When comparing GTX 970 vs RX 560, you’re looking at two older graphics cards that target different segments of the budget gaming market. NVIDIA’s GTX 970 was originally a high-end Maxwell GPU, while AMD’s RX 560 was designed as an entry-level Polaris card.
Even years after their release, both GPUs remain popular among gamers looking for affordable second-hand options. The GTX 970 delivers significantly higher raw performance, making it suitable for 1080p gaming, while the RX 560 offers lower power consumption and better efficiency. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses can help you choose the right GPU for your needs in.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison Table
Before diving into benchmarks and gaming performance, here’s a detailed specification comparison between the GTX 970 and RX 560.
| Feature | GTX 970 | RX 560 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Maxwell | Polaris |
| Launch Year | 2014 | 2017 |
| Process Node | 28nm | 14nm |
| VRAM | 4GB GDDR5 | 2GB/4GB GDDR5 |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit | 128-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 224 GB/s | 112 GB/s |
| Stream/CUDA Cores | 1664 CUDA | 1024 Stream |
| Base Clock | 1050 MHz | 1175 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1178 MHz | 1275 MHz |
| TDP | 145W | 80W |
| Power Connector | 6-pin + 6-pin | 6-pin |
| DirectX Support | DirectX 12 | DirectX 12 |
| Recommended PSU | 500W | 400W |
Quick Highlights Table
Here’s a quick summary of what each card does best.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Gaming Performance | GTX 970 |
| 1080p High Settings | GTX 970 |
| Power Efficiency | RX 560 |
| Heat Output | RX 560 |
| Memory Bandwidth | GTX 970 |
| Budget Used Market Value | GTX 970 |
| Small Form Factor PCs | RX 560 |
| Esports Gaming | Tie |
| AAA Gaming | GTX 970 |
Key Takeaways
The GTX 970 vs RX 560 battle isn’t particularly close when it comes to raw performance, but each card has its own advantages.
Main Points
- GTX 970 is around 70-100% faster in most games.
- RX 560 consumes much less power.
- GTX 970 handles modern 1080p games better.
- RX 560 is suitable for esports and lightweight gaming.
- Both cards support DirectX 12.
- GTX 970 offers much better value on the used market.
- RX 560 runs cooler and quieter.
Gaming Performance Comparison
The GTX 970 easily outperforms the RX 560 in most games at 1080p.
| Game (1080p High) | GTX 970 | RX 560 |
|---|---|---|
| GTA V | 95 FPS | 58 FPS |
| Fortnite | 140 FPS | 85 FPS |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 48 FPS | 25 FPS |
| Apex Legends | 110 FPS | 65 FPS |
| Valorant | 220 FPS | 150 FPS |
| CS2 | 180 FPS | 115 FPS |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 52 FPS | 28 FPS |
Benchmark Scores
Synthetic benchmarks help illustrate the overall performance gap.
| Benchmark | GTX 970 | RX 560 |
|---|---|---|
| PassMark | ~9700 | ~5400 |
| 3DMark Fire Strike | ~11,000 | ~6,300 |
| Geekbench OpenCL | ~56,000 | ~37,000 |
| Time Spy Graphics | ~3,500 | ~1,900 |
Power Consumption and Efficiency
One area where the RX 560 shines is efficiency.
| Metric | GTX 970 | RX 560 |
|---|---|---|
| TDP | 145W | 80W |
| Recommended PSU | 500W | 400W |
| Typical Gaming Power | 150W | 75W |
| Heat Output | Higher | Lower |
If you’re building a low-power PC, the RX 560 is easier to manage.
Price and Value Analysis
In the used market:
- GTX 970: Better performance per dollar.
- RX 560: Lower electricity usage and cheaper entry price.
- For most gamers, the GTX 970 provides considerably more FPS for a modest increase in power consumption.
GTX 970 vs RX 560 for Streaming
Neither GPU is ideal for professional streaming, but:
GTX 970
- Better gaming performance.
- Stronger NVENC encoder support.
- More suitable for 1080p streaming.
