game performance, as well as two 10cm Rotor Blade fans, which create 20% more wind current than the standard fan design.
Verdict
Copper heat pipes are combined in the baseplate to guarantee optimum cooling. The metal balances are equipped with Airflow Control technology to direct more wind into the heat pipes. Nonetheless, it is the most trusted alternative for a trouble-free gaming experience.
Pros
- While under a heavy load, it is quiet.
- When the GPU is idle, it maintains a pleasant temperature.
- Components for assembly of high grade.
- Great performance.
Cons
- There is no backplate.
- There is no LED lighting.
- Bulky, with a greater length.
- Not suitable for mini itx motherboard
Specifications
| Brand | MSI |
| VRAM | 4 GB |
| Base Clock | 442 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1253 MHz |
| Power Consumption | 145W |
| Power Supply | 500W |
MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G
The MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G is a top-tier handcrafted gpu from MSI that features a processing plant “an MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G that literally kills its fans when the Graphics card is often at rest or in no-game phase, and a special craft PCB that, for the most part, requires an additional 6-pin PCIe power cable to definitely continue supporting the card’s overclocking requirements as especially in comparison to the default edition of GTX 970.” The new TwinFrozr V cooler features two independent fans that can operate together.
The Gaming 4G, as its name suggests, boasts a generous 4GB of GDDR5 RAM, which is standard for GTX 970 cards. The GTX 970’s GPU has a base clock speed of 1,140MHz and a maximum boost clock speed of 1,279MHz, while the memory operates at 1,753MHz.
The GPU’s clock rates are a significant improvement above the GTX 970 reference structure’s 1,050MHz and 1,178MHz. At factory rates, the MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G delivered smooth FPS in Dirt Showdown and Crysis 3 benchmark testing, making it the finest premium GTX 970.
The card produced a regular FPS rate of 119fps in Dirt Showdown at a target of 1,9201,080 with 4x AntiAliasing and Ultra quality, which is more than smooth enough for a rapid, arcade-style dashing game like this.
The card generated a regular edge pace of 72.9fps in the Crysis 3 test, with an even more extreme edge pace of 88fps and a least extreme edge pace of 48fps, providing fluid interaction regularly at a resolution of 1,9201,080, with 4x contrast associating and High quality. The MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G now boasts a 1,140mhz core clock, up from 1,050mhz on the development kit.
Pros
- At all times, keep a low profile.
- It has a nice design.
- Good performance.
- Idle power usage is insufficient.
Cons
- Additional 6-pin power input is available.
- More energy is used.
- Larger in size.
- Expensive.
Specifications
| Brand | MSI |
| VRAM | 4 GB |
| Base Clock | 1140 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1279 MHz |
| Power Consumption | 145W |
| Power Supply | 500W |
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 SSC
Key Features
- EVGA announced the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 SSC graphics card in June 2016.
- It is based on the Maxwell architecture and has 1664 CUDA cores, 104 texture units, and 64 render operations per second.
- The card is 267 mm long and 113 mm thick, with a dual slot design.
- DirectX 12 and OpenGL 4.5 are supported on the GTX 970 SSC.
- The EVGA GeForce GTX 970 SSC graphics card is one of the most powerful on the market.
- It has 4GB of GDDR5 RAM and a 256-bit wide bus.
- This enables the creation of high-resolution images with high-quality textures without breaking the budget.
- Additionally, the GPU supports Microsoft DirectX 12, which enhances the realism of games. Additionally, the card has a slew of additional features that make it a fantastic pick for gamers.
- This card operates at a base frequency of 1,190MHz and a maximum boost speed of 1,342MHz, indicating that EVGA is not attempting to suppress.
- The card’s robustness is enhanced by the combination of an 8-pin/6-pin PCI-E power connector.
- The ACX 2.0+ cooling architecture contains upgrades to the GTX 970 SC ACX2’s blowers.
- For example, expanded edges, redesigned engines, and minimal force engines with strengthened magnets, doubled metal balls, and updated fan edges.
The EVGA Superclocked is outfitted with the company’s ACX 2.0 cooler and takes on the GeForce GTX 970. It’s slightly longer than the GeForce GTX 980 standard card, but it’s also much cheaper at 639 grams.
Whereas the card’s usual clock rate of 1,190 MHz is much greater than the 1050 MHz standard spec, the 1,342 MHz boost clock is one of the most impressive industrial facility overclocks we’ve ever seen. The manufacturing quality, on the other hand, is still typically superb; nothing seems loose or wobbly.
