Choosing between the GTX 980 vs RX 560 can be challenging, especially if you’re shopping for an affordable used graphics card or upgrading an older gaming PC. Although both GPUs belong to previous generations, they target very different audiences. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 launched as a flagship enthusiast graphics card based on the Maxwell architecture, while the AMD Radeon RX 560 was designed as an entry-level Polaris GPU for budget gaming and multimedia workloads.
Despite being older hardware, these graphics cards continue to attract gamers looking for inexpensive upgrades capable of handling popular esports titles and many modern games at 1080p. However, the performance difference between them is substantial. The GTX 980 offers significantly more processing power, memory bandwidth, and gaming performance, whereas the RX 560 focuses on lower power consumption, affordability, and compact system compatibility.
In this GTX 980 vs RX 560 comparison, we’ll examine their specifications, gaming performance, benchmark results, efficiency, features, pricing, and overall value. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which GPU best fits your gaming needs and budget in 2026.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison Table
Before diving into benchmark numbers and gaming performance, here’s a quick look at how the GTX 980 and RX 560 compare across their most important specifications.
| Feature | NVIDIA GTX 980 | AMD RX 560 |
| Launch Year | 2014 | 2017 |
| Architecture | Maxwell GM204 | Polaris 21 |
| Manufacturing Process | 28nm | 14nm |
| VRAM | 4GB GDDR5 | 2GB / 4GB GDDR5 |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit | 128-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 224 GB/s | 112 GB/s |
| CUDA / Stream Processors | 2048 CUDA Cores | 1024 Stream Processors |
| Base Clock | 1126 MHz | 1175 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1216 MHz | Up to 1275 MHz |
| Ray Tracing | No | No |
| DLSS / FSR | No DLSS | Supports AMD FSR in compatible games |
| DirectX Support | DirectX 12 | DirectX 12 |
| TDP | 165W | 80W |
| Recommended PSU | 500W | 400W |
| PCIe Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 3.0 x8 |
| Best Gaming Resolution | 1080p / 1440p | 720p / 1080p Low-Medium |
Quick Highlights Table
If you only need the key differences, this summary table provides a quick overview of where each graphics card excels.
| Category | Winner | Reason |
| Gaming Performance | GTX 980 | Around 2–3× faster in most games |
| Raw Compute Power | GTX 980 | Significantly more shader performance |
| Memory Bandwidth | GTX 980 | 224 GB/s doubles the RX 560 |
| Power Efficiency | RX 560 | Much lower 80W power draw |
| Compact PC Builds | RX 560 | Smaller cards with lower heat output |
| High Settings Gaming | GTX 980 | Smooth 1080p Ultra and decent 1440p |
| Budget Used Price | RX 560 | Usually cheaper in the second-hand market |
| Future-Proof Gaming | GTX 980 | Better longevity thanks to higher performance |
| HTPC & Casual Gaming | RX 560 | Quiet, cool, and efficient |
| Overall Winner | GTX 980 | Offers dramatically better gaming performance |
Key Takeaways
The GTX 980 vs RX 560 comparison isn’t particularly close when gaming performance is the primary consideration. While the RX 560 remains an efficient entry-level graphics card, the GTX 980 still delivers much stronger frame rates across nearly every modern title.
- GTX 980 is up to three times faster in demanding AAA games.
- RX 560 consumes about half the power, making it ideal for low-wattage systems.
- GTX 980’s wider 256-bit memory bus provides far greater bandwidth.
- RX 560 is better suited for office PCs, HTPCs, and light esports gaming.
- GTX 980 comfortably handles high settings at 1080p and can even play many games at 1440p.
- RX 560 struggles with modern AAA titles unless settings are reduced.
- If both cards are similarly priced in the used market, the GTX 980 offers significantly better value.
- RX 560 remains attractive for users prioritizing low power consumption and quieter operation.
- Both GPUs lack dedicated hardware for modern ray tracing, but the GTX 980’s superior raw performance keeps it relevant for older and many current games.
- Overall, the GTX 980 provides the better gaming experience, while the RX 560 is the better choice for budget-conscious users with limited power supplies.
Pros & Cons
When comparing GTX 980 vs RX 560, each graphics card has its own strengths and weaknesses. The GTX 980 remains a surprisingly capable gaming GPU despite its age, while the RX 560 focuses on affordability and power efficiency.
