Best GTX 970 Graphics Cards in 2024

Each generation of graphic cards has seen great improvements, and AMD and NVIDIA both seem to strive for the best graphics cards and release them almost every year. There was a 70 percent improvement over the last generation in RTX 3000-series graphics cards this year. A budget gamer knows, however, that he doesn’t need a cutting-edge graphics card to play the newest games smoothly even if the settings or resolution had to go down. Currently, the NVIDIA GTX 970, which is five years old, is the best graphics card for this exact purpose.

In comparison with the RTX 3000 graphics cards, GeForce GTX 970 cards are three generations older. Although this Best GTX 970 Graphics Card isn’t a flagship, the performance for 1080P gaming is quite satisfactory, and even AAA games that are extremely demanding would be playable with more than 40 FPS on medium settings. With 1664 shader processors, 104 texture memory units, and 56 random access processors, the graphics card is quite capable. While not the best-case scenario for today’s games, 4 GB of VRAM still offers a smoother gaming experience. It won’t cause any hiccups if you reduce the texture settings. While gaming, the graphics card is clocked at 1050 MHz base and 1178 MHz boost. 

We recommend a power supply that provides at least 600 watts of continuous power for this graphics card, as its power consumption is similar to that of the GTX 1660 Super, etc. 

With an AMD Ryzen 5 2600, Intel Core i5-9400, or Intel Core i5-10400, this graphics card will be able to provide optimal performance. GeForce GTX 970 graphics cards came with excellent overclocking support, making them a great choice for high-end gaming. Due to this, you can overclock this graphics card to a maximum of 1500 MHz on its core and maximize performance. In this article we will see which GTX 970 graphics cards will provide you with a smooth gaming experience when paired with mid-range processors.

Quick Shopping Tips:

Having spent a fair amount of time researching the most powerful GTX 970 graphics cards for our enthusiast customers, we have put forth our best effort to sell the best cards to them. Before choosing a graphic card, be sure to read this section of the article to get a better understanding of their features. Our shopping recommendations include:

Cooling Capability: In order for computer components to perform well and last long, the cooling features play a pivotal role. Be sure any graphics card you purchase can handle the heat generated by high-end games before purchasing it. In addition, check the airflow and liquid cooling specifications of the card.

Performance: Only the highly efficient performance of these graphic cards makes them popular in the market. Without a clear understanding of the performance these components will deliver, buying expensive graphics components is worthless. To prevent bottlenecks caused by incompatibility, GPU performance must come up to the CPU.

Build Quality: Why do graphics cards that cost tens of thousands of dollars last less than a year? It is for this reason that we must also check the quality of the card’s construction and material. High-speed gaming graphics cards often experience excessive heating and are therefore made out of mediocre material.

Aesthetics: Consider the aesthetics, design, color, and other factors of the graphic card you are buying very carefully. Visual appeal is the most important factor in deciding to buy a product. Additionally, a well-designed graphics card will enhance the appearance of the motherboard.

Overclocking: Graphene cards can overclock themselves to increase clock speeds beyond their limits. This occurs when a component is loaded beyond its design limit. The speed and loading time of any card are two factors that help determine how well it will do in running high-quality games.

Best GTX 970 Graphics Cards at a Glance:

1. ZOTAC GeForce GTX 970
2. MSI ARMOR 2X GeForce GTX 970
3. MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G
4. EVGA GeForce GTX 970 SSC
5. Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB XTREME
6. Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 G1 Gaming
7. PNY GeForce GTX 970
8. ASUS STRIX GeForce GTX 970

The Best GTX 970 Graphics Cards You Can Buy Today

1. ZOTAC GeForce GTX 970 – Best Performance GTX 970

For gamers that want to step up, the GeForce GTX 970 Zotac 4GB version offers serious performance. The GTX 970 will satisfy the specifications and play the most demanding AAA games, as well as enabling you to push past the minimum framerate requirements now required for the current games thereby making it the best GTX 970 performer. With DirectX 12, you get DirectX 12 game requirements with this Best GTX 970 Graphics Card. In terms of FPS, how does the GeForce GTX 970 Zotac 4GB Edition measure up to the latest AAA 2024 titles? In 1080p and 1440p screen resolutions as well as 4K, the ZOTAC GeForce GTX 970 seems to run games at an excellent frame rate until 2018. There are 531 of today’s most popular PC games that can be run using this equipment. Geforce GTX 970 Zotac was our first choice because we believe it’s one of the best GTX 970s.

