The GTX 980 vs RX 570 comparison is an interesting battle between two older graphics cards that can still deliver surprisingly capable 1080p gaming performance. NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 980 arrived as a high-end Maxwell GPU in 2014, while AMD’s Radeon RX 570 launched several years later as a mainstream Polaris-based card. Although they belong to different generations and market segments, both GPUs remain relevant in the used-PC market because they can handle many esports titles and older AAA games at 1080p.
The GTX 980 offers strong raw GPU performance, excellent DirectX 11 capabilities, and a relatively powerful 2048-bit? No—the card actually uses a 256-bit memory interface paired with 4GB of GDDR5. The RX 570, meanwhile, is available in both 4GB and 8GB versions, giving it an important advantage in games that demand more VRAM.
In this GTX 980 vs RX 570 comparison, we will examine specifications, gaming performance, VRAM, power consumption, features, thermals, upgrade potential, value, and real-world use to determine which card makes more sense today.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison Table
Before choosing between these older GPUs, it is useful to look at their hardware differences. The GTX 980 was designed as a premium GPU, whereas the RX 570 targeted mainstream gaming. Their specifications reveal why performance can vary depending on the game and workload.
| Feature | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 | AMD Radeon RX 570 |
|---|---|---|
| GPU Architecture | Maxwell | Polaris |
| Launch Year | 2014 | 2017 |
| Manufacturing Process | 28nm | 14nm |
| CUDA Cores / Stream Processors | 2,048 CUDA Cores | 2,048 Stream Processors |
| Base Clock | Around 1,126 MHz | Around 1,168 MHz |
| Boost Clock | Around 1,216 MHz | Around 1,244 MHz |
| VRAM | 4GB GDDR5 | 4GB or 8GB GDDR5 |
| Memory Interface | 256-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory Speed | 7 Gbps | Up to 7 Gbps |
| Memory Bandwidth | 224 GB/s | 224 GB/s |
| Typical Board Power | Around 165W | Around 150W |
| DirectX | DirectX 12 | DirectX 12 |
| API Strength | Strong DX11 performance | Good DX11/DX12 performance |
| Ray Tracing | No hardware RT | No hardware RT |
| Recommended Resolution | 1080p | 1080p |
| Best Use Today | Used 1080p gaming | Budget 1080p gaming |
| VRAM Advantage | Limited to 4GB | 8GB option available |
The numbers show that both cards have a 256-bit memory bus and similar theoretical memory bandwidth. However, architecture, drivers, game engines, clock speeds, VRAM capacity, and optimization all influence actual gaming performance.
Quick Highlights Table
For readers who want the answer quickly, the following table summarizes the most important differences between the GTX 980 and RX 570.
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Raw GPU Performance | GTX 980 | Generally stronger in many older DX11 workloads |
| VRAM Capacity | RX 570 | Available with 8GB VRAM |
| Memory Bandwidth | Tie | Both offer about 224 GB/s |
| Power Efficiency | RX 570 | Lower typical board power |
| Older DX11 Games | GTX 980 | Strong Maxwell-era performance |
| Modern VRAM-Heavy Games | RX 570 8GB | More memory headroom |
| Esports Gaming | Tie / GTX 980 | Both can deliver strong 1080p results |
| Upgrade Potential | RX 570 8GB | Extra VRAM is useful for modern textures |
| Used Value | RX 570 | Usually easier to justify for low-cost systems |
| Overall | RX 570 8GB for most buyers | Better VRAM flexibility and newer platform |
Key Takeaways
The GTX 980 vs RX 570 matchup is closer than their original market positioning might suggest. The GTX 980 was a much more expensive high-end card at launch, while the RX 570 was designed as a mainstream solution.
The biggest points to remember are:
- GTX 980 generally has stronger raw performance, especially in many older DirectX 11 games.
- RX 570 8GB has a major VRAM advantage over the 4GB GTX 980.
- Both GPUs use a 256-bit memory interface and provide approximately 224 GB/s of memory bandwidth.
- The RX 570 is based on a newer 14nm Polaris architecture, compared with the GTX 980’s 28nm Maxwell design.
- Neither GPU provides modern hardware-accelerated ray tracing.