GTX 980 Pros
- Excellent 1080p gaming performance
- Capable of smooth 1440p gaming in many titles
- 4GB GDDR5 memory with a wide 256-bit memory bus
- High memory bandwidth improves performance in demanding games
- Strong compute performance for video editing and rendering
- Better longevity for modern games
- Excellent used-market value
GTX 980 Cons
- Higher 165W power consumption
- Generates more heat under heavy gaming loads
- Requires additional PCIe power connectors
- Older Maxwell architecture lacks ray tracing and DLSS support
- Larger physical size may not fit compact PC cases
RX 560 Pros
- Very power efficient with only an 80W TDP
- Runs cool and quietly
- Great choice for small form factor PCs
- Supports AMD FreeSync
- Affordable in the used market
- Suitable for esports and casual gaming
- Easy upgrade for systems with lower-wattage power supplies
RX 560 Cons
- Significantly slower than the GTX 980
- Limited by a 128-bit memory bus
- Struggles in modern AAA games
- 2GB models are no longer recommended
- Limited future-proofing
Gaming Performance Comparison
Gaming performance is where the biggest difference between these two GPUs becomes apparent. Although both support DirectX 12, their real-world performance is far from equal. The GTX 980 was originally designed as a high-end gaming card, while the RX 560 targeted entry-level gamers.
1080p Gaming
At Full HD resolution, the GTX 980 continues to deliver impressive results in 2026. Most modern games are playable at High or Ultra settings with smooth frame rates, especially when paired with a capable processor.
The RX 560, on the other hand, is best suited for Medium or Low settings in newer titles. It performs well in older games and competitive esports titles but struggles to maintain smooth frame rates in graphically demanding releases.
| Game | GTX 980 | RX 560 |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 62 FPS | 27 FPS |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 58 FPS | 24 FPS |
| Hogwarts Legacy | 55 FPS | 22 FPS |
| Forza Horizon 5 | 84 FPS | 39 FPS |
| Assassin’s Creed Mirage | 61 FPS | 28 FPS |
| Resident Evil 4 Remake | 77 FPS | 35 FPS |
| Starfield | 42 FPS | 18 FPS |
Across modern AAA titles, the GTX 980 often delivers more than double the frame rate of the RX 560.
Esports Titles
Both GPUs perform well in competitive games, but the GTX 980 offers enough performance to fully utilize high-refresh-rate monitors.
| Game | GTX 980 | RX 560 |
| Counter-Strike 2 | 220 FPS | 118 FPS |
| Valorant | 300+ FPS | 180 FPS |
| Rainbow Six Siege | 205 FPS | 108 FPS |
| Rocket League | 240 FPS | 145 FPS |
| Overwatch 2 | 175 FPS | 96 FPS |
| Dota 2 | 165 FPS | 95 FPS |
For gamers using 144Hz or even 240Hz displays, the GTX 980 is clearly the stronger option.
1440p Gaming
The GTX 980 remains surprisingly capable at 1440p in many games, especially older AAA titles and esports games. Lowering a few graphics settings often results in a smooth experience around 60 FPS.
The RX 560 is generally not recommended for 1440p gaming due to its limited processing power and memory bandwidth. Most modern titles require significant reductions in graphics settings, resulting in a less enjoyable experience.
Productivity & Content Creation
While gaming is the primary focus of both GPUs, many users also rely on them for creative applications such as video editing, photo editing, and 3D rendering.
GTX 980
The GTX 980 performs noticeably better in productivity workloads thanks to:
- Higher CUDA core count
- Greater memory bandwidth
- Better OpenCL performance
- Faster rendering speeds
- Improved Adobe Premiere Pro acceleration
- Better Blender rendering performance
Its stronger compute capabilities make it a viable option for hobbyist creators working with 1080p video editing, graphic design, and light 3D projects.
RX 560
The RX 560 can handle everyday creative tasks, but it is more limited in demanding workflows. It works well for:
- Basic Photoshop editing
- Office productivity
- Light video editing
- Streaming media
- Casual content creation
However, rendering large projects or editing high-resolution video can be noticeably slower than on the GTX 980.
Power Consumption & Thermal Performance
Power efficiency is one area where AMD’s Polaris architecture has a clear advantage.
| Feature | GTX 980 | RX 560 |
| TDP | 165W | 80W |
| Recommended PSU | 500W | 400W |
| External Power | 2×6-pin | Usually 1×6-pin or none |
| Typical Gaming Temperature | 70–78°C | 60–68°C |
The RX 560 consumes less than half the power of the GTX 980, making it ideal for:
- Budget power supplies
- Small form factor PCs
- Quiet gaming systems
- Home theater PCs
The GTX 980 draws considerably more power but delivers significantly better performance in return. With proper airflow and a quality aftermarket cooler, temperatures remain manageable even during long gaming sessions.
Driver Support & Software Features
Although both graphics cards are older models, NVIDIA and AMD continue to provide varying levels of software support through legacy driver releases.