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Microsoft Flight Simulator will give you 29 frames per second when running at 1080p on this card. I was getting 78 frames per second from Dragon Ball Z Kakarot, and Halo: Reach was 132 frames per second. The Zotac 970 has a boost clock of 1216 MHz, compared to the stock card’s 1050 MHz and 1178 MHz.

This boost clock for the GTX 980 is even higher than the stock clock of 1216 MHz. In addition to power and cooling ready, the Zotac 970 certainly has the potential for even better overclocking (with some reports of 1469MHz stable boost tickers) coupled to a 256-piece motherboard. The Maxwell technology also lets you take advantage of Nvidia’s VXGI, DSR, and MFAA technologies.

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: ZOTAC | VRAM: 4 GB | Base Clock: 1102 MHz | Boost Clock: 1241 MHz | Power Consumption: 145W | Power Supply: 500W

2. MSI ARMOR 2X GeForce GTX 970 – Best Budget GTX 970

The GTX 970 MSI Armor 2X OC 4GB Edition shows greater game performance in 2024 on 1080p, 1440p, and 4K screen goals. The GTX 970 is the cheapest variant and is able to run the most demanding games today. This makes it a great choice for gamers on a budget. On Microsoft Flight Simulator, the GeForce GTX 970 MSI Armor 2X OC 4GB Edition is expected to deliver 30 frames per second at Ultra settings on the MSI Armor 2X OC 4GB Edition. Star Wars: Jedi – Fallen Order is another popular title against which GPU benchmarks are performed, which we saw get playable frame rates of 30 FPS. In addition to Grand Theft Auto VI, we can also view it on Ultra at 1080p. Under tests, the game is estimated to get 11 frames per second.

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Using the ARMOR 2X warm structure, MSI selected a custom VGA cooler. This advertising name masks two 100mm fans that are attached to a VGA cooler. Are they any good? The consumer test will tell us. The card is not strengthened by any backplate or any other means. With a boost clock of 1240MHz, this MSI GTX 970 is very fast. The graphics card has been overclocked in comparison to the reference version. 66% TDP is the minimum target, and 106% is the maximum. This Best GTX 970 Graphics Card features faster clock speeds out of the box, enabling it to deliver better performance in games, as well as two 10cm Propeller Blade fans that provide 20% more airflow than conventional fans.

Additionally, on Twin Frozr IV Advanced cards, you will find Blade fans that provide superb cooling performance at a low noise level. The GPU is cooled down by an enormous heatsink with elegant aluminum blades hidden beneath the famous cover and the ground-breaking double fans. To guarantee efficient cooling, copper heat pipes are incorporated into the baseplate. In order to increase the wind flow towards the heat pipes, the aluminum balances are fitted with Airflow Control technology. For trouble-free gaming, it’s the best choice.

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: MSI | VRAM: 4 GB | Base Clock: 442 MHz | Boost Clock: 1253 MHz | Power Consumption: 145W | Power Supply: 500W

3. MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G – Best Premium GTX 970

The MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G is definitely a premium handcrafted graphics card by MSI that utilizes their Twin Frozr cooling system, which actually shuts its fans off when the graphics card is at rest or in no-game mode, and it utilizes a PCB that makes a 6-pin PCIe power connector necessary to help support the GTX 970’s overclocking demands in comparison to its default counterpart. This GPU will get all the cooling it needs with its custom PCB, all-black design, and TwinFrozr V cooler; temps will stick at a maximum of 70 degrees C, commotion levels are staggeringly low. There are two independent fans on the TwinFrozr V cooler. Additionally, how does a GPU clock recurrence with a Boost clock recurrence of 1279 MHz?

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Despite its name, the Gaming 4G is equipped with a generous 4GB of GDDR5 memory, as is conventional with GTX 970 cards. There is a 1,753MHz memory speed, while the GTX 970 runs at 1,140MHz base clock speed and 1,279MHz lifting clock speed. Compared to the GTX 970 reference structure, the GPU clock speeds are a reasonable increment. As part of our benchmark tests in Dirt Showdown and Crysis 3, the MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G gave smooth FPS at stock speeds, making it the Best GTX 970 Graphics Card of the year. With a goal of 1,920*1,080 and 4x AntiAliasing, the card managed 119 frames per second; that’s good enough for a game like this that demands fast, arcade-style action.

