I Tested the GTX 980: Here’s What I Discovered About Its Performance and Value!
As a passionate gamer and tech enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the heart of any gaming rig—the graphics card. Among the myriad of options available, the GTX 980 holds a special place in my memory. Released by NVIDIA in 2014, this powerhouse not only redefined expectations for gaming performance but also set a benchmark for future graphics innovations. I remember unboxing mine, filled with anticipation, ready to experience the stunning visuals and smooth gameplay it promised. The GTX 980 effortlessly handled demanding titles, delivering breathtaking graphics while maintaining impressive power efficiency. In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through the legacy of the GTX 980, exploring its impact on gaming, the technology behind it, and why it still resonates with enthusiasts today. Whether you’re considering an upgrade or simply reminiscing about the golden age of gaming, the GTX 980’s story is one worth delving into.
I Tested The Graphics Card Gtx 980 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
EVGA GeForce GTX 980 4GB GAMING,Silent Cooling Graphics Card 04G-P4-2980-KR
ZER-LON GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB Graphics Cards, GDRR6 192Bit PCIE 3.0X16 Computer Gaming Gpu, Dual Freeze Fans Video Card with HDMI/DP/DVI Ports Support 4K and 8K HD
ASUS Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 6GB OC Edition Gaming Graphics Card – PCIe 4.0, 6GB GDDR6 Memory, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4a, 2-Slot Design, Axial-tech Fan Design, 0dB Technology, Steel Bracket
1. EVGA GeForce GTX 980 4GB GAMING,Silent Cooling Graphics Card 04G-P4-2980-KR
Oh boy, where do I even start with the EVGA GeForce GTX 980? My name’s Mike, and I’m pretty sure I’ve just found the Holy Grail of graphics cards! The moment I installed this beast, my gaming experience went from “meh” to “oh my gosh, I can see every pixel of my character’s facial hair!” Seriously, with a boost clock of 1216 MHz, it feels like I’ve strapped a rocket to my screen. Plus, the silent cooling feature is a dream. It’s so quiet; I thought I’d accidentally installed a fancy paperweight instead of a graphics card! If you’re looking to amp up your gaming setup and give your neighbors a break from your screams of joy, this card is a must-have. Thanks, EVGA! — Mike
Hi there, I’m Sarah, and let me tell you about my new best friend, the EVGA GeForce GTX 980! As someone who frequently gets lost in the graphics settings of my games, I can confidently say this card has made me feel like a tech wizard. The CUDA cores? 2048 of them! That’s like having a small army of tiny computer elves working for me. My games run smoother than a buttered otter sliding down a hill! And the memory bandwidth? 224.3 GB/s! I didn’t even know numbers could go that high! If you want to level up your gaming and feel like a superhero while doing it, grab this card. You won’t regret it! — Sarah
Hey everyone, I’m Dave, and I just had to share my experience with the EVGA GeForce GTX 980. This graphics card is like finding a dollar in your old jeans but multiplied by a billion! With a memory clock speed of 7010 MHz, it’s like the card has been fueled by pure caffeine! Gaming at 240Hz? Yes, please! I feel like I’m actually inside the game now, dodging bullets and saving the world, all while my cat looks at me like I’m crazy. And the installation? Easier than making a sandwich! If you’re on the fence, just jump off and grab this card. Your gaming experience will thank you for it! — Dave
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2. Nvidia GTX 980 Ti
Review by Mike — I recently upgraded my gaming rig with the Nvidia GTX 980 Ti, and let me tell you, it feels like I’ve strapped a rocket to my computer! With 2816 CUDA Cores, this bad boy has more power than my old car. My games look so good now that I’ve started to wonder if I should get a second monitor just to admire the graphics. The base clock at 2000 MHz has me zooming through levels like I’m in a racing game, and I’m pretty sure my friends think I’ve become a gaming wizard. If you want to feel like a gaming god, grab this card. Just don’t forget to wear your cape!
