When comparing the RX 570 vs GTX 970, it’s easy to see why these two graphics cards remain popular among budget gamers. Even though both GPUs are several generations old, they continue to deliver respectable 1080p gaming performance in many modern titles when paired with the right processor and sufficient RAM. Whether you’re upgrading an older gaming PC or building a low-cost system, choosing between these two cards can significantly impact your gaming experience.
The AMD Radeon RX 570 offers more VRAM options, better support for modern graphics APIs like Vulkan and DirectX 12, and generally performs well in newer games. On the other hand, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 is known for its excellent power efficiency, mature drivers, and strong DirectX 11 performance. Each GPU has unique strengths that appeal to different types of gamers.
In this comprehensive RX 570 vs GTX 970 comparison, we’ll examine specifications, gaming benchmarks, features, power consumption, value for money, and real-world performance to help you determine which graphics card is the smarter purchase.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
Choosing between the RX 570 and GTX 970 isn’t just about raw frame rates. Memory configuration, architecture, software support, power efficiency, and pricing all play important roles. The table below highlights the most important differences.
| Feature | AMD Radeon RX 570 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 |
| Launch Year | 2017 | 2014 |
| Architecture | Polaris 20 | Maxwell GM204 |
| Manufacturing Process | 14nm | 28nm |
| VRAM | 4GB / 8GB GDDR5 | 4GB GDDR5 (3.5GB + 0.5GB) |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 224 GB/s | 224 GB/s |
| Stream Processors / CUDA Cores | 2,048 Stream Processors | 1,664 CUDA Cores |
| Base Clock | 1,168 MHz | 1,050 MHz |
| Boost Clock | Up to 1,244 MHz | Up to 1,178 MHz |
| Typical Board Power | 150W | 145W |
| DirectX Support | DirectX 12 Ultimate (Feature Level Support Limited) | DirectX 12 (Feature Level 12_1) |
| Vulkan Support | Excellent | Good |
| Ray Tracing | No | No |
| FSR Support | Yes | Yes |
| DLSS Support | No | No |
| Best Resolution | 1080p | 1080p |
| Driver Support | Good | Legacy Support |
| Best For | Modern AAA Games & Esports | Older DX11 Games |
Quick Highlights
If you want the short version before diving into the detailed comparison, here’s how these two graphics cards stack up.
| Category | Winner |
| Overall Gaming Performance | RX 570 |
| Modern AAA Games | RX 570 |
| DirectX 12 Performance | RX 570 |
| Vulkan Performance | RX 570 |
| Esports Games | RX 570 |
| DirectX 11 Titles | GTX 970 |
| Power Efficiency | GTX 970 |
| Driver Stability | GTX 970 |
| 8GB VRAM Availability | RX 570 |
| Future-Proofing | RX 570 |
| Used Market Value | RX 570 |
| Budget Gaming Build | RX 570 |
| Content Creation | GTX 970 (Slight Advantage with CUDA) |
| Linux Support | RX 570 |
| Overall Winner | RX 570 |
Key Takeaways
The RX 570 vs GTX 970 comparison is closer than many gamers expect. While both GPUs still provide a playable 1080p gaming experience, the RX 570 generally comes out ahead thanks to its newer architecture, better DirectX 12 optimization, and the availability of an 8GB VRAM variant. The GTX 970, however, remains a capable card for older DirectX 11 games and users who value NVIDIA’s mature driver ecosystem.
Key Points
- RX 570 is the better overall gaming GPU for most users in 2026.
- GTX 970 performs exceptionally well in older DirectX 11 titles.
- RX 570’s 8GB version handles modern AAA games much better than the GTX 970’s effective 3.5GB high-speed memory.
- GTX 970 consumes slightly less power, although the difference is relatively small.
- RX 570 offers stronger Vulkan and DirectX 12 performance, making it better suited for newer game engines.
- GTX 970 benefits creators using CUDA-accelerated applications.
- RX 570 provides better long-term value on the used market.
Gaming Performance
For most gamers, real-world gaming performance is the deciding factor in the RX 570 vs GTX 970 comparison. Both graphics cards are capable of delivering smooth gameplay at 1080p, but their strengths differ depending on the game engine and graphics API.
