GeForce GTX 970
Save this GPU, then open another GPU page to compare them side by side.
Or compare with:
At a Glance
- Entry Type
- Reference GPU
- Architecture
- Maxwell 2.0
- Series
- GeForce 900 Series
- GPU Die
- GM204
- Launch Date
- 2014-09-19
- CUDA Cores
- 1,664
- TMUs
- 104
- ROPs
- 56
- Memory
- 4 GB GDDR5
- Bus Width
- 256-bit
- TDP/TBP
- 148 W
- Rec. PSU
- 300 W
- Interface
- PCIe 3.0 x16
- Data Confidence
- Partial
Overview
GeForce GTX 970 is an NVIDIA GPU entry in the GeForce 900 Series family. It is listed with Maxwell 2.0 architecture and GM204 silicon.
Key reference data: 1,664 CUDA cores/shaders, 4 GB GDDR5 memory, 256-bit memory bus, 148 W board power class.
Board-partner cards can vary in cooler, PCB, display outputs, clocks, BIOS behavior, and power connector layout.
Why It Mattered
GeForce GTX 970 is a priority page because it was a major Maxwell gaming card and because its 4 GB memory configuration requires careful, source-backed explanation. The page should separate launch positioning from the later segmented-memory clarification.
Launch Context
Launch context should use NVIDIA's GTX 980/970 Maxwell announcement for the official high-end Maxwell rollout, with price and performance claims kept tied to the source.
Performance Context
Performance context should compare against GTX 770, GTX 780, GTX 980, Radeon R9 290, and later GTX 1060 only from reviews with methodology.
Architecture Context
Architecture notes should explain GM204/Maxwell 2 context and keep GTX 970's cut-down configuration distinct from GTX 980.
Collector Relevance
For archival use, record the board vendor, PCB revision, bus type, memory chips and capacity, BIOS version, cooler or fan, display outputs, TV-out or DVI adapter cables, and photos of both sides of the card.
Used-Market Caution
Before buying used, confirm PCI or AGP voltage compatibility, required legacy driver and OS support, visible capacitor damage, fan noise, memory artifacts, missing breakout cables, and whether the card has been tested in period-correct hardware.
Board, Connector, and Cooling Notes
Exact retail board models can differ in cooler, PCB, clocks, display outputs, BIOS behavior, and power connector layout.
Known Issues
The memory configuration needs its own sourced note. The page should explain the 3.5 GB high-priority plus 512 MB lower-priority memory segmentation in plain language, without implying the card has less than 4 GB total memory.
Driver and Platform Notes
Driver support depends on architecture, operating system, and current NVIDIA driver branch.
Check the current NVIDIA Linux driver branch, distribution packages, and kernel compatibility for this exact GPU.
Check the current NVIDIA driver branch and OEM support policy for this exact GPU.
Reviews1 review
Board-partner, reference-card, article, and video reviews that cover this GPU.
Related GPUs
GeForce 910M
GeForce 920M
GeForce 920MX
GeForce 930M
SourcesPartial
Sources reviewed: 2026-06-21
This entry is still being source-checked.
Source Status
Source review pending. Treat narrative notes as incomplete until listed sources are reviewed.
Pending source review topics:
- why it mattered
- launch context
- performance context
- competitive context
- driver and platform notes
- variant notes
Data confidence and source status
Partial entry. Core specifications may be present, but history, variant notes, known issues, and source review may be incomplete.
- Verified: core specifications and historical notes have been reviewed against listed sources.
- Partial: core specifications may be present, but history, variant notes, known issues, and source review may be incomplete.
- Imported: spec-only imported entry pending editorial source review.
- Needs source review: narrative notes are incomplete until reviewed.
Primary / manufacturer sources
- NVIDIA Newsroom, NVIDIA Unveils Full Power of Maxwell GPU Architecture With GeForce GTX 980 and 970Primary launch source for GTX 970/980 and high-end Maxwell.Open source
- Tom's Hardware, The Real Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 SpecificationsSource for the GTX 970 memory segmentation clarification.Open source
- Legit Reviews, NVIDIA CEO Jen-Hsun Huang Talks GeForce GTX 970 Memory SpecificationsSource for NVIDIA's public explanation of the GTX 970 memory configuration.Open source
Independent reference sources
- TechPowerUp GPU SpecsModel-level specification reference for this GPU entryOpen source
Derived datasets and spec dumps
- RightNow GPU DatabaseOpen data inventory used for bulk normalization and cross-checking Derived/spec-dump source. Treat as a reference dataset, not independent historical verification.Open source
Found an incorrect spec, missing source, or variant issue?
Submit a correction