RX 560
- Better for casual streamers.
- Lower heat and noise.
- Limited gaming headroom while streaming.
GTX 970 vs RX 560 for Video Editing
GTX 970
- Faster rendering.
- Better GPU acceleration.
- More capable for Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve.
RX 560
- Handles light editing workloads.
- Better suited for simple projects and content creation.
GTX 970 vs RX 560 Specifications Differences Explained
Although both GPUs feature 4GB GDDR5 variants and support DirectX 12, they target different performance tiers. The GTX 970 was originally a high-end card, while the RX 560 was designed for entry-level gaming.
| Specification | GTX 970 | RX 560 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Maxwell | Polaris |
| CUDA/Stream Processors | 1664 CUDA Cores | 1024 Stream Processors |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit | 128-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 224 GB/s | 112 GB/s |
| TDP | 145W | 80W |
| Typical Performance Tier | Mid-High End | Entry-Level |
The GTX 970’s wider memory bus and significantly greater compute performance give it a major advantage in gaming.
1080p Gaming Benchmarks
Real-world gaming performance is where the GTX 970 clearly pulls ahead.
| Game (1080p High Settings) | GTX 970 | RX 560 |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 48 FPS | 25 FPS |
| GTA V | 95 FPS | 58 FPS |
| Fortnite | 140 FPS | 85 FPS |
| Call of Duty Warzone | 65 FPS | 35 FPS |
| Apex Legends | 110 FPS | 65 FPS |
| Counter-Strike 2 | 180 FPS | 115 FPS |
| Valorant | 220 FPS | 150 FPS |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 52 FPS | 28 FPS |
| Hogwarts Legacy | 42 FPS | 22 FPS |
Overall, the GTX 970 is roughly 70–100% faster depending on the game.
1440p Gaming Performance
Neither card is ideal for modern 1440p gaming, but the GTX 970 is much more capable.
GTX 970
- Playable in many titles at medium settings.
- Better suited for older AAA games.
- Can achieve 40–60 FPS in some games.
RX 560
- Best used at 1080p.
- Struggles heavily at 1440p.
- Requires low settings for playable frame rates.
VRAM Comparison
VRAM capacity matters more than ever in 2026.
| Feature | GTX 970 | RX 560 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM | 4GB GDDR5 | 2GB/4GB GDDR5 |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit | 128-bit |
| Bandwidth | 224 GB/s | 112 GB/s |
While 4GB VRAM is becoming limiting for modern AAA games, the GTX 970’s wider memory bus helps maintain smoother gameplay.
Temperature and Noise Levels
Cooling and power efficiency are areas where the RX 560 shines.
| Metric | GTX 970 | RX 560 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming Temperature | 70-78°C | 60-68°C |
| Noise Level | Moderate | Low |
| TDP | 145W | 80W |
| Cooling Requirement | Dual Fan Recommended | Single Fan Sufficient |
If quiet operation and low heat are priorities, the RX 560 is the better choice.
Productivity Performance
These GPUs are also capable of handling light creative workloads.
| Application | GTX 970 | RX 560 |
|---|---|---|
| Photoshop | Good | Good |
| Premiere Pro | Better | Decent |
| DaVinci Resolve | Better | Basic |
| Blender Rendering | Faster | Slower |
| Video Encoding | Better | Average |
The GTX 970’s superior processing power makes it the stronger option for content creators.
Driver Support and Future-Proofing
Software support is becoming increasingly important.
GTX 970
Pros
- Mature drivers.
- Stable performance.
- Excellent compatibility.
Cons
- Legacy architecture.
- Fewer optimizations for future games.
RX 560
Pros
- Newer architecture.
- Continued driver support from AMD.
- Better efficiency.
Cons
- Lower raw performance.
Neither card is truly future-proof, but the GTX 970 still provides a better overall gaming experience.
Used Market Pricing
Second-hand prices make these cards attractive budget options.
| GPU | Typical Used Price |
|---|---|
| GTX 970 | $40–70 |
| RX 560 2GB | $30–45 |
| RX 560 4GB | $40–60 |
If prices are close, the GTX 970 usually delivers far better value.