The card achieved an average frame rate of 72.9 frames per second with a maximum frame rate of 88 frames per second and a minimum of 48 frames per second, for smooth interactivity at both resolutions in the Crysis 3 benchmark. In comparison to the reference structure, the MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G has a clock speed upgrade to 1,140mhz. As we expect, GDDR5 memory remains unchanged, “It won’t be a bottleneck in any way.”

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: MSI | VRAM: 4 GB | Base Clock: 1140 MHz | Boost Clock: 1279 MHz | Power Consumption: 145W | Power Supply: 500W

4. EVGA GeForce GTX 970 SSC – Best Overall GTX 970

EVGA’s Superclocked graphics card uses the ACX 2.0 cooler and is designed to compete with the GeForce GTX 970. The card is relatively shorter, but much lighter at 639 grams compared with the GeForce GTX 980 reference card. Its default clock rate of 1,190 MHz is way above the 1050 MHz reference specification, but its boost clock of 1,342 MHz is remarkable and is one of the highest overclocks we’ve ever seen for an industrial facility card. 

Aside from the GTX 970 SSC ACX 2.0+, the GTX 970 SSC ACX 2.0+ is the best GTX 970 with a plastic cooler cover, but it still has good manufacturing quality. It does not feel shaky or free anywhere on the GPU. The card we were given did not come with a backplate, yet it is now being sold with one. However, a different backplate, which clients have to choose for themselves, is the restricted version.

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The expansion’s rationale is unclear, but it’s a great choice that compliments the card’s natural unbending properties, cooling potential, and feel. This card, from EVGA, includes a base clock of 1,190 MHz and an evaluated lifting boost clock of 1,342 MHz. The GTX 970’s memory clock speed is 7GHz, making it one of the fastest graphics cards available; it’s 13% faster than Nvidia’s reference setting. Adding double 6-pin power connectors to the 8-pin PCI-E connectors (the GTX 970 SC ACX2 uses double 6-pins) allows the card to provide more power.

The ACX 2.0+ cooling system holds improvements on the fans from the GTX 970 SC ACX2, including extended edges, overhauled engines, and minimal force engines that incorporate improved magnets, a double metal ball, and advanced fan edges. According to EVGA, this results in a greater wind current with less power usage. The organization claims that it is the world’s most efficient air cooler. EVGA GeForce GTX 970 SSC ACX 2.0+ extended overclocking potential may account for you leaving more other cards out. As such, it is a monstrous graphics card from an overclocking perspective and in terms of the added features. To summarize, the Best GTX 970 Graphics Card is EVGA’s GeForce GTX 970 SSC.

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: EVGA | VRAM: 4 GB | Base Clock: 1190 MHz | Boost Clock: 1342 MHz | Power Consumption: 145W | Power Supply: 500W

5. Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB XTREME – Best High-End GTX 970

In addition to having an industrial facility overclock, this GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 970 4GB XTREME GAMING OC EDITION is equipped with the WINDFORCE cooling technology, that is renowned for its impeccable execution and zero commotion during gameplay. There are a few extravagant 970 chips available with this GPU. The sticker price is justified by various highlights, such as an industrial facility overclock and some other interesting features. This video card is approximately 280mm long by 110mm wide, runs at a base frequency of 1190 MHz and boosts to 1392 MHz, boasts a memory clock rate of 7100 MHz, and has 4GB of GDDR5. A liberal number of ports are also included with the device, including a double DVI-I connection that allows you to view content in 3K, Triple presentation port 11.2, which allows you to view content in 4K, and HDMI 2.0, which also offers 4K @ 60Hz. On the whole, this GPU possesses all the necessary components for an ideal gaming chip.

GIGABYTE offers an OC mode on the GTX 970 XTREME using the OC GURU II programming that increases the base clock by 1216MHz and knocks the memory rates up by 25MHz. GeForce GTX 970 Gigabyte XTREME 4GB Edition is an excellent GPU for gamers who want to upgrade. As one of the best high-end GTX 970 graphics cards, this Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB XTREME is able to handle most AAA game requests with great graphics settings, and these games are designed to go beyond recommendations and meet the present standards. In terms of price, this card is more expensive than most GTX 970s, especially standard ones.

The structure of this card has been heavily invested in by Gigabyte. However, execution and fabrication are as of now legitimizing the premium.