The RX 570 generally performs better in modern DirectX 12 and Vulkan titles, thanks to AMD’s Polaris architecture and improved driver optimizations. Its 8GB VRAM variant also helps reduce stuttering and texture pop-in in newer AAA games. The GTX 970, however, remains competitive in older DirectX 11 games, where NVIDIA’s Maxwell architecture still performs exceptionally well.
Average 1080p High Settings Gaming Performance
| Game | RX 570 | GTX 970 | Winner |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 48 FPS | 42 FPS | RX 570 |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 55 FPS | 49 FPS | RX 570 |
| GTA V | 98 FPS | 94 FPS | RX 570 |
| Forza Horizon 5 | 71 FPS | 63 FPS | RX 570 |
| Hogwarts Legacy | 45 FPS | 38 FPS | RX 570 |
| Resident Evil 4 Remake | 67 FPS | 61 FPS | RX 570 |
| Assassin’s Creed Valhalla | 58 FPS | 50 FPS | RX 570 |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 78 FPS | 72 FPS | RX 570 |
| Rainbow Six Siege | 181 FPS | 176 FPS | RX 570 |
| Fortnite (DX12) | 86 FPS | 74 FPS | RX 570 |
| Apex Legends | 89 FPS | 82 FPS | RX 570 |
| Counter-Strike 2 | 162 FPS | 168 FPS | GTX 970 |
| Valorant | 275 FPS | 278 FPS | Tie |
| League of Legends | 295 FPS | 300 FPS | Tie |
Gaming Performance Summary
- The RX 570 wins in most modern AAA games thanks to stronger DirectX 12 and Vulkan optimization.
- The GTX 970 remains highly competitive in older DirectX 11 games and esports titles.
- The 8GB RX 570 handles high-resolution textures much better than the GTX 970.
- Both GPUs are excellent choices for 1080p gaming, but the RX 570 offers a smoother experience in newer releases.
Synthetic Benchmark Scores
Synthetic benchmarks provide a standardized way to compare GPU performance across different workloads. While they don’t always reflect real-world gaming, they offer a good indication of overall graphics capability.
| Benchmark | RX 570 | GTX 970 | Winner |
| 3DMark Time Spy (Graphics) | 3,900 | 3,500 | RX 570 |
| 3DMark Fire Strike | 12,200 | 11,800 | RX 570 |
| PassMark G3D Mark | 8,200 | 7,700 | RX 570 |
| Geekbench OpenCL | 56,000 | 48,000 | RX 570 |
| Geekbench Vulkan | 60,000 | 50,000 | RX 570 |
Benchmark Analysis
The RX 570 consistently scores higher in modern synthetic benchmarks, reflecting its stronger performance in contemporary gaming workloads. While the GTX 970 still performs well, especially in older APIs, the RX 570 has the edge in overall graphics processing power.
Power Consumption & Thermals
Power efficiency and cooling are important considerations, especially for budget gaming systems.
| Feature | RX 570 | GTX 970 |
| Typical Board Power | 150W | 145W |
| Recommended PSU | 450W–500W | 500W |
| Idle Power | Low | Very Low |
| Gaming Temperature | 68–75°C | 65–72°C |
| Noise Level | Moderate | Quiet |
| Power Efficiency | Good | Very Good |
Power & Cooling Analysis
Although the RX 570 consumes slightly more power, the difference is minimal in everyday gaming. Both cards require only a single 8-pin PCIe power connector on most models and can be comfortably powered by a quality 500W PSU.
The GTX 970 tends to run a little cooler and quieter under load, making it a good choice for compact systems. However, the RX 570’s slightly higher power draw is justified by its better gaming performance.
Productivity Performance
While both GPUs are designed primarily for gaming, they can also handle a variety of productivity tasks.
| Application | RX 570 | GTX 970 | Winner |
| Adobe Photoshop | Good | Good | Tie |
| Adobe Premiere Pro | Good | Very Good | GTX 970 |
| DaVinci Resolve | Very Good | Good | RX 570 |
| Blender Rendering | Good | Good | Tie |
| OBS Streaming | Good | Very Good | GTX 970 |
| Video Encoding | Good | Very Good | GTX 970 |
| OpenCL Workloads | Excellent | Good | RX 570 |
Productivity Analysis
If your workflow relies on CUDA acceleration, such as Adobe Premiere Pro or certain rendering applications, the GTX 970 offers a slight advantage. On the other hand, the RX 570 performs exceptionally well in OpenCL-based workloads and provides excellent acceleration in applications like DaVinci Resolve.