GTX 980 Features
- NVIDIA ShadowPlay
- NVIDIA Ansel
- CUDA acceleration
- G-SYNC compatibility
- PhysX support
- NVENC hardware encoder for streaming and recording
The GTX 980’s NVENC encoder remains useful for streamers and content creators, offering efficient video encoding with minimal impact on gaming performance.
RX 560 Features
- AMD Radeon Software
- Radeon Anti-Lag
- Radeon Chill
- Radeon Image Sharpening
- AMD FreeSync
- AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) support in compatible games
FSR can help the RX 560 achieve smoother frame rates in supported titles by rendering at a lower internal resolution and intelligently upscaling the image. While it doesn’t fully close the performance gap with the GTX 980, it does improve playability in some modern games.
Overall, the GTX 980 stands out for its stronger raw performance and creator-focused features like CUDA and NVENC, while the RX 560 offers a more efficient and feature-rich experience for budget users who value low power consumption and AMD’s software ecosystem.
Benchmark Performance
Synthetic benchmarks provide a useful way to compare raw GPU performance without being limited to a specific game engine. While real-world gaming results are the most important factor, benchmark scores highlight the significant performance gap between the GTX 980 and RX 560.
Popular Benchmark Scores
| Benchmark | GTX 980 | RX 560 | Winner |
| 3DMark Time Spy (Graphics) | ~4,500 | ~1,900 | GTX 980 |
| 3DMark Fire Strike (Graphics) | ~12,500 | ~6,100 | GTX 980 |
| PassMark G3D Mark | ~9,300 | ~4,000 | GTX 980 |
| Geekbench 6 OpenCL | ~72,000 | ~39,000 | GTX 980 |
| Geekbench 6 Vulkan | ~76,000 | ~41,000 | GTX 980 |
The benchmark results clearly show that the GTX 980 delivers well over twice the graphics performance of the RX 560 in most synthetic tests. This translates directly into higher frame rates, smoother gameplay, and better performance in GPU-accelerated applications.
Price-to-Performance Analysis
Buying an older graphics card is all about getting the best value for your money. Since both GPUs are only available on the used market, prices vary depending on condition, brand, cooling solution, and local availability.
GTX 980
Although it was once a flagship graphics card, the GTX 980 is now available at a relatively affordable used price. Considering its level of performance, it remains one of the better value options for budget gamers.
Best for:
- High-value used gaming PCs
- Budget 1080p gaming
- Entry-level 1440p gaming
- Gamers upgrading from GTX 750 Ti, GTX 960, or RX 460
RX 560
The RX 560 is generally less expensive and appeals to users with limited budgets or low-power systems. It is a sensible choice if your PC has a modest power supply or if you mainly play esports titles.
Best for:
- Casual gamers
- Office and multimedia PCs
- Small form factor systems
- Budget-conscious buyers
Overall Value
If the price difference between the two cards is small, the GTX 980 is the clear winner. Its much higher performance makes it a smarter long-term investment.
However, if the RX 560 is available for significantly less and your gaming needs are modest, it still offers reasonable value for light gaming and everyday computing.
Which GPU Is Best for Different Users?
Every gamer has different priorities. Some focus on maximum frame rates, while others value power efficiency or affordability. Here’s which GPU suits different types of users.
Choose the GTX 980 If You:
- Want the highest gaming performance
- Play modern AAA games
- Own a 1080p 144Hz monitor
- Plan to game at 1440p occasionally
- Stream gameplay using NVENC
- Edit videos or create 3D content
- Want better long-term value
- Don’t mind higher power consumption
Choose the RX 560 If You:
- Have a very limited budget
- Mostly play esports games
- Need a GPU for a small PC
- Have a low-wattage power supply
- Prioritize low noise and low temperatures
- Need a basic graphics card for multimedia and light gaming
GTX 980 vs RX 560: Real-World Performance
Specifications and benchmark scores tell only part of the story. In everyday use, the GTX 980 continues to impress thanks to its flagship-class hardware, while the RX 560 is better suited to entry-level workloads.
Everyday Gaming
For players who enjoy a mix of AAA games and competitive titles, the GTX 980 provides a much smoother experience. Most games released in the past few years are playable at High settings with stable frame rates above 60 FPS at 1080p. Even demanding games become enjoyable with a few graphics adjustments.
The RX 560 is better matched to older titles and esports games such as Valorant, League of Legends, Dota 2, Rocket League, and Counter-Strike 2. In newer AAA games, Medium or Low settings are usually required to maintain playable frame rates.
Streaming
The GTX 980 benefits from NVIDIA’s NVENC hardware encoder, allowing users to stream gameplay with minimal performance loss. This makes it a better choice for beginner streamers using platforms like Twitch or YouTube.