- Both cards are best suited to 1080p gaming rather than demanding 1440p or 4K gaming.
- The RX 570 generally consumes slightly less power.
- The GTX 980 can still be attractive when available at a very low used price.
- For a modern budget PC, the RX 570 8GB is generally the safer choice because of its additional VRAM.
- Condition, cooling, PSU requirements, and used-market pricing can matter more than small performance differences.
GTX 980 vs RX 570: Architecture and Hardware
The GTX 980 is based on NVIDIA’s Maxwell architecture, specifically the GM204 GPU. When it launched, Maxwell was designed to deliver substantially better performance per watt than previous NVIDIA architectures. The GTX 980 was positioned near the top of NVIDIA’s consumer lineup and therefore received considerably more GPU resources than typical mid-range cards of its era.
The RX 570 belongs to AMD’s Polaris family. It uses the Polaris 20 GPU and was manufactured using a smaller 14nm process. The RX 570 was essentially an evolution of AMD’s mainstream Polaris lineup, providing strong 1080p performance at a more affordable price.
Despite their architectural differences, both GPUs contain 2,048 processing units in their respective terminology: 2,048 CUDA cores for the GTX 980 and 2,048 stream processors for the RX 570. However, these numbers should not be directly compared because NVIDIA CUDA cores and AMD stream processors are architecturally different.
The GTX 980’s higher original market position means it can still perform exceptionally well in games optimized for its strengths. The RX 570 benefits from being newer and from AMD’s Polaris-era optimizations.
Gaming Performance at 1080p
1080p is the natural target for both graphics cards.
In older games and DirectX 11 titles, the GTX 980 can often demonstrate a noticeable performance advantage. Its Maxwell architecture was extremely capable for traditional rasterized graphics, and the card was designed to compete in the enthusiast segment.
The RX 570 is nevertheless surprisingly competitive. In many games, the difference between the two cards can become small enough that settings, CPU performance, drivers, and the particular RX 570 model determine the final result.
For games that fit comfortably within 4GB of VRAM, the GTX 980’s raw GPU capabilities can give it the edge. However, once a game begins using more than 4GB of graphics memory, the RX 570 8GB becomes much more interesting.
This is particularly relevant when using high-resolution textures. A GPU may have enough raw processing power to render a game, but insufficient VRAM can cause stuttering, texture-loading problems, or the need to reduce texture quality.
Therefore, there isn’t one universal winner in every game.
Esports Gaming
Esports games are generally much easier to run than modern AAA titles, making both GPUs capable choices for 1080p gaming.
Games such as Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, League of Legends, Dota 2, Rocket League, and similar competitive titles can generally be played at 1080p with appropriate settings.
For competitive gaming, the GTX 980’s strong older-generation rasterization performance can still be useful. The RX 570 also performs well and can benefit from its newer driver ecosystem and 8GB memory configuration.
If your main goal is high-refresh-rate esports gaming, however, your CPU becomes increasingly important. Pairing either GPU with an old or weak processor can prevent the graphics card from reaching its potential.
Modern AAA Gaming Performance
Modern AAA games are considerably more challenging.
Neither the GTX 980 nor RX 570 should be considered a modern high-end gaming GPU. Both are best treated as budget cards for older games and less demanding modern titles.
The biggest challenge is VRAM. A GTX 980 has only 4GB of VRAM, and while that was plenty for many games when it launched, modern game engines can require considerably more memory.
The RX 570 is available with 8GB of VRAM, and that version can be significantly more practical for modern games. The extra VRAM does not magically make the GPU faster, but it can prevent memory limitations from becoming a major bottleneck.
With either card, users should generally target medium or low settings in demanding modern games. Lowering texture quality, shadows, ambient occlusion, and other demanding options can make a major difference.
The RX 570 8GB is therefore more appealing if you expect to play newer games.
VRAM Comparison
VRAM is one of the most important differences in the GTX 980 vs RX 570 matchup.
The GTX 980 comes with 4GB of GDDR5. At the time of its release, 4GB was considered a strong capacity for a high-end gaming card. It was enough for 1080p gaming and even some 1440p workloads.
The RX 570, however, was sold in both 4GB and 8GB configurations.
The 4GB RX 570 does not have a major capacity advantage over the GTX 980. But the 8GB version has twice the available VRAM.