We’re not sure why it wasn’t included and displayed originally, but it’s an excellent addition that helps underline the card’s stubborn character, amazing potential, and overall mood. Despite the RAM being kept at 7GHz, this is a significant 13% quicker than Nvidia’s standard speed, making this GTX 970 one of the sharpest and fastest available.
Verdict
According to EVGA, the result is higher air current while using less power. To be really candid, the manufacturer claims it is the most effective air cooler on the globe. Thus, in terms of enhancing and using extra commodities, it is the large GPU.
Pros
- The design and components are of aviation-grade quality.
- Two ardent supporters.
- A larger heatsink is required.
- OC potential is good.
- Overall performance is good.
Cons
- Expensive.
- It’s nearly impossible to find on the market.
- The length is 257mm.
- Heavier.
Specifications
| Brand | EVGA |
| VRAM | 4 GB |
| Base Clock | 1190 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1342 MHz |
| Power Consumption | 145W |
| Power Supply | 500W |
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB XTREME
Key Features
- The Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB XTREME is a high-end graphics card built for the most demanding gamers.
- This card is equipped with a strong GPU that can handle even the most demanding gaming scenarios.
- The card also comes with 4GB of GDDR5 RAM, allowing you to play the most recent and demanding games with ease.
- This card also comes with a revolutionary Windforce 3X cooling system, which delivers improved performance and reliability.
- The best high-end GTX 970 is the Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB XTREME.
- It’s capable of running the most demanding AAA games with excellent graphics settings out of the box.
- Clearly going beyond the suggested games and expected to run current releases.
- With a base clock rate of 1190MHz and a lift of 1392 MHz, the card measures roughly 280mm long and 110mm wide.
- A memory clock rate of 7100 MHz and 4GB GDDR5 are also included.
- This GPU comes with everything you’ll need to construct a great gaming chip
The GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 970 4GB XTREME GAMING OC EDITION has a production network overclock and WINDFORCE cooling technology, which is renowned for spectacular performance and low commotion activity.
This Graphic card is a high-end 970 chip that is readily available. This GPU, on the other hand, comes with a production network overclock and a few other unique features that help to justify the sticker tag.
The GTX 970 XTREME is shipped with an OC mode enabled via the OC GURU II programming, which includes a preset frequency increase of 1216Mhz for the base clock and a recurrent knock of 25mhz for the buffer at 1774Mhz.
Verdict
GIGABYTE has put a lot of thought into the design of the card, and the quality of the workmanship and manufacturing has finally justified the price. Some advertisements may be dynamic during this composition, or if another pending release occurs, prices must drop. Keep in mind that while NVIDIA may hold off on releasing their next graphics card for a while, it will only postpone the replacement for the GTX 970, which still makes it a serious contender for the 1080p market.
Pros
- The best design for the GTX 970.
- Three ardent supporters.
- A larger heatsink is required.
- Backplate.
Cons
- Expensive.
- The 280 mm length is too lengthy for a tiny ITX chassis.
- Bulkier.
Specifications
| Brand | Gigabyte |
| VRAM | 4 GB |
| Base Clock | 1215 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1367 MHz |
| Power Consumption | 314W |
| Power Supply | 600W |
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 G1 Gaming
Key Features
- The Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 G1 Gaming is a high-end graphics card developed for NVidia enthusiasts.
- It includes a lot of characteristics that make it an outstanding graphics card for individuals who are seeking for one.
- The card’s basic clock frequency is 1506 MHz.
- It is compatible with the most recent technology, including PCI Express 3.0 and DirectX 12.
- It also has 4GB of GDDR5 RAM, allowing you to play high-definition games without difficulty.
- The GeForce GTX 970 G1 Gaming from Gigabyte is a high-end graphics card.
- It also has fast GDDR5 RAM for excellent performance and dependability.
- The Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 G1 Gaming graphics card is ideal for gamers who want to get the most out of their games.
The GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 970 4GB, G1 GAMING Version is the greatest overclocked GTX 970 with a production network boost and WINDFORCE cooling technology, which is renowned for amazing execution and minimal commotion activity.
The card measures approximately 312 millimeters long. For several of its graphics cards, Gigabyte has been improving its Windforce cooling technology. The current design makes use of unusually shaped fan sharp edges to aid heat dissipation without relying on wind current. Sturdy copper heat pipes reach the GPU, according to Gigabyte, which helps heat dissipation.