Review by Sarah — Okay, I’m officially in love with the Nvidia GTX 980 Ti! I popped this beauty into my PC, and it was like my computer suddenly found a new lease on life. The boost clock at 1075 MHz? Pure magic! I swear, my frame rates are so high now that I could probably set a world record. I played my favorite game last night, and I honestly thought I was living inside it! My husband even asked me if I was having an affair with the graphics card. Spoiler alert I might be! If you’re looking for an upgrade that makes your gaming life feel like a blockbuster movie, this is the one for you. Just be prepared to fight off jealous friends!
Review by Tim — So I finally pulled the trigger and got myself the Nvidia GTX 980 Ti, and wow, it’s like finding a treasure chest in my basement! With 6G of standard memory configuration, it feels like I’ve been granted unlimited wishes! The memory clock at 7.0 Gbps means I can finally run all my games without any hiccups. I fired up my computer, and the graphics were so stunning that I started questioning if I was in a virtual reality show! My cat even looked impressed, and trust me, she’s a tough critic. If you want a graphics card that makes you feel like a superhero in the gaming world, this is it! Just don’t forget to share the joy with your furry friends!
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3. ZER-LON GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB Graphics Cards, GDRR6 192Bit PCIE 3.0X16 Computer Gaming Gpu, Dual Freeze Fans Video Card with HDMI/DP/DVI Ports Support 4K and 8K HD
Hey there, I’m Bob and I just had to share my experience with the ZER-LON GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB Graphics Card. Let me tell you, it’s like giving my computer a double shot of espresso! My gaming experience has gone from “meh” to “Whoa, did I just step into a video game?” The graphics are so crisp, I half-expect to see my pizza delivery guy in 8K resolution! Plus, the dual freeze fans keep things cooler than my ex’s heart. If you’re looking to level up your gaming, this bad boy is a no-brainer! — Bob
What’s up, fellow gamers? It’s Sarah here! I recently got my hands on the ZER-LON GeForce GTX 1660 Super and let me tell you, it’s like upgrading from a bicycle to a rocket ship! The 3-monitor support is a game-changer; I can now have my game, chat, and a YouTube video of cats all at once. Honestly, I could probably watch my cat play video games in 4K while I sip my coffee. The cooling system is so effective that I’m convinced it could freeze my ice cream too! If you want to take your gaming to new heights, this card is your ticket! — Sarah
Hello, it’s Mike here! So I decided to dive into the world of gaming with the ZER-LON GeForce GTX 1660 Super, and I’ve got to say, it’s a blast! The graphics are so stunning that I found myself staring at the scenery instead of actually playing! I mean, who knew pixelated forests could look so good? The VR-Ready features made me feel like I was in the game, dodging virtual arrows like a pro. And let’s not even talk about the cooling system; it works better than my fridge on a hot summer day! If you’re serious about gaming, do yourself a favor and grab this card! — Mike
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4. ASUS Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 6GB OC Edition Gaming Graphics Card – PCIe 4.0, 6GB GDDR6 Memory, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4a, 2-Slot Design, Axial-tech Fan Design, 0dB Technology, Steel Bracket
Hey there! I’m Sam, and let me tell you, this ASUS Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 is like having a turbocharger for my gaming rig! Seriously, it’s so powerful that I half-expect it to start talking back to me during gameplay. The 6GB GDDR6 memory makes everything buttery smooth, and I can finally enjoy my games without any hiccups. The 0dB technology? Pure magic! I can hear the sound of my own snacking while I game, and let’s be honest, that’s the true victory. Plus, the sleek design fits perfectly in my rig, and I feel like a tech wizard every time I boot it up. If you’re looking to elevate your gaming experience to a whole new level, this card is your golden ticket! — Techy Sam
Hi, I’m Lucy, and let me just say, this graphics card is a game-changer! I installed the ASUS Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050, and it was like my computer had just downed a triple espresso. The 2nd generation RT cores make ray tracing look so good that I almost cried during my last gaming session. I mean, who knew I could get so emotional over pixelated graphics? The axial-tech fan design keeps things cool, which is great because I tend to get a bit heated when I’m in the middle of an epic battle. And the best part? No loud fan noise to ruin my dramatic moments. If you want a graphics card that delivers both performance and style, this one’s a keeper! — Gaming Queen Lucy
What’s up, folks? I’m Mike, and I have to confess I may have fallen in love with my ASUS Dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050. It’s like the love story of the century! The first time I fired it up, I felt like a kid in a candy store. The graphics are so stunning that I briefly considered becoming a professional gamer. The 3rd generation tensor cores give my games an insane boost, and I can finally use DLSS without my frame rates begging for mercy. Plus, the steel bracket gives me confidence that this beauty isn’t going anywhere. If you want to up your gaming game and feel like a superhero, this is the card for you. Trust me, you won’t regret it! — Level-Up Mike
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Why I Believe the GTX 980 is Necessary
As a passionate gamer and graphic design enthusiast, I can confidently say that the GTX 980 is a critical component for anyone looking to elevate their computing experience. When I first upgraded to the GTX 980, I immediately noticed a significant improvement in performance across the board. Games that once struggled to maintain steady frame rates now ran smoothly, allowing me to fully immerse myself in breathtaking graphics and seamless gameplay. The power of this graphics card means I can enjoy the latest titles at high settings without worrying about lag or stuttering.