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While there might be occasional promotions in this composition, a pending release could result in the price of this card dropping, and NVIDIA could hold on to their next GPU for some time, it won’t substitute for the GTX 970, which still makes this card a serious choice for 1080p performance. A GTX 970 with LED RGB lighting is a spectacular option if you want an impressive-looking GPU for 1080p gaming. Despite its premium, this Best GTX 970 Graphics Card is well-known for its outstanding performance.

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: Gigabyte | VRAM: 4 GB | Base Clock: 1215 MHz | Boost Clock: 1367 MHz | Power Consumption: 314W | Power Supply: 600W

6. Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 G1 Gaming – Best Overclocking GTX 970

GTX 970 G1 GAMING EDITION from GIGABYTE is the most astounding overclocked GTX 970 you can discover with an industrial facility overclock and an excellent cooling innovation called WINDFORCE, popular for its superb efficiency and zero commotion activity. A 970 chip is slightly more affordable than this GPU, however, the industrial overclocking and some other appealing features make it more than worth the sticker price. The card measures approximately 312 mm in length. For many of its graphics cards, Gigabyte has developed its Windforce cooling system. To force heat dissipation without relying on wind current, the present structure utilizes unusually shaped fan sharp edges. Copper heat pipes are used to disperse heat from the GPU, according to Gigabyte.

Light effects can be controlled with a Windows utility that lights up the Windforce logo in blue. There is an imprinted G1 Gaming logo on the backplate. The descending face of the fan is a deliberate decision by Gigabyte to shroud the LEDs. The card’s WINDFORCE logo really got me; it appears to be lit up like a Christmas tree. This looks exceptionally cool, other than for its plan and feel, and it is exceedingly pleasing to the eyes. In place of the reference structure’s two 6-pin power connectors, you’ll need one 6-pin and one 8-pin PCIe power connector. In the event that you utilize more power supplies, Gigabyte includes Molex connectors for both.

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The two SLI balances for multi-card arrangements are found in the standard location on the circuit board.

GeForce GTX 970 G1 Gaming GPUs from Gigabyte are notable for their factory overclocks. This card has clock speeds of 1178 MHz and 1329 MHz compared to a reference GeForce GTX 970’s 1050 MHz center clock and 1178 MHz boost clock. The manufacturing plant overclock is quite pleasing! With the GPU Gauntlet arrangement, Gigabyte ensures that this overclocks correctly and is running on the best graphics processing units. It is a dark design that either appeals to you or repels you. Graphic cards, in general, have some structure, but this one is extremely basic. Gigabyte has used metal for both the fan cover and the backplate of the motherboard. In addition to adding stability to the card, the backplate secures the PCB. Furthermore, in addition to its dazzling blue illumination, the WindForce logo on the card can be controlled through the GeForce Experience software.

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: Gigabyte | VRAM: 4 GB | Base Clock: 1114 MHz | Boost Clock: 1253 MHz | Power Consumption: 314W | Power Supply: 550W

7. PNY GeForce GTX 970 – Best Value GTX 970

Playing games should be no problem with the GeForce GTX 970 PNY 4GB Edition’s casing rate at 1080p. These graphics cards will support DirectX 12 gaming frameworks. We tested the GTX 970 PNY 4GB Edition in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p because we are currently focused on gaming at 1080p. Based on our testing, it should perform well with the following settings: Low: 70 FPS, Medium: 55 FPS, High: 37 FPS, and Ultra: 27 FPS. The execution differentiation of Doom Eternal indicates it is expected to restore 50 FPS at Ultra 1080p. In terms of value, the GTX 970 PNY 4GB Edition is the best GTX 970.The Nvidia GeForce 970 PNY 4GB Edition from Nvidia forms covering up and uncommon graphical effects without difficulty, with an SPU check of 2646. This GPU consumes 150 watts of power. It has uncommon performance overall, and the GeForce GTX 970 PNY 4GB Edition is no exception. When it comes to the most recent games and applications, this graphics card can achieve levels of execution that are far beyond the worthy extent. It has been over a decade since this card was issued, which means it’s outdated and depends on mature innovations.

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Currently, driver support is extremely strong, so game makers will undoubtedly be obliged to update their games to take advantage of the made-to-order improvements and to integrate a long lifespan as another perk of gaming computers. As a general rule, the PNY 970 is a very intriguing-looking card; however, because of its low price, many of its features shouldn’t be too confusing. Rather than using a blower with a small heatsink, PNY might have been better off using a max-length card with a custom heatsink and fan. We will really know what this unit is capable of and whether it deserves to be labeled as XLR8 based upon its presentation.

