Is the GTX 970 Worth It in 2020?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to the GTX 970
2. Specifications of the GTX 970
3. Performance in Modern Games
   • 3.1 Horizon Zero DAWN
   • 3.2 Death Stranding
   • 3.3 Call of Duty: Warzone
   • 3.4 Fall Guys
   • 3.5 Red Dead Redemption 2
4. Esports Titles on the GTX 970
   • 4.1 Fortnite
   • 4.2 Assassin's Creed Odyssey
   • 4.3 Valorant
   • 4.4 APEX Legends
   • 4.5 Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
5. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
6. Conclusion
7. FAQs and Answers

The GTX 970: How Well Does it Perform in 2020?

The GTX 970, a graphics card released in 2014, may now be considered outdated with the recent announcement of the RTX 30 series. However, it still garners Curiosity as to how well it holds up in modern games. In this article, we will assess the performance of the GTX 970 in 2020, focusing on its specifications, benchmark results, and compatibility with popular titles. Whether you're considering purchasing a used GTX 970 or looking to reminisce about this prominent card, join us as we dive into its performance in today's gaming landscape.

Introduction to the GTX 970

The GTX 970, specifically the EVGA AXC 2.0 version, gained substantial popularity upon its release and was even at the top of Steam charts for a significant period. With its 1600 CUDA cores, a base clock of 1000 MHz, and 4GB (or arguable 3.5GB) of VRAM, it offered impressive specifications for its time. Additionally, the GTX 970 was one of the last cards supporting SLI, a multi-GPU technology that has now become obsolete. Let's explore how this card has aged.

Specifications of the GTX 970

Before delving into the performance of the GTX 970, it is crucial to understand its technical specifications. With 1600 CUDA cores and a base clock of 1000 MHz, the GTX 970 offered commendable performance during its prime. It came equipped with 4GB of VRAM, although the controversy surrounding a static 0.5GB VRAM partition limited its effective memory capacity. Nevertheless, its high-speed memory clocked at 7 Gbps put it ahead of its competitors at the time. Despite being an older model, the specifications of the GTX 970 are worth considering.

Performance in Modern Games

To evaluate the GTX 970's performance in modern games, we conducted benchmark tests at 1080p resolution on medium settings. This setting ensures the card is not pushed beyond its limits while providing a baseline for comparison. Let's dive into the results of some popular titles to see how the GTX 970 fares.

Horizon Zero Dawn

Being a popular PS4 title, Horizon Zero Dawn's PC port was highly anticipated. Surprisingly, the GTX 970 held up decently in this Game, averaging around 53.8 FPS with minimal drops.

Death Stranding

Another PS4 game that made its way to PC, Death Stranding showcased better optimization. The GTX 970 achieved an impressive average of 74.4 FPS, with one percent low frames hovering around 60 FPS.

Call of Duty: Warzone

As one of the most popular multiplayer battle royale titles, Call of Duty: Warzone delivered excellent performance on the GTX 970. With an average frame rate of 181 FPS and no issues driving a 144Hz monitor, this card proved its worth.

Fall Guys

Even at the highest settings, Fall Guys ran smoothly on the GTX 970, maintaining a steady 60 FPS. However, it should be noted that some players have reported issues with this game not reaching higher refresh rates irrespective of the system's capabilities.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Rockstar's blockbuster title, Red Dead Redemption 2, presented a more demanding challenge for the GTX 970. Although the average framerate settled around 61.8 FPS, lows dropped to 52.41 FPS. Despite this, the game remains playable on the card.

Esports Titles on the GTX 970

The GTX 970 also holds its own when it comes to esports titles. With its high refresh rate capabilities, competitive games like Fortnite and Valorant run smoothly, surpassing 100 FPS. Likewise, titles such as Assassin's Creed Odyssey and Apex Legends offer decent performance on medium settings.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, notorious for its demanding system requirements, posed a significant challenge for the GTX 970. Achieving an average framerate of 45.5 FPS while flying over Pretoria, South Africa, indicates that the card struggles in certain regions. However, it's crucial to consider the vast variation in performance that depends heavily on the location within the game.

Conclusion

Despite being six years old, the GTX 970 continues to impress in various modern games. Its performance at 1080p resolution on medium settings remains commendable, making it a suitable choice for budget-conscious gamers. However, as newer titles and next-generation consoles emerge, it is inevitable that the GTX 970's performance will gradually diminish. Nevertheless, for the time being, the GTX 970 remains a viable option for gamers on a tight budget.

FAQs

Q1. Is the GTX 970 still worth buying in 2020? The GTX 970 can still be a worthwhile purchase for gamers on a budget. Its performance at 1080p resolution on medium settings remains respectable, providing a satisfactory gaming experience for older and less demanding titles.

Q2. Can the GTX 970 run modern games? Yes, the GTX 970 can run many modern games, albeit at lower graphics settings. While it may struggle with the latest AAA titles, it still delivers smooth gameplay in older and less demanding games.

Q3. Does the GTX 970 support VR gaming? Yes, the GTX 970 does support virtual reality gaming. However, due to its age, it may not be capable of delivering optimal performance in more resource-intensive VR titles.

Q4. What is the price range for a used GTX 970? The price of a used GTX 970 can vary depending on its condition, brand, and seller. On average, you can expect to find them priced between $50 to $100.

Q5. Are there any recommended alternatives to the GTX 970? If you're looking for a more up-to-date option, the GTX 1660 Super or the RTX 2060 offer improved performance and features. These cards provide better value for the money and are worth considering if your budget allows.

Resources:

• UFD Tech Channel (YouTube): link