The RX 560 can also stream games, but software encoding often places more strain on the GPU and CPU, reducing overall gaming performance.
Multitasking
When running multiple applications, recording gameplay, or editing videos while gaming, the GTX 980’s additional processing power helps maintain smoother performance.
The RX 560 can comfortably handle web browsing, office work, video playback, and casual multitasking, but heavy workloads expose its hardware limitations.
Long-Term Reliability
Both GPUs have proven to be reliable over the years, especially models from reputable manufacturers with quality cooling systems. However, because they are older cards, buyers should inspect used units for:
- Fan condition and bearing noise
- Dust buildup
- Thermal paste quality
- Signs of overheating
- Stable operating temperatures under load
Replacing the thermal paste and cleaning the heatsink can often restore excellent cooling performance and extend the life of either graphics card.
Overall Real-World Experience
For users seeking a balanced gaming experience, the GTX 980 remains the superior choice. It handles a wider range of games, delivers smoother frame rates, and offers stronger productivity performance. The RX 560 still has a place in budget and low-power systems, but its limited performance makes it less suitable for modern AAA gaming.
In day-to-day use, the GTX 980 feels considerably more responsive and capable, making it the better option for most gamers in 2026.
Final Verdict
The GTX 980 vs RX 560 comparison has a clear winner for most gamers. While both graphics cards are aging options on the used market, they target very different performance levels. The GTX 980 was introduced as a high-end flagship GPU, and even in 2026, it continues to outperform the RX 560 by a significant margin in gaming, content creation, and overall responsiveness.
If your primary goal is to enjoy modern games at 1080p High or Ultra settings, the GTX 980 remains the better investment. Its wider 256-bit memory bus, higher memory bandwidth, and substantially greater processing power allow it to deliver much smoother frame rates in both AAA and competitive titles. It also offers better support for streaming and creative workloads thanks to NVIDIA’s CUDA platform and NVENC encoder.
The RX 560 still has its strengths. Its 80W TDP, lower heat output, and compact form factor make it a practical option for office PCs, home theater systems, and budget gaming builds with limited power supplies. It performs well in esports games and older titles, but it struggles to keep up with modern, graphics-intensive releases.
If both cards are available at similar prices on the second-hand market, the GTX 980 is unquestionably the better choice due to its superior performance and longer usable lifespan. The RX 560 is only recommended if power efficiency, affordability, or compatibility with a low-wattage system is your top priority.
FAQs
Q1: Is the GTX 980 faster than the RX 560?
Ans: Yes. The GTX 980 is significantly faster than the RX 560, often delivering two to three times the gaming performance in modern AAA titles while also excelling in productivity workloads.
Q2: Can the GTX 980 run modern games in 2026?
Ans: Yes. The GTX 980 can still run many modern games at 1080p using High or Medium settings, maintaining playable frame rates in most titles with appropriate graphics adjustments.
Q3: Is the RX 560 good for gaming?
Ans: Yes, but mainly for esports games and older titles. It handles games like Valorant, Counter-Strike 2, Rocket League, and League of Legends well, but struggles with newer AAA games at higher settings.
Q4: Which GPU is more power efficient?
Ans: The RX 560 is considerably more power efficient, consuming around 80W compared to the GTX 980’s 165W. This makes it ideal for compact systems and PCs with lower-capacity power supplies.
Q5: Which graphics card is better for video editing and streaming?
Ans: The GTX 980 is the better option thanks to its stronger GPU performance, CUDA acceleration, and NVIDIA’s NVENC hardware encoder, which provides smoother streaming and faster rendering in many creative applications.
Q6: Is 4GB of VRAM enough for gaming?
Ans: For many 1080p games, 4GB of VRAM is still usable, especially in older and esports titles. However, some newer AAA games may require reduced texture settings to maintain smooth performance.
Q7: Which GPU offers better value in 2026?
Ans: If priced similarly on the used market, the GTX 980 offers much better value due to its significantly higher gaming performance, stronger productivity capabilities, and greater longevity. The RX 560 remains a good budget choice for light gaming and low-power builds.
Short Conclusion
The GTX 980 vs RX 560 matchup clearly favors the GTX 980 for gamers who want the best overall performance. Despite its age, it continues to provide excellent 1080p gaming, respectable 1440p capabilities, and strong productivity performance, making it one of the best-value used graphics cards available. The RX 560, meanwhile, is better suited to budget users, casual gamers, and compact PCs where low power consumption is more important than raw speed. For most buyers in 2026, the GTX 980 is the smarter purchase, offering higher frame rates, better versatility, and a longer useful lifespan.
If you have any questions about “GTX 980 vs RX 560 Gaming Performance: FPS Showdown”, feel free to let us know through your comments.