This matters primarily for texture-heavy games. More VRAM allows the GPU to store more textures and graphical assets locally instead of relying on slower system memory.
It is important to understand that 8GB does not automatically make the RX 570 twice as fast. GPU processing power remains a limitation. However, having more VRAM can make gameplay smoother in certain newer games.
For a new budget build, an RX 570 8GB is therefore preferable to an RX 570 4GB when the price difference is reasonable.
Memory Bandwidth and Interface
Both GPUs use a 256-bit memory interface and provide approximately 224 GB/s of memory bandwidth.
This is an interesting similarity because it means neither card has an obvious advantage in theoretical memory bandwidth.
However, memory bandwidth alone does not determine performance. GPU architecture, cache behavior, compression technology, clock speeds, and software optimization all contribute to real-world results.
NVIDIA’s Maxwell architecture introduced improvements in memory compression that helped reduce the amount of data that needed to be transferred. AMD’s Polaris architecture also offers strong memory performance for its class.
As a result, the similar memory bandwidth figures should not be interpreted as identical gaming performance.
Power Consumption and Efficiency
The GTX 980 has a typical board power around 165W, while the RX 570 is generally rated around 150W.
That gives the RX 570 a modest advantage in power consumption.
However, actual power use depends heavily on the graphics card model, factory overclock, cooling solution, workload, and power limits. Some factory-overclocked RX 570 cards can consume more power than reference specifications suggest.
The GTX 980 can also run relatively hot under sustained gaming loads, particularly with older or poorly maintained used cards.
For a second-hand system, inspect the card’s cooler, fans, thermal paste condition, and heatsink before buying. A heavily used GPU can behave very differently from a clean, properly maintained example.
Cooling and Thermals
Cooling is particularly important when buying these GPUs used.
The GTX 980 was available from many manufacturers, including models with large dual-fan and triple-fan coolers. A well-designed GTX 980 can maintain reasonable temperatures, but age becomes an important factor today.
The RX 570 was also sold by many board partners with different cooler designs. Some budget models use relatively basic cooling, while premium versions feature larger heatsinks and multiple fans.
When comparing two used cards, the specific model can matter more than the GPU name alone.
A clean RX 570 with a good cooler can be preferable to a dusty GTX 980 with worn-out fans. Likewise, a well-maintained GTX 980 can outperform a poorly cooled RX 570.
Driver and Software Support
Both NVIDIA and AMD have supported these GPUs for many years, but neither should be viewed as a future-proof graphics card.
The GTX 980 benefits from NVIDIA’s mature Maxwell software ecosystem and strong performance in older PC games. Its age, however, means modern features and optimizations are increasingly limited compared with current-generation GPUs.
The RX 570 belongs to the Polaris family and also has a long history of driver support.
For users purchasing a used GPU in 2026, driver compatibility is only one consideration. Game developers increasingly optimize for newer architectures, and both cards lack modern hardware features found on newer GPUs.
The RX 570’s newer launch date and 8GB variant give it a practical advantage, but neither card should be purchased with the expectation of long-term modern AAA support.
GTX 980 vs RX 570 for 1080p Gaming
For a budget 1080p gaming PC, both cards can still make sense under the right conditions.
The GTX 980 is particularly attractive if you mostly play older AAA games, DirectX 11 titles, and esports games. Its original high-end status means it still has considerable rasterization capability.
The RX 570 is better suited to buyers who want a lower-cost and more flexible budget GPU, especially in its 8GB configuration.
At 1080p, both cards can deliver enjoyable gaming when settings are adjusted appropriately.
The most important factor is the type of games you play.
If your library consists primarily of games from the 2014–2020 period, a GTX 980 can remain surprisingly capable. If you want to experiment with newer games and prefer higher texture settings, the RX 570 8GB provides more VRAM headroom.
GTX 980 vs RX 570 for 1440p Gaming
1440p is possible with both cards, but neither is an ideal choice for demanding modern games at this resolution.
The GTX 980’s stronger raw performance can help in certain older titles, but its 4GB VRAM becomes a major limitation as resolution and texture quality increase.
The RX 570 8GB has a more comfortable VRAM capacity, but the GPU itself is not powerful enough to make 1440p high-quality gaming its primary purpose.
