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EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming Review | 118 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£400
  • VRAM: 4 GB
  • Memory bus width: 256 bit
  • Thermal Design Power (TDP): 148 W

EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming review. Compare 118 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among graphics cards and if it is worth buying.

4.5

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the graphics card's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best graphics cards on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.2

Technical Score

10.0%

6.8

User score

Poor
4.2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the graphics card's technical performance, covering key areas such as gaming and rendering performance, ray tracing, memory configuration, power efficiency, cooling, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare graphics cards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

44.0%

2.6

Performance

24.0%

3.4

Memory

12.0%

8.4

Power & Cooling

11.0%

5.2

Platform & Features

5.0%

8.2

Design

4.0%

6.6

Connectivity & Media

Poor
6.8

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the graphics card.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a graphics card performs in real use and how reliable it is in terms of performance, temperatures, noise, stability, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

2.8

Popularity

User score:
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(17)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Good
  • 3.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.2

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    1.6

    VRAM

    20.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 4.3
    Video editing

    Score components:

    35.0%

    7.0

    AV1 encode

    30.0%

    1.6

    VRAM

    20.0%

    1.2

    Floating-point performance

    15.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 2.6
    1080p

    Score components:

    55.0%

    1.2

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    1.6

    VRAM

    10.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 2.7
    1440p

    Score components:

    50.0%

    1.2

    Floating-point performance

    30.0%

    1.6

    VRAM

    15.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 3.0
    4K

    Score components:

    40.0%

    1.2

    Floating-point performance

    35.0%

    1.6

    VRAM

    20.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £400

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming is a high-performance graphics card built on the 28nm Maxwell 2.0 architecture, featuring 1664 CUDA cores and a factory-overclocked base clock of 1140 MHz that boosts up to 1279 MHz. Its standout characteristic is a self-contained, maintenance-free 'all-in-one' liquid cooling system that paired a dedicated 120mm radiator for the GPU core with a blower fan for the VRM and 4GB of GDDR5 memory. This hybrid setup offers significant pros, including exceptionally low load temperatures (often under 50°C), near-silent operation, and a 256-bit memory interface providing 224.3 GB/s of bandwidth. However, it is hindered by the well-known GTX 970 'VRAM controversy,' where only 3.5GB of its 4GB memory runs at full speed, and it is occasionally noted for audible coil whine under heavy stress.

Technical Specifications of EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the graphics card's technical performance, covering key areas such as gaming and rendering performance, ray tracing, memory configuration, power efficiency, cooling, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare graphics cards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

44.0%

2.6

Performance

24.0%

3.4

Memory

12.0%

8.4

Power & Cooling

11.0%

5.2

Platform & Features

5.0%

8.2

Design

4.0%

6.6

Connectivity & Media

4.2
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a technical score of 4.19 points, which is lower than that of 88% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the graphics card.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a graphics card performs in real use and how reliable it is in terms of performance, temperatures, noise, stability, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

2.8

Popularity

User score:
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(17)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

6.8
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a user score of 6.85 points, which is lower than that of 93.8% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the graphics card.
When it matters: When you prefer a graphics card that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
2.8
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a popularity of 2.8 points, which is higher than 52.2% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the graphics card's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a graphics card that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.5

Overall score

40.0%

8.4

Price

5.6
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.6 points, which is lower than 89.4% of products in this category.
3DMark Time Spy benchmark score
What it is: Benchmark result from 3DMark Time Spy, a synthetic DirectX 12 test often used as a quick gaming-performance reference.
When it matters: When you need a fast rough performance sort before digging into game-specific reviews and frame-rate data.

Importance: LOW

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3DMark Port Royal score
What it is: Benchmark result from 3DMark Port Royal, a synthetic test focused on ray tracing performance.
When it matters: When ray tracing matters in the games you actually play and you want one quick way to separate stronger and weaker RT cards.

Importance: LOW

N/A
PassMark (G3D) result
What it is: Overall GPU performance score in PassMark G3D benchmark
When it matters: When you need one broad score to sort cards into rough performance tiers.