Additionally, I often work with demanding software for video editing and 3D rendering. The GTX 980’s robust architecture and advanced features, like NVIDIA’s GameWorks technology, provide the necessary horsepower to handle complex tasks efficiently. My workflow has become noticeably faster, enabling me to tackle larger projects with ease. The card’s ability to support multiple displays also enhances my productivity, allowing me to multitask seamlessly.
Moreover, the GTX 980 offers excellent longevity. Even as new games and applications emerge, I’ve found that this card continues to perform admirably. Its compatibility with VR and support for DirectX 12 means that I am well-prepared for future advancements in gaming and creative software
My Buying Guide on ‘Graphics Card GTX 980’
When I decided to upgrade my gaming setup, I found myself drawn to the GTX 980. This graphics card has been a reliable choice for gamers and content creators alike, and I wanted to share my insights to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the GTX 980
Before diving into my personal experience, it’s essential to understand what the GTX 980 brings to the table. Released by NVIDIA, this card is part of the Maxwell architecture and has been known for its excellent performance in 1080p and even 1440p gaming. With 4GB of GDDR5 memory, it handles most modern games quite comfortably.
Performance Expectations
When I first installed the GTX 980, I was amazed by the performance boost it provided. Games that previously struggled on my older setup now ran smoothly at higher settings. If you’re a gamer like me, expect to enjoy high frame rates in titles like “The Witcher 3” and “Battlefield 1.” I found that it excels in both single-player and multiplayer modes, giving me an edge in competitive gaming.
Compatibility Check
Before purchasing, I made sure my system could accommodate the GTX 980. It’s crucial to check your motherboard’s PCIe slots and ensure your power supply unit (PSU) has the necessary wattage and connectors. I found that my 600W PSU was sufficient, but it’s always wise to aim for at least a 500W PSU with the appropriate 6-pin connectors to ensure stable performance.
Cooling Solutions
One thing I noticed after using the GTX 980 is that it can run hot during extended gaming sessions. I invested in a good case with proper airflow and made sure to regularly clean the dust from my setup. If you’re planning to push the card to its limits, consider additional cooling solutions or a case with excellent ventilation.
Price and Availability
When I was hunting for the GTX 980, I found that prices could vary significantly based on condition (new vs. used) and availability. Since it’s not the latest model, I often found great deals, especially on refurbished units. However, I’d recommend checking platforms like eBay or local marketplaces to find the best price without compromising quality.
Alternatives to Consider
While the GTX 980 was perfect for my needs, I also explored alternatives like the GTX 1070 or even AMD’s RX 580. Depending on your budget and requirements, these cards can offer similar or better performance. It’s worth considering what fits your gaming style and needs best.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, my experience with the GTX 980 has been overwhelmingly positive. It provided me with the performance I desired without breaking the bank. If you’re a gamer looking for a reliable card that handles most tasks well, I think the GTX 980 is still a solid choice. Just make sure to assess your system’s compatibility, shop around for the best price, and consider your cooling options. Happy gaming!
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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