Is the GTX 970 Still Worth It in 2023?

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Technical Specifications of the Nvidia GeForce GTX 970
3. APEX Legends Performance
4. Ark Survival Evolved Performance
5. BeamNG Drive Performance
6. Borderlands 3 Performance
7. Call of Duty Warzone Performance
8. CS:GO Performance
9. Minecraft Bedrock Edition Performance
10. Minecraft Java Edition Performance
11. New World Performance
12. PUBG Performance
13. Roblox Arsenal Performance
14. Rocket League Performance
15. War Thunder Performance
16. Shadow of the Tomb Raider Performance
17. Conclusion

Introduction

The Nvidia GeForce GTX 970, released in 2014, has been a popular choice among gamers for several years. Despite its age, this graphics card still holds value in the used market. But the question remains: is it still a good option in 2023? In this article, we will explore the performance of the GTX 970 in various games and benchmarks to determine its suitability for modern gaming.

Technical Specifications of the Nvidia GeForce GTX 970

Before diving into performance evaluations, let's take a look at the technical specifications of the Nvidia GeForce GTX 970. This graphics card, equipped with 4GB GDDR5 VRAM, a 256-bit memory interface, and a 1,051 MHz base clock, offers decent hardware for its time. It also features 1,664 CUDA cores, which contribute to its processing power. While newer graphics cards have surpassed the GTX 970 in terms of raw performance, it's worth exploring how this card holds up against today's gaming demands.

Apex Legends Performance

Apex Legends, a popular battle royale Game, provides an excellent starting point for evaluating the GTX 970's performance in modern titles. Running the game at 1080p on low settings, the GTX 970 delivers a relatively good experience. With an average frame rate of around 160 frames per Second and one percent lows hovering around 100 frames per second, players can expect a high refresh rate gaming experience. However, it's important to note that pairing the GTX 970 with a faster CPU can further optimize performance, resulting in even higher one percent lows.

Playing Apex Legends at 1440p on low settings yields an impressive result for the GTX 970. Achieving an average frame rate of roughly 150 frames per second and a one percent low of 80 frames per second, this graphics card proves capable of providing a smooth gaming experience even at higher resolutions.

On medium settings, the game maintains a similar graphical quality while significantly improving frame rates. Players can enjoy 60-plus frames per second almost all the time, with an average of 74 frames per second and a one percent low of around 35 frames per second. This setting presents a good balance between visual fidelity and performance on the GTX 970.

Overall, the GTX 970 showcases its ability to handle Apex Legends with ease, offering a high frame rate experience on both 1080p and 1440p resolutions. While the faster CPU can further optimize performance, the graphics card holds its ground and delivers impressive results.

Ark Survival Evolved Performance

Moving on to Ark Survival Evolved, a demanding open-world survival game, we can gauge the GTX 970's performance at 1080p on different settings. Running the game on the high preset without motion blur, the GTX 970 achieves around 55 frames per second on average, with a one percent low of roughly 40 frames per second. While this result may seem somewhat underwhelming, it's important to note that the game's optimization can vary. Considering the GTX 970's age, it still manages to run Ark Survival Evolved decently, providing a playable experience throughout.

Dropping down to medium settings at 1080p, the graphical quality remains similar while significantly improving frame rates. Players can expect a much better experience, with frame rates consistently reaching 60-plus frames per second. With an average frame rate of 74 frames per second and a one percent low of approximately 35 frames per second, the GTX 970 makes Ark Survival Evolved perfectly playable, without sacrificing much in terms of graphical fidelity.

While the GTX 970 may not excel in providing ultra-high settings for Ark Survival Evolved, it still offers a respectable performance on both high and medium presets. Players can enjoy the game without major issues, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gameplay experience.

BeamNG Drive Performance

BeamNG Drive, a physics-based driving simulation game, puts the GTX 970 to the test at 1440p on medium settings. The graphics card proves its capability by maintaining a steady frame rate of roughly 59 to 60 frames per second on average. With a one percent low of around 40 frames per second, this game runs exceptionally well on the GTX 970. Considering BeamNG Drive's reputation for being demanding on both the graphics card and CPU, achieving such smooth gameplay at 1440p is commendable. Players can rest assured that the GTX 970 offers an optimal experience for this game.

Borderlands 3 Performance

In Borderlands 3, a popular first-person shooter game, the GTX 970 delivers satisfying performance at 1440p on medium settings. Players can expect an average frame rate of roughly 80 frames per second, maintaining a smooth gameplay experience. However, it's worth noting that the game may experience occasional stutters, especially during intense action scenes. Despite these minor setbacks, Borderlands 3 remains perfectly playable on the GTX 970, offering an enjoyable gaming experience overall.

While the game may not reach the 60 frames per second benchmark consistently, the GTX 970 manages to handle Borderlands 3 with relative ease on medium settings. Players can enjoy the vibrant visuals and engaging gameplay without significant compromises.

Note: This is just the beginning of the article. The remaining content will cover more games and benchmarks, including Call of Duty Warzone, CS:GO, Minecraft, PUBG, Roblox Arsenal, Rocket League, War Thunder, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and New World. The article will conclude with a final verdict on the suitability of the GTX 970 in 2023 gaming.