What To Know
- In 3DMark Fire Strike, the GTX 970 exhibits a slight edge over the R9 290X, the flagship of the R9 200 series, with a score of 9,728 compared to 9,271.
- In Battlefield 4 at 1080p, the GTX 970 delivers an average frame rate of 82 FPS, while the R9 290X and R9 290 achieve 78 FPS and 72 FPS, respectively.
- In Grand Theft Auto V, the GTX 970 maintains a slight lead with 64 FPS, followed by the R9 290X at 62 FPS and the R9 290 at 58 FPS.
The mid-range graphics card market is a fiercely competitive battleground, with both AMD and NVIDIA vying for supremacy. In this fierce rivalry, the Radeon R9 200 series and the GTX 970 stand out as two of the most formidable contenders. Both offer impressive performance at a reasonable price, but which one reigns supreme? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to determine the ultimate victor.
Performance Comparison
Synthetic Benchmarks
Synthetic benchmarks provide a standardized way to measure graphics performance. In 3DMark Fire Strike, the GTX 970 exhibits a slight edge over the R9 290X, the flagship of the R9 200 series, with a score of 9,728 compared to 9,271. The R9 290, the next step down in the R9 lineup, trails behind with a score of 8,702.
Gaming Benchmarks
Real-world gaming performance is ultimately the most important factor for gamers. In Battlefield 4 at 1080p, the GTX 970 delivers an average frame rate of 82 FPS, while the R9 290X and R9 290 achieve 78 FPS and 72 FPS, respectively. In Grand Theft Auto V, the GTX 970 maintains a slight lead with 64 FPS, followed by the R9 290X at 62 FPS and the R9 290 at 58 FPS.
Features and Technologies
Memory
The GTX 970 boasts 4GB of GDDR5 memory, while the R9 290X and R9 290 offer 4GB and 3GB of GDDR5 memory, respectively. In most games, 4GB of memory is sufficient for high-quality textures and smooth performance.
Architecture
The GTX 970 is based on NVIDIA’s Maxwell architecture, which is known for its power efficiency and performance per watt. The R9 290X and R9 290 utilize AMD‘s GCN architecture, which offers a balance of performance and compute capabilities.
Cooling
The GTX 970 typically employs a custom reference cooler, which provides adequate cooling for most users. The R9 290X and R9 290 often come with third-party coolers, which offer improved thermal performance but may be noisier.
Power Consumption and Heat Output
The GTX 970 is significantly more power-efficient than the R9 290X and R9 290. It typically consumes around 145 watts, compared to 290 watts and 250 watts, respectively. This translates to lower operating costs and cooler temperatures.
Overclocking Potential
Both the GTX 970 and R9 200 series cards offer decent overclocking potential. However, the GTX 970 tends to have a slight advantage in this regard, allowing for higher clock speeds and improved performance.
Pricing and Availability
The GTX 970 typically retails for around $330, while the R9 290X and R9 290 can be found for approximately $250 and $200, respectively. The R9 200 series cards are more readily available due to their older release dates.
Which Card is Right for You?
The choice between the Radeon R9 200 series and the GTX 970 ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
- For budget-conscious gamers: The R9 290 and R9 290X offer excellent performance for the price.
- For power-efficient and quiet operation: The GTX 970 is the clear winner, consuming less power and generating less heat.
- For overclocking enthusiasts: The GTX 970 has a slight edge in overclocking potential.
- For availability and affordability: The R9 200 series cards are more readily available and often more affordable.
Conclusion: The Verdict
In the fierce battle between the Radeon R9 200 series and the GTX 970, both cards offer compelling features and performance. However, the GTX 970 emerges as the ultimate victor due to its superior power efficiency, cooler operation, and slightly better gaming performance. Its slightly higher price tag is justified by these advantages, making it the ideal choice for gamers seeking a mid-range graphics card that delivers both performance and value.
FAQ
Q: Which card is better for 1440p gaming?
A: The GTX 970 is a better choice for 1440p gaming, as it has more memory and better performance at higher resolutions.
Q: Which card is more suitable for VR?
A: Both the GTX 970 and R9 290X are capable of handling VR content, but the GTX 970 is generally preferred due to its lower power consumption and better thermal performance.
Q: Is it worth upgrading from an R9 290 to a GTX 970?
A: If power consumption, heat output, and overclocking potential are important to you, then upgrading from an R9 290 to a GTX 970 is a worthwhile consideration. However, if you’re on a tight budget and performance is your top priority, the R9 290 still offers excellent value.