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: PNY | VRAM: 4 GB | Base Clock: 1050 MHz | Boost Clock: 1178 MHz | Power Consumption: 145W | Power Supply: 650W

8. ASUS STRIX GeForce GTX 970 – Best Gaming GTX 970

As the Best GTX 970 Graphics Cards, the ASUS STRIX GeForce GTX 970 OC features a handcrafted PCB and ASUS’s STRIX cooling design, which prevents any fan noise. ASUS indicates the card will be available for $349. A custom PCB, Noir Black structure, along with the DirectCU Strix cooler will ensure total cooling to the GTX 970. The card will reach a maximum temperature of approximately 70 Degrees C with super low noise levels. The truth is, the fans won’t turn until they reach 67 degrees Celsius, regardless of whether they’re in gear or work area mode.

The ASUS GeForce GTX 970 is equipped with a custom PCB, all-dunned structure, and DirectCU Strix cooler which will provide sufficient cooling for the GTX 970. Asus’ GTX970 Strix OC will not turn the fans until they reach 67 Degrees C. Asus’ GPU is clocked at 1,114MHz, compared to 1,050MHz on the reference design. Like we expected, the GDDR5 memory performs flawlessly. There are no bottlenecks here.

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It’s about sharpness and quick reactions with the STRIX line. Featuring a base clock of 114 MHz and an overclock of 1253 MHz, STRIX has made a card that gives an improved performance. So, its memory clock is 7012 MHz, and it has 4GB GDDR5 RAM. With just one 8-pin power input, this belt is not only groundbreaking but also less power-consuming than the reference belt. A good choice is the ASUS STRIX GeForce GTX 970!

SPECIFICATIONS

Brand: ASUS | VRAM: 4 GB | Base Clock: 1114 MHz | Boost Clock: 1253 MHz | Power Consumption: 225W | Power Supply: 550W

GTX 970 Base Specs and comparison:

GPU	GeForce GTX 680	GeForce GTX 980	Geforce GTX 970
Streaming Multiprocessors	8	16	13
CUDA Cores	1536	2048	1664
Base Clock	1006 MHz	1126 MHz	1050 MHz
Boost Clock	1058 MHz	1216 MHz	1178 MHz
Total Video memory	2GB	4GB	4GB
Texel fill-rate	129 Gigatexels/Sec	144.1 Gigatexels/Sec	109.2 Gigatexels/Sec
Memory Clock	6000 MHz	7000 MHz	7000 MHz
Memory Bandwidth	192 GB/sec	224 GB/sec	224 GB/s
ROPs	32	64	64
Manufacturing Process	28nm	28nm	28nm
TDP	195 watts	165 watts	145 watts

Interested in other more powerful GPUs? Then check our list of Best GTX 1070 Ti Graphics Cards

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best GTX 970 for you?

Gamer’s hardware and gaming hardware have been our focus for a significant portion of the time. After we examined various items, we ended up at the best GTX 970. Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 OC can provide you with superior performance on a Mini-ITX motherboard, however. As well as transferring 4K, the card provides excellent performance without putting too much strain on your wallet.

What are the budget-friendly GTX 970s?

As a result, the question becomes which specific AIC to purchase, as the AIC accomplices of Nvidia are reporting an array of different offerings, each in all probability better than the previous. It’s true that even when the ASUS, MSI, and EVGA cards are compared together, there’s a plethora of information to digest, so we’ve distilled the key differences between them in the following table.

What about the GTX 970 in 2024?

Even though it’s quite old, it’s still capable of running most games over 70 frames per second for a relatively low price. Therefore, if you can get a GTX 970 for 90$, you should buy it. Nevertheless, ensure that it doesn’t have any scratches.

What is the best GTX 970?

Gigabyte’s GTX 970 is the best GTX 970 on the market because of its game stream on the Nvidia shield and top-notch gaming performance.

What are the advantages of a GTX 970?

Several games run at more than 70 frames per second. Metro Exodus runs at an average of 48 frames per second if you set it to Ultra-high settings at 1080p. An excellent choice is the GTX 970, which you can get for 90$. The GTX 1060 has significantly better performance and benchmark results than the GTX 970, also available in the latest models.

How do GTX 1060s compare to GTX 970s?

With regard to benchmarks and overall performance, the GTX 1060 performs significantly better than the GTX 970, also available in newer models.