Is the GTX 970 Still Worth Buying in 2019?
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- The Controversy Surrounding the GTX 970
- The Popularity of the GTX 970
- Performance of the GTX 970 in 2019
- Gameplay Benchmarks: APEX Legends
- Gameplay Benchmarks: Battlefield 5
- Gameplay Benchmarks: Crisis
- Gameplay Benchmarks: Dirt Rally 2.0
- Gameplay Benchmarks: Far Cry New DAWN
- Gameplay Benchmarks: Grand Theft Auto 5
- Gameplay Benchmarks: Metro Exodus
- Gameplay Benchmarks: Rust
- Performance of Older Games on the GTX 970
- Conclusion
The Performance of the GTX 970 in 2019
The GTX 970, despite its initial controversy, remains a popular choice among gamers even after five years since its release. With its advertised four gigabytes of vram, some users discovered that the GPU actually only featured 3.5 gigs of high-performance vram. This led to a class-action lawsuit, but it had little impact on the card's popularity. In fact, the GTX 970 still holds a spot in the top 10 on the Steam hardware survey. In this article, we will explore the performance of the GTX 970 in 2019 and see how it fares in modern games.
The Controversy Surrounding the GTX 970
The controversy surrounding the GTX 970 stemmed from the discovery that the card actually had 3.5 gigabytes of high-performance vram instead of the advertised four gigabytes. The remaining 0.5 gigabytes were performance-limited vram. This discrepancy in vram allocation led to performance issues when the GPU exceeded 3.5 gigs of usage. As a result, a class-action lawsuit was filed, and 970 owners were able to claim a $30 settlement. Despite this controversy, the GTX 970 continued to be a popular choice among gamers.
The Popularity of the GTX 970
Despite the controversy surrounding its vram allocation, the GTX 970 remained a highly popular graphics card among gamers. It held a spot in the top 10 on the Steam hardware survey for a significant period of time. Its popularity can be attributed to its capability to deliver Full HD gaming at 60fps, making it a reliable choice for gamers even years after its release. Additionally, the GTX 970's price on the used market, usually below $100, has made it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.
Performance of the GTX 970 in 2019
In 2019, the GTX 970 continues to offer decent performance across a range of modern titles. While it may struggle with some newer, more demanding games, it still holds its ground in many popular titles. Let's dive into some gameplay benchmarks to see how the GTX 970 performs in various games.
Gameplay Benchmarks: Apex Legends
Apex Legends, a fast-paced multiplayer title, runs smoothly on the GTX 970 at 1080p with a mixture of high and medium settings. Achieving a consistent 60fps is easily possible with the best possible settings. Considering that the GTX 970 was once a capable GPU for achieving Full HD gaming at 60fps, it continues to perform well in this popular title.
Gameplay Benchmarks: Battlefield 5
Battlefield 5 presents some challenges for the GTX 970, especially at Ultra settings. However, by switching to the high preset, the Game runs smoothly with a pleasant average framerate. The GTX 970, with its availability on the used market and an affordable price tag, proves to be a reliable choice for gamers who want to enjoy Battlefield 5 without breaking the bank.
Gameplay Benchmarks: Crisis
Crisis is known for its demanding system requirements, making it a good benchmark for testing the performance of modern hardware. The GTX 970 handles Crisis with ease, even at the highest settings and with anti-aliasing disabled. The card remains cool, quiet, and collected as it handles the intense action in this PC-melting title.
Gameplay Benchmarks: Dirt Rally 2.0
Dirt Rally 2.0 performs admirably on the GTX 970, averaging at least 60fps with the ultra settings and max anti-aliasing enabled. This off-road racing game offers fantastic visuals at higher settings, but also provides customizable options for players with different levels of hardware. The GTX 970 proves to be a capable graphics card for enjoying the immersive experience of Dirt Rally 2.0.
Gameplay Benchmarks: Far Cry New Dawn
Far Cry New Dawn, being a reskin of Far Cry 5, performs similarly on the GTX 970. With the graphics settings set to ultra, the GTX 970 holds its own throughout the game. The oversaturated yet visually pleasing landscape of Far Cry New Dawn is rendered smoothly, providing an enjoyable gaming experience for players.
Gameplay Benchmarks: Grand Theft Auto 5
Grand Theft Auto 5, a few years old now, runs effortlessly on the GTX 970, delivering an average framerate of over 100fps with MSI Afterburner disabled and very high graphics options selected. While performance may vary based on location within the game, overall, the GTX 970 provides a decent experience no matter where you are in the vast world of GTA 5.
Gameplay Benchmarks: Metro Exodus
Metro Exodus poses a challenge for many graphics cards, and the GTX 970 is no exception. Although hitting the target of 60fps was possible in some areas with medium settings, the average framerate hovered around 50fps. Metro Exodus showcases stunning visuals, and even with reduced settings, the game remains a worthwhile experience. It's worth noting that performance may vary depending on the different levels and locations within the game.
Gameplay Benchmarks: Rust
Rust can be a hit or miss in terms of performance, making it a challenging game to run on certain hardware configurations. However, the GTX 970 handles Rust quite well, even with the fantastic quality preset, the highest available in the game. Rust's long loading times can be frustrating, but the GTX 970 ensures a stable and smooth gameplay experience once in the game.
Performance of Older Games on the GTX 970
While it is important to consider the performance of modern games on the GTX 970, it is also worth noting that the card remains capable of running older games exceptionally well. Games like The Witcher 3, which require high post-processing settings, may prove to be a challenge for the GTX 970 at ultra settings. However, by using the high preset and tweaking the post-processing settings, players can enjoy a smooth and visually pleasing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the GTX 970 continues to be a reliable and capable graphics card in 2019. Despite its initial controversy, the card retains its popularity among gamers due to its performance and affordability. While it may struggle with some demanding modern titles, the GTX 970 excels in running older games and offers a smooth gaming experience at 1080p. If you are on a budget but still want to enjoy modern gaming, the GTX 970 is definitely worth considering.
Highlights:
- The GTX 970's popularity remains strong despite the controversy surrounding its vram allocation.
- The card offers excellent performance in older games and performs well in many modern titles.
- The GTX 970 is an affordable option for budget-conscious gamers, especially on the used market.
FAQ:
Q: What was the controversy surrounding the GTX 970?
A: The GTX 970 was advertised as having four gigabytes of vram, but it was later discovered that the card actually had 3.5 gigabytes of high-performance vram and 0.5 gigabytes of performance-limited vram.
Q: Is the GTX 970 still a good graphics card in 2019?
A: Yes, the GTX 970 continues to be a decent graphics card in 2019, offering solid performance in many modern games at 1080p resolution. It is especially suitable for budget-conscious gamers.
Q: Can the GTX 970 handle demanding games like Metro Exodus?
A: While the GTX 970 may struggle with some of the most demanding games, such as Metro Exodus, it is still capable of providing a playable experience with reduced settings.
Q: Is the GTX 970 still popular among gamers?
A: Yes, the GTX 970 remains popular among gamers due to its affordability and solid performance in a wide range of games. It continues to hold a spot in the top 10 on the Steam hardware survey.
Q: Is the GTX 970 a good choice for budget gamers?
A: Yes, the GTX 970 is an excellent choice for budget gamers. It can be found at a reasonable price on the used market and offers reliable performance in many games.
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