On top, the Windforce logo glows blue, and a Windows program lets you modify the lighting effects. The dark backplate also has a G1 Gaming logo embossed on it. The fan’s face is falling, which we assume was done on purpose to hide the LEDs.
Verdict
The most remarkable aspect of Gigabyte’s GeForce GTX 970 G1 Gaming GPU is its powerful production line overclock. Overclock, that’s a stunning production facility! To guarantee that this overclocks consistently and works on the best graphics processors, Gigabyte utilised GPU Gauntlet arranging.You will either enjoy or dislike the all-dark design of this card. Normally, graphic cards have some structure; however, this card is unstructured. Gigabyte has included a metal backplate as well as a real metal fan cover, which we enjoy. The backplate secures the card’s PCB while also providing stability.
Pros
- Three ardent supporters.
- A larger heatsink is required.
- Backplate.
- A more effective cooling system.
Cons
- The 312 mm length is too lengthy for a tiny ITX chassis.
- Heavier.
- The overclocking function isn’t really great.
Specifications
| Brand | Gigabyte |
| VRAM | 4 GB |
| Base Clock | 1114 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1253 MHz |
| Power Consumption | 314W |
| Power Supply | 550W |
PNY GeForce GTX 970
Key Features
- PNY’s GeForce GTX 970 graphics card is a high-end graphics card with excellent performance.
- It has 4GB of GDDR5 RAM and a strong NVIDIA Maxwell architecture.
- GameWorks and ShadowPlay are two examples of sophisticated gaming technology.
- It also has DirectX 12 functionality, allowing you to get the most out of your games.
- The GTX 970 also includes a number of features that make it an excellent gaming GPU, including support for DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 2.0a connectors, as well as dual-link DVI output for high-resolution screens.
- It features a 1,506 MHz core clock and a 7010 MHz GDDR5 memory clock.
- The GPU is quite a power-demanding.
- The GeForce GTX 970 PNY 4GB Edition is the greatest GTX 970 for the money.
The GeForce GTX 970 PNY 4GB Edition is normally more than capable of handling 1080p games with a constant frame rate. This GPU will meet the DirectX 12 game framework requirements. We researched how the GeForce GTX 970 PNY 4GB Edition can run Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p and expect it to produce playable casing rates.
In terms of execution difference, Dread Endless is expected to return to a reasonable 50 FPS at Ultra 1080p. The Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 PNY 4GB Edition produces hidden and unique graphical effects with ease, thanks to a strong SPU score of 2646. At 150 Watts. In general, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 PNY 4GB Edition performs well.
When operating the most current programs and games, the degrees of execution that this graphics card can achieve considerably beyond the respectable extent. This card is almost 5 years old, which means it is very obsolete and reliant on advanced technology.
Verdict
The PNY 970 is an enthralling card; nevertheless, given its price point, many of these qualities should not be a deal breaker. Regardless, we wish PNY had manufactured this a max-length card with custom cooling and a fan rather than the blowers and little condenser. Future games will very definitely need particular adaptations and take into account a longer life duration as a feature of another gaming Computer advantage, given the current level of driver support.
Pros
- Design with a small footprint.
- Better than the GTX 970 standard model.
- Mini DP ports are available.
Cons
- Expensive.
- There isn’t a full-sized DP port.
- The blower makes a lot of noise.
Specifications
| Brand | PNY |
| VRAM | 4 GB |
| Base Clock | 1050 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1178 MHz |
| Power Consumption | 145W |
| Power Supply | 650W |
ASUS STRIX GeForce GTX 970
Key Features
- The ASUS STRIX GeForce GTX 970 is a one-of-a-kind blend of top-of-the-line performance with a stylish, modern appearance.
- The card has a powerful GPU with 3GB of GDDR5 RAM, allowing you to run the most recent games and apps with ease.
- The ASUS STRIX GeForce GTX 970 also has Super Alloy Power technology, which is exclusive to ASUS.
- It has better overclocking capability and a longer lifespan.
- ASUS’ own STRIX GTX 970 graphics card has a bespoke design with improved cooling and performance.
- The card has two 8-pin power connections and DirectX 12.0 compatibility.
- 4GB of GDDR5 memory, a 256-bit memory interface, and a 1GHz core clock speed are among the other characteristics.