Who Should Avoid These GPUs?
Avoid GTX 970 If:
- You have a power supply under 450W.
- You prioritize low electricity usage.
- You need modern AV1 encoding support.
- You want advanced ray tracing features.
Avoid RX 560 If:
- You play modern AAA games.
- You want 1440p gaming.
- You need high refresh-rate performance.
- You plan to keep the card for several years.
GTX 970 vs RX 560: Which One Should You Buy
Different users have different needs.
| User Type | Recommended GPU |
|---|---|
| Budget Gamer | GTX 970 |
| Competitive Gamer | GTX 970 |
| AAA Gaming | GTX 970 |
| HTPC Build | RX 560 |
| Low-Power PC | RX 560 |
| Small Form Factor Build | RX 560 |
| Best Overall Value | GTX 970 |
| Video Editing | GTX 970 |
For most gamers, the GTX 970 remains the better purchase thanks to its substantially higher performance.
Alternatives to Both GPUs
If your budget allows, consider:
- GTX 1060 6GB
- GTX 1650 Super
- RX 580 8GB
- RX 5500 XT
- GTX 1660 Super
- RTX 2060
These cards provide better efficiency and support for newer games.
GTX 970 vs RX 560 Pros & Cons
Both GPUs have strengths and limitations. Here’s a breakdown.
GTX 970 Pros
- Excellent 1080p gaming performance.
- Wide 256-bit memory bus.
- Better FPS in modern titles.
- Good used-market value.
- Supports VR and high settings in older AAA games.
GTX 970 Cons
- Higher power consumption.
- Older 28nm architecture.
- Generates more heat.
- Requires a stronger power supply.
RX 560 Pros
- Low power draw.
- Cooler operation.
- Compact designs available.
- Suitable for HTPC and entry-level gaming.
- Affordable and easy to find.
RX 560 Cons
- Significantly slower than GTX 970.
- Limited future-proofing.
- Struggles with demanding AAA games.
- Narrower memory bus.
Buying Recommendations
Choose the GTX 970 if:
- You want the highest FPS possible.
- You mainly play AAA games.
- You have a 500W or better PSU.
- You’re buying used and want maximum value.
Choose the RX 560 if:
- You need low power consumption.
- You have a compact PC.
- You mostly play esports games.
- Your budget is extremely tight.
Final Verdict
In the GTX 970 vs RX 560 comparison, the GTX 970 is the clear winner in terms of performance. Despite being older, it was originally a high-end card and still delivers respectable 1080p gaming performance.
The RX 560 remains a decent option for low-power systems and casual gamers, but if both cards are available at similar prices, the GTX 970 offers significantly better value and a much better gaming experience.
FAQ Section
Q1: Is GTX 970 better than RX 560?
Ans: Yes. The GTX 970 is considerably faster and offers much better gaming performance.
Q2: Can RX 560 run modern games?
Ans: Yes, but mostly at low settings and 1080p resolution.
Q3: Which card consumes less power?
Ans: The RX 560 is more power-efficient with an 80W TDP.
Q4: Is GTX 970 still good in today?
Ans: Yes. It remains capable of playing many modern games at 1080p medium to high settings.
Q5: Which GPU is better for esports titles?
Ans: Both perform well, but the GTX 970 delivers higher frame rates.
Q6: Does GTX 970 support DirectX 12?
Ans: Yes, the GTX 970 supports DirectX 12.
Q7: Which card offers better value?
Ans: The GTX 970 provides significantly better performance per dollar in the used market.
Short Conclusion
The GTX 970 vs RX 560 comparison heavily favors the GTX 970 for gamers seeking the best 1080p performance on a budget. While the RX 560 excels in power efficiency and compact builds, the GTX 970’s superior frame rates and stronger overall capability make it the smarter choice for most users.
If you have any questions about “GTX 970 vs RX 560: Which Budget Graphics Card Is Better”, then feel free to let us know through your comments.