For older games, indie titles, esports games, and carefully optimized settings, 1440p can be perfectly usable.
For modern AAA gaming, 1080p remains the better target.
Productivity and General GPU Use
Although these cards are primarily gaming GPUs, they can also be used for basic GPU-accelerated productivity workloads.
The GTX 980’s CUDA support can be useful for certain applications that specifically benefit from NVIDIA’s CUDA ecosystem. However, software support varies considerably, and modern applications increasingly favor newer GPU architectures.
The RX 570 can also accelerate supported applications through AMD’s ecosystem.
For professional workloads, neither should be considered a serious modern workstation GPU. Newer GPUs provide significantly better compute performance, efficiency, media engines, and software support.
If gaming is the main purpose, these limitations are less important.
Used-Market Value
The used market is where the GTX 980 and RX 570 become especially interesting.
Because both GPUs are old, their value depends heavily on local pricing and physical condition. A cheap GTX 980 can be an excellent deal if it is significantly less expensive than newer alternatives and comes from a trustworthy seller.
The RX 570 is often easier to recommend when the 8GB model is available at a reasonable price. Its extra VRAM provides more flexibility for modern games.
However, don’t automatically purchase an RX 570 simply because it has 8GB.
The condition of the card matters. Check for:
- Fan noise
- Excessive temperatures
- Visual artifacts
- Crashes under load
- Damaged PCB components
- Previous mining use
- BIOS modifications
- Loose heatsinks
- Excessive dust
- Worn-out thermal pads
A well-maintained used GTX 980 can be a better purchase than a heavily abused RX 570.
Power Supply Requirements
Power supply compatibility should also be considered.
The GTX 980 generally requires a reasonably capable PSU because it is an older high-performance GPU. Depending on the specific model, it can use one or more PCIe power connectors.
The RX 570 also requires external PCIe power on most models, although connector requirements vary by manufacturer.
For either card, a quality PSU is more important than simply choosing a unit with a high wattage rating.
A reliable 450W–550W-class PSU can be suitable for many systems using these GPUs, depending on the CPU and the exact graphics card model. Avoid pairing an old high-power GPU with an unreliable generic power supply.
Which GPU Is Better for Older Games?
For older games, the GTX 980 has a strong argument.
It was originally designed as a high-end GPU and delivers excellent DirectX 11 performance for its age. Games from the mid-to-late 2010s can run particularly well when paired with a capable CPU.
The RX 570 remains competitive, but its original mainstream positioning means the GTX 980 can often provide higher raw performance in suitable workloads.
If your gaming library is dominated by older titles, don’t overlook the GTX 980 simply because it is older.
Which GPU Is Better for Modern Games?
For modern games, the RX 570 8GB is generally the more practical option.
The main reason isn’t that the RX 570 suddenly becomes a high-end GPU. It doesn’t.
The advantage is its 8GB VRAM capacity.
Modern games frequently use more memory for textures, environments, shader data, and other assets. Having 8GB can prevent some of the memory limitations associated with 4GB graphics cards.
Even so, the RX 570 8GB still has limited processing power by modern standards. You should expect to reduce graphical settings in demanding games.
Which One Is Better for a Budget Gaming PC?
If you are building an extremely inexpensive used gaming PC, either card can work.
The GTX 980 makes sense when:
- It is significantly cheaper than the RX 570.
- You primarily play older games.
- You want stronger traditional rasterization performance.
- Your PSU can comfortably handle it.
- The card is in good condition.
The RX 570 8GB makes sense when:
- The price is close to a GTX 980.
- You want more VRAM.
- You play newer games.
- You want slightly lower typical power consumption.
- You want better flexibility for texture-heavy games.
If prices are similar, the RX 570 8GB is generally the easier recommendation for a modern budget system.
Buying Recommendations
When choosing between the GTX 980 and RX 570, don’t base the decision entirely on benchmark numbers.
First, compare the actual used prices in your market. A significant price difference can completely change the value equation.
Choose the GTX 980 if:
- You find a clean, tested unit at a very low price.
- You mainly play older games.
- You prioritize raw rasterization performance.
- You already have an adequate PSU.
- You don’t need more than 4GB VRAM.