For gamers who occasionally edit videos or stream content, either card will suffice, but professionals may benefit from NVIDIA’s CUDA ecosystem.
Price-to-Performance Analysis
One of the biggest reasons these GPUs remain popular is their affordability on the used market.
| Category | RX 570 | GTX 970 |
| Typical Used Price | Lower | Slightly Higher |
| Gaming Performance | Excellent | Very Good |
| Modern Game Support | Excellent | Good |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Long-Term Investment | Better | Good |
Value Analysis
In 2026, the RX 570 offers the better price-to-performance ratio. The availability of affordable 8GB models makes it a smarter purchase for gamers who want to enjoy modern AAA titles without spending a fortune.
The GTX 970 is still worth considering if you find one at a significantly lower price or primarily play older games. However, for most buyers, the RX 570 delivers more performance per dollar and offers better longevity.
Who Should Buy Which GPU?
| User | Recommended GPU |
| Budget Gamer | RX 570 |
| 1080p AAA Gaming | RX 570 |
| Esports Player | RX 570 |
| Older DirectX 11 Games | GTX 970 |
| Video Editing (CUDA) | GTX 970 |
| Linux Gaming | RX 570 |
| Best Long-Term Value | RX 570 |
| Best Overall Choice | RX 570 |
For the majority of gamers in 2026, the RX 570 is the better buy. It delivers stronger gaming performance, supports modern graphics APIs more effectively, and provides better value for money—especially the 8GB variant. The GTX 970 still has its strengths in older DirectX 11 titles and CUDA-accelerated workloads, but the RX 570 is the more balanced and future-ready option.
Pros & Cons of RX 570 vs GTX 970
Every graphics card has strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these trade-offs helps you choose the GPU that best fits your gaming habits and budget.
RX 570 Pros
- Excellent 1080p gaming performance
- Available with 8GB VRAM, improving performance in newer games
- Strong DirectX 12 and Vulkan support
- Better optimization for modern game engines
- Great price-to-performance ratio in the used market
- Handles high-resolution texture packs better
- Excellent for esports and AAA titles at medium to high settings
RX 570 Cons
- Higher power consumption than many newer GPUs
- Runs warmer under heavy load
- No hardware ray tracing
- No DLSS support
- Requires a quality power supply for stable performance
GTX 970 Pros
- Excellent DirectX 11 performance
- Lower power consumption
- Mature and stable NVIDIA drivers
- CUDA acceleration benefits some creative workloads
- Runs relatively cool
- Performs well in older games
- Reliable for budget gaming PCs
GTX 970 Cons
- Effective 3.5GB + 0.5GB memory configuration can reduce performance in VRAM-heavy games
- Weaker DirectX 12 performance
- Older Maxwell architecture
- Limited future-proofing
- No ray tracing or DLSS support
- Lower performance in many modern AAA titles
Buying Recommendations
The right choice in the RX 570 vs GTX 970 debate depends on how you plan to use your PC. Here are recommendations based on different user scenarios.
Buy the RX 570 if you:
- Primarily play modern AAA games.
- Want smoother 1080p gaming at medium to high settings.
- Can find the 8GB version at a reasonable price.
- Play games using Vulkan or DirectX 12.
- Want better longevity for future game releases.
- Need the best value for a budget gaming build.
- Enjoy games like Cyberpunk 2077, Elden Ring, Forza Horizon 5, Hogwarts Legacy, or Resident Evil 4 Remake.
Buy the GTX 970 if you:
- Mostly play older DirectX 11 games.
- Already own NVIDIA-compatible software that benefits from CUDA.
- Prefer NVIDIA’s software ecosystem.
- Find one significantly cheaper than an RX 570.
- Mainly play titles such as GTA V, CS2, League of Legends, Dota 2, Overwatch 2, or Skyrim.
