The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970M is a high-performance graphics card that was released in 2014, specifically designed for gaming laptops. Although it’s been several years since its release, the GTX 970M remains a popular choice among gamers who are looking for a powerful and affordable graphics solution. But is the GTX 970M still good for gaming? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of this graphics card, its performance, and its suitability for modern gaming.
Architecture and Specifications
The GTX 970M is based on the Maxwell architecture, which was a significant improvement over the previous Kepler architecture. The Maxwell architecture provided improved performance, power efficiency, and features such as NVIDIA’s proprietary technologies like PhysX, GeForce Experience, and ShadowPlay.
Here are the key specifications of the GTX 970M:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| GPU Architecture | Maxwell |
| CUDA Cores | 1280 |
| Base Clock Speed | 924 MHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 1038 MHz |
| Memory | 3 GB GDDR5 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 120 GB/s |
Performance
The GTX 970M is a powerful graphics card that can handle demanding games at high resolutions and frame rates. In its time, it was one of the fastest mobile graphics cards available, and it still holds its own against modern games.
In terms of performance, the GTX 970M is capable of delivering smooth frame rates in popular games such as:
- Fortnite: 60 FPS at 1080p, 40 FPS at 1440p
- PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG): 50 FPS at 1080p, 30 FPS at 1440p
- Overwatch: 80 FPS at 1080p, 50 FPS at 1440p
However, the GTX 970M may struggle with more demanding games such as:
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
The GTX 970M can deliver around 30 FPS at 1080p and 20 FPS at 1440p in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, which is a demanding game that requires a powerful graphics card.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The GTX 970M can deliver around 40 FPS at 1080p and 25 FPS at 1440p in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which is a graphically intensive game that requires a powerful graphics card.
Power Consumption and Heat Generation
The GTX 970M has a TDP of 125W, which is relatively high compared to modern graphics cards. This means that it can generate a significant amount of heat, especially during intense gaming sessions.
However, most modern laptops are designed to handle the heat generated by the GTX 970M, and they often come with advanced cooling systems that can keep the graphics card at a safe temperature.
Comparison with Modern Graphics Cards
The GTX 970M is an older graphics card, and it has been surpassed by modern graphics cards such as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti and the AMD Radeon RX 560X.
Here’s a comparison of the GTX 970M with the GTX 1660 Ti:
| Specification | GTX 970M | GTX 1660 Ti |
|---|---|---|
| GPU Architecture | Maxwell | Turing |
| CUDA Cores | 1280 | 1408 |
| Base Clock Speed | 924 MHz | 1455 MHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | 1038 MHz | 1770 MHz |
| Memory | 3 GB GDDR5 | 6 GB GDDR6 |
As you can see, the GTX 1660 Ti has a more modern architecture, more CUDA cores, and faster clock speeds. It also has more memory and a faster memory bandwidth.
Conclusion
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970M is still a good graphics card for gaming, but it’s not as powerful as modern graphics cards. It can handle demanding games at high resolutions and frame rates, but it may struggle with more demanding games.
If you’re looking for a powerful graphics card for gaming, you may want to consider a more modern option such as the GTX 1660 Ti or the AMD Radeon RX 560X. However, if you’re on a budget and you’re looking for a affordable graphics card that can still deliver good performance, the GTX 970M may be a good option.
Ultimately, the GTX 970M is still a viable option for gaming, but it’s not the best option available.
What is the GTX 970M and is it still a viable option for gaming?
The GTX 970M is a high-performance mobile graphics processing unit (GPU) developed by NVIDIA, released in 2014. It was designed to provide fast and efficient graphics rendering for gaming laptops. Although it’s an older model, the GTX 970M can still handle modern games at lower to medium settings.
However, its viability depends on the type of games you play and the level of graphics quality you expect. If you’re looking to play less demanding games or older titles, the GTX 970M can still provide a smooth gaming experience. But for more demanding games or those that require high-end graphics, you might experience reduced frame rates or lower graphics quality.
How does the GTX 970M compare to newer graphics cards?
The GTX 970M is significantly outdated compared to newer graphics cards, such as the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 series or AMD Radeon RX 6000M series. These newer models offer improved performance, power efficiency, and features like ray tracing, artificial intelligence-enhanced graphics, and variable rate shading.
In comparison, the GTX 970M lacks these advanced features and has lower performance metrics, such as lower CUDA core counts, memory bandwidth, and clock speeds. However, the GTX 970M can still hold its own in less demanding games or at lower graphics settings, making it a viable option for those on a budget or with older laptops.
What are the system requirements for the GTX 970M?
The GTX 970M requires a laptop with a compatible processor, such as Intel Core i5 or i7, and at least 8 GB of RAM. It also needs a 64-bit operating system, such as Windows 10 or Linux. Additionally, the laptop should have a good cooling system to prevent overheating, as the GTX 970M can generate significant heat during intense gaming sessions.
In terms of power consumption, the GTX 970M has a TDP of around 80-90 watts, which is relatively high compared to modern GPUs. This means that laptops with the GTX 970M may have shorter battery life and require more power to operate.
Can the GTX 970M handle 4K gaming?
The GTX 970M is not well-suited for 4K gaming, as it lacks the necessary processing power and memory bandwidth to handle the high resolution. While it can technically render 4K graphics, the frame rates will likely be very low, making for a poor gaming experience.
If you want to play games at 4K resolution, you’ll need a more powerful GPU, such as the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 or AMD Radeon RX 6800M. These newer models have the necessary performance and features to handle 4K gaming at high frame rates.
Is the GTX 970M compatible with modern games?
The GTX 970M can still run many modern games, but its compatibility depends on the game’s system requirements and graphics settings. Less demanding games like Minecraft, League of Legends, or Overwatch can run smoothly on the GTX 970M, even at higher graphics settings.
However, more demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, The Witcher 3, or Cyberpunk 2077 may require lower graphics settings or reduced resolutions to achieve playable frame rates. You can check the game’s system requirements and benchmarks to determine if the GTX 970M can handle it.
Can I upgrade my laptop’s GTX 970M to a newer GPU?
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to upgrade a laptop’s GTX 970M to a newer GPU, as it’s soldered to the motherboard and cannot be replaced. Laptops are designed to be compact and efficient, which means that the GPU is often integrated into the motherboard and cannot be swapped out.
If you want a newer GPU, you’ll need to purchase a new laptop with the desired graphics card. However, you can consider upgrading your laptop’s RAM or storage to improve overall performance and gaming experience.
Is the GTX 970M still worth buying for gaming?
The GTX 970M is still a viable option for gaming, but its value depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for less demanding games or older titles, the GTX 970M can still provide a good gaming experience.
However, if you’re looking for a high-end gaming experience with the latest graphics features and performance, you may want to consider a newer GPU. Additionally, laptops with the GTX 970M may be older and lack modern features like USB-C, Wi-Fi 6, or high-refresh-rate displays.