Choose the RX 570 8GB if:
- The price is similar to a GTX 980.
- You want more VRAM.
- You play newer 1080p games.
- You want more flexibility with texture settings.
- You are building a low-cost gaming PC in 2026.
Avoid either card if:
- A significantly newer GPU is available for only a little more money.
- The card has unknown mining history and poor condition.
- Your target is high-refresh-rate 1440p AAA gaming.
- You need modern ray tracing features.
- You want strong long-term driver and game support.
The best used GPU is often not the fastest one. It is the card that delivers the performance you need without consuming too much of your budget.
Final Verdict
The GTX 980 vs RX 570 comparison is surprisingly competitive because the two cards approach budget gaming from different directions.
The GTX 980 was originally a high-end GPU, and that heritage is still visible in its strong rasterization performance. In older DirectX 11 games, it can outperform the RX 570 and deliver excellent 1080p results for its age.
The RX 570, however, has several practical advantages. It uses a newer Polaris architecture, has slightly lower typical board power, and most importantly, it is available with 8GB of VRAM. That additional memory makes the RX 570 8GB more suitable for modern texture-heavy games.
For a used PC in 2026, the RX 570 8GB is the better overall choice when both cards cost roughly the same. Its VRAM capacity gives it more breathing room and makes it easier to recommend for modern 1080p gaming.
The GTX 980 becomes the better value when you find one significantly cheaper and your gaming library consists mostly of older titles.
In short: GTX 980 for stronger older-game performance and RX 570 8GB for better overall budget flexibility.
FAQ Section
Q1: Is the GTX 980 faster than the RX 570?
Ans: In many older DirectX 11 games, the GTX 980 is faster because it was originally positioned as a high-end GPU. However, the performance gap varies significantly by game, settings, drivers, and API. The RX 570 can remain competitive in many workloads.
Q2: Is the RX 570 8GB better than the GTX 980 4GB?
Ans: For a modern budget gaming PC, the RX 570 8GB is generally the better overall choice. The GTX 980 can provide stronger raw performance in some games, but the RX 570’s 8GB VRAM gives it considerably more memory headroom for modern games and high-quality textures.
Q3: Can GTX 980 and RX 570 run 1080p games?
Ans: Yes. Both GPUs are capable 1080p cards when used with appropriate settings. Older games and esports titles can run particularly well, while demanding modern AAA games may require medium or low graphical settings.
Q4: Does the GTX 980 support ray tracing?
Ans: No. The GTX 980 does not have dedicated hardware ray-tracing cores. It was released several years before NVIDIA introduced RTX hardware. Modern ray-tracing workloads are therefore not a practical target for this GPU.
Q5: Is 4GB VRAM enough for gaming in 2026?
Ans: It can still be enough for older games, esports titles, and lower graphical settings, but 4GB is increasingly restrictive for modern AAA games. This is one reason the RX 570 8GB can be more attractive than a 4GB GTX 980 for a budget gaming system.
Q6: Which is more power efficient, GTX 980 or RX 570?
Ans: The RX 570 generally has a slightly lower typical board-power rating, around 150W compared with approximately 165W for the GTX 980. Actual consumption depends on the specific graphics card model, factory overclock, workload, and power limits.
Q7: Should I buy a GTX 980 or RX 570 for a cheap gaming PC?
Ans: If both cards are similarly priced, the RX 570 8GB is usually the better choice because of its additional VRAM and newer architecture. If you find a GTX 980 at a substantially lower price and mainly play older games, the GTX 980 can offer excellent value.
Short Conclusion
The GTX 980 vs RX 570 battle shows that older high-end hardware can remain surprisingly competitive years after release. The GTX 980 still offers strong rasterization performance, especially in older games, while the RX 570 8GB provides a more practical combination of newer architecture, lower typical power consumption, and greater VRAM capacity.
For most budget buyers today, the RX 570 8GB is the more balanced option, especially when gaming involves newer titles. However, a well-priced GTX 980 remains worth considering for older 1080p gaming. Ultimately, used-market price, GPU condition, game selection, and VRAM requirements should determine your final choice.
If you have any questions about “GTX 980 vs RX 570: Which Graphics Card Is Better for Gaming?”, feel free to let us know in the comments.