Best for Different Users
| User Type | Recommended GPU |
| Budget Gamer | RX 570 |
| AAA Gaming | RX 570 |
| Esports Gaming | RX 570 |
| Older Game Library | GTX 970 |
| DirectX 12 Games | RX 570 |
| DirectX 11 Games | GTX 970 |
| Linux Users | RX 570 |
| Video Editing (CUDA Apps) | GTX 970 |
| Best Overall Value | RX 570 |
| Long-Term Upgrade | RX 570 |
The RX 570 is the better all-around choice for most gamers in 2026, especially if you can get the 8GB model. It delivers better performance in modern games, offers more usable VRAM, and has stronger support for current graphics APIs, making it the smarter long-term investment.
Final Verdict
After comparing every important aspect of the RX 570 vs GTX 970, the AMD Radeon RX 570 is the clear winner for most gamers in 2026. While the GTX 970 was an outstanding graphics card during its prime, its aging Maxwell architecture and unique 3.5GB + 0.5GB memory configuration make it less suitable for today’s demanding games.
The RX 570 benefits from a newer Polaris architecture, better DirectX 12 and Vulkan optimization, and the option to purchase an 8GB model, which significantly improves performance in modern AAA titles. It consistently delivers smoother gameplay, especially in games that require more than 4GB of video memory. For gamers building a budget PC or upgrading an older system, the RX 570 provides a better balance of performance, longevity, and overall value.
That said, the GTX 970 still has its place. If you mainly play older DirectX 11 games or use software that takes advantage of NVIDIA’s CUDA acceleration, it remains a capable option. It also offers slightly lower power consumption and benefits from NVIDIA’s mature software ecosystem.
For anyone focused on modern gaming, however, the RX 570 is the smarter investment. It is better equipped to handle today’s game engines and provides a more future-proof experience without requiring a large budget.
Overall Ratings
| Category | RX 570 | GTX 970 |
| 1080p Gaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.0/5) |
| AAA Games | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5) | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.5/5) |
| Esports | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5) |
| DirectX 12 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5) |
| DirectX 11 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
| Power Efficiency | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5) |
| Future-Proofing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5) | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5) |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) |
Overall Winner: 🏆 AMD Radeon RX 570
FAQs
Q1: Is the RX 570 better than the GTX 970?
Ans: Yes. The RX 570 is generally the better graphics card for modern gaming. It performs better in DirectX 12 and Vulkan titles, offers an 8GB VRAM option, and provides better long-term value for 1080p gaming.
Q2: Which GPU delivers better FPS in modern games?
Ans: The RX 570 usually delivers higher average FPS in newer AAA games because of its newer architecture and improved optimization for modern graphics APIs.
Q3: Is the GTX 970 still good for gaming in 2026?
Ans: Yes. The GTX 970 is still capable of running many esports and older AAA games at 1080p with medium settings. However, it struggles more than the RX 570 in recent, VRAM-intensive titles.
Q4: Does the RX 570 consume more power than the GTX 970?
Ans: Yes, slightly. The RX 570 has a typical board power of around 150W, while the GTX 970 is rated at approximately 145W. In real-world gaming, the difference is relatively small.
Q5: Is the RX 570 8GB worth buying over the GTX 970?
Ans: Absolutely. The 8GB RX 570 offers significantly better performance in games with high-resolution textures and is much better prepared for newer releases than the GTX 970.
Q6: Which graphics card is better for esports games?
Ans: Both GPUs perform well, but the RX 570 generally provides slightly higher frame rates in most popular esports titles, while the GTX 970 remains competitive in older DirectX 11 games.
Q7: Which GPU should I buy in 2026?
Ans: For most users, the RX 570 is the better choice. It offers stronger gaming performance, better API support, more VRAM options, and superior value for budget-conscious gamers looking for reliable 1080p performance.
Short Conclusion
The RX 570 vs GTX 970 comparison shows that both graphics cards remain capable budget options, but they target slightly different audiences. The GTX 970 continues to impress in older DirectX 11 titles and offers reliable driver support, yet its aging architecture and memory limitations reduce its appeal for modern gaming.
The RX 570, particularly the 8GB model, stands out as the better all-around GPU. It delivers stronger performance in today’s games, handles modern graphics technologies more effectively, and offers greater longevity for gamers on a budget. If both cards are available at similar prices, the RX 570 is the recommended choice thanks to its superior overall performance, better future-proofing, and outstanding value for 1080p gaming.
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