Nvidia GeForce GTX 980
An ageing giant?
ARGUABLY, THE GEFORCE GTX 980 is the king of computer graphics. Although not the first sighting of Nvidia’s almost legendary Maxwell architecture, the GTX 980 capitalized on the new and improved GM204 processor. With 4GB of GDDR5, 5.2 billion transistors, and a 256bit bus, the GTX 980 proved that it was the master of overclocking, and a flagship card of its time—at least, until the Titan X and GTX 980 Ti launched later, of course.
Does it still hold up? Sort of—you have to value it at its current price to truly appreciate it. And although the likes of the GTX 1060 now match it, almost like for like, when it comes to performance, it’s still worth taking into consideration—if you can find it. It decimates 1080p, absolutely demolishing average frame rates left, right, and center without worry. It’s not uncommon to see it average well into the sixties for most AAA titles. Couple that with its potential to overclock by a good 260MHz or so on the core clock, and nearly 450MHz again on the memory, and it’s a card not to be underestimated.
The reference variant, although exceptionally rare on the scene now, is cool, quiet, and stylish. There’s no controversially outlandish strange-shaped triangles littering the shroud here, just that tried-and-true blower fan setup with which we first fell in love at the launch of the original Titan, way back when. It does the job exceptionally well, in fact—especially in more cramped cases and conditions. ITX cases, in particular, fare well with this mighty behemoth.
So, what is it that still makes the GTX 980 such an appealing proposition? Especially with the likes of the GTX 1060 looming on the horizon? Three letters: SLI. Although it’s not for everyone, for those looking to upgrade today, and who already own a GTX 980, getting an additional one will add performance in abundance, and save you from having to spend your hard-earned cash on a GTX 1070 or above, for anywhere near a decent increase in performance figures.
VERDICT7
Nvidia GeForce GTX 980
THE KING Impressive 1080p performance; incredible overclocker; SLI.
THE THING Still a little pricey new; not technically an upgrade.
$ 440, www.nvidia.com