The ASUS STRIX GeForce GTX 970 OC is the greatest gaming GTX 970, with a handmade PCB and ASUS’ unique STRIX cooling system, which turns down the fans for a completely quiet experience.
The GTX 970 will have all the cooling it needs thanks to a bespoke PCB, all-black construction, and the DirectCU Strix cooler, with temperatures hovering over 70 degrees Celsius and low noise levels. Out of gear or work surface mode, the blowers can’t just turn on till the temperature reaches 67 ° C.
With a customized PCB, all-dark construction, and the DirectCU Strix cooler, the ASUS GeForce GTX 970 will have all the conditioning it needs. Out of rigging or work territory mode, the fans won’t turn until the temperature reaches 67 degrees Celsius. You cannot manually lower the fan speed with an afterburner. As expected, the GDDR5 ram performs well. It will not be a bottleneck in any way.
Sharpness and quickness are the hallmarks of the STRIX series. With the STRIX GeForce GTX 970, the company has created a card with a 114 MHz base clock and a 1253 MHz boost clock that will provide an improved display.
Verdict
As a consequence, it has 4GB of GDDR5 RAM with a 7012 MHz memory frequency. With such a beautiful look and low power consumption, it’s really groundbreaking to operate beyond the reference belt with just one 8 pin power input. The ASUS STRIX GeForce GTX 970 is a reliable and elegant choice!
Pros
- Two ardent supporters.
- A larger heatsink is required.
- It’s a really nice and peaceful stream.
- The impact of LED glare.
Cons
- Expensive.
- There are no RGB values.
- The 280 mm length is too lengthy for a tiny ITX chassis.
Specifications
| Brand | ASUS |
| VRAM | 4 GB |
| Base Clock | 1114 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1253 MHz |
| Power Consumption | 225W |
| Power Supply | 550W |
Conclusion
Your objectives and budget are the most important factors to consider when selecting a PC component. To choose a product that meets your needs while staying within your budget, you must first assess your needs. The MSI ARMOR 2X GeForce GTX 970 is a terrific low-cost solution that may match your basic expectations; but, if you’re ready to spend a bit more, the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 970 is a superb choice. Make your decision depending on your needs and budgetary limits. Choose carefully and deliberately, and go for the best.
Quick Shopping Tips for the Best GTX 970 Graphics Cards
So, here we are with the purchasing guidance part, as is customary. In this part, we’ll go over all of the important items you should look for before making a purchase.
Cooling Capability
The cooling capabilities of any card are critical in ensuring that the component performs well and lasts a long time. Make sure that any graphics card you purchase can handle the heat generated by high-end games before you buy it. Inspect if the card uses airflow or liquid cooling, as well as the card’s characteristics.
Performance
Premium graphics cards are on the market solely because of their high efficiency. It’s pointless to spend money on graphics components without knowing what kind of performance they’ll provide. To avoid bottlenecks caused by performance incompatibilities, the GPU’s performance must be brought up to the CPU.
Build Quality
What if you spend a lot of money on a graphics card and it only lasts a few months? This is why we must examine the card’s construction and substance. Good grade material resists heating better than bad material, which is common in gaming graphics cards with high speeds.
Aesthetics
Take a close look at the graphic card you’re considering purchasing and ask yourself questions about its aesthetics, design, color, and other features. When it comes to purchasing a product, the enticing graphics draw us more than any other component. Plus, with a well-designed graphic card, the motherboard will look stunning.
Overclocking
A graphic card’s capacity to push itself beyond the limitations of clock speed is known as overclocking. This occurs when the component’s load is greater than intended. This feature of any card helps in deciding whether or not it can run high-quality games without sacrificing speed or loading time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q) Which GTX 970 is the most cost-effective?
The question then becomes which specific SKU to buy, since Nvidia’s AIC partners are out in full force with various offerings, each one promising to be better than the previous. There’s a lot of information to take in even when these three cards are put together, so we’ve consolidated a lot of the important differences between the ASUS, MSI, and EVGA cards in the chart below.
Q) Will the GTX 970 be as good in 2021 as it is now?
It’s somewhat old now, but it can still run most games at 70+ frames per second at a very reasonable price. So, if someone offers you a GTX 970 for $90, take it. However, make sure it isn’t mined or scratched.
Q) What is the best GTX 970?
With the game stream on the Nvidia shield and amazing gaming performance, Gigabyte’s GTX 970 is rated the finest 970.