Importance: LOW

?
PassMark (DirectCompute) result
What it is: PassMark score for DirectCompute performance tests
When it matters: When compute workloads matter alongside gaming performance.

Importance: LOW

?
Floating-point performance
What it is: Theoretical floating-point compute performance of the GPU.
When it matters: When rendering, AI, or heavy compute work needs strong single-precision throughput.

Importance: LOW

3.79 TFLOPS
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming delivers 3.79 TFLOPS floating-point performance, which is lower than that of 92.6% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.1% of graphics cards.
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VRAM
What it is: Total video memory available on the graphics card
When it matters: When you play at high settings, use texture mods, or work with large creative projects.

Importance: HIGH

4 GB
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has 4 GB of VRAM, which is less than 88% of graphics cards and equal to 6% of graphics cards.
Memory type
What it is: Type of graphics memory used (GDDR6, HBM2e, etc.)
When it matters: When memory technology is part of the buying decision because it affects bandwidth class, power use, and product positioning.

Importance: LOW

GDDR5
GDDR version
What it is: Generation of GDDR memory used by the graphics card.
When it matters: When you want to separate older memory generations from newer ones before comparing bandwidth, power behavior, and market tier.

Importance: LOW

GDDR5
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming uses GDDR5 memory, which is older than on 85% of graphics cards and equal to 13.2% of graphics cards.
Memory bus width
What it is: Width of the memory interface bus in bits
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance at higher resolutions, heavier texture settings, or ray-traced workloads that stress memory traffic.

Importance: HIGH

256 bit
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming uses a 256 bit memory bus, which is wider than that of 49.5% of graphics cards and equal to that of 36.1% of graphics cards.
Maximum memory bandwidth
What it is: Maximum data transfer rate between GPU and its memory
When it matters: When 4K gaming, ray tracing, or creator work can choke a slower memory subsystem.

Importance: HIGH

224.4 GB/s
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming reaches 224.4 GB/s memory bandwidth, which is lower than that of 83.5% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.2% of graphics cards.
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PCI Express (PCIe) version
What it is: Version of PCI Express interface supported
When it matters: When you are pairing the card with an older motherboard and want to avoid leaving bandwidth or future compatibility on the table.

Importance: LOW

3.0
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming supports PCIe 3.0, which is older than on 77.6% of graphics cards and equal to 20.3% of graphics cards.
PCIe lanes
What it is: Number of PCI Express lanes used for communication
When it matters: When limited lane width could bottleneck the card in some systems.

Importance: LOW

x16
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming uses x16 PCIe lanes, which is more than 31.5% of graphics cards and equal to 68.6% of graphics cards.
DirectX version
What it is: Highest supported DirectX API version
When it matters: When you play newer Windows games that depend on the latest graphics features.

Importance: LOW

?
Vulkan version
What it is: Highest supported Vulkan API version
When it matters: When modern games, emulators, or creative apps lean on Vulkan support.

Importance: LOW

1.4
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming supports Vulkan 1.4, which is more advanced than on 26.6% of graphics cards and equal to 73.4% of graphics cards.
OpenGL version
What it is: Highest supported OpenGL API version
When it matters: When older games or pro apps still depend on OpenGL compatibility.

Importance: LOW

4.6
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming supports OpenGL 4.6, which is more advanced than on 4.8% of graphics cards and equal to 95.2% of graphics cards.
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Max displays supported
What it is: Total number of external displays supported simultaneously
When it matters: When you run a multi-monitor desk for sim racing, trading, or editing.

Importance: LOW

4
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming supports up to 4 displays, which is more than 7.8% of graphics cards and equal to 89.2% of graphics cards.
Max digital resolution
What it is: Maximum supported digital display resolution
When it matters: When you plan to drive 4K or 8K panels at their native resolution.

Importance: LOW

?
DisplayPort outputs
What it is: Number of DisplayPort video outputs
When it matters: When your setup needs several high-refresh monitors without adapters.

Importance: LOW

1
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming offers 1 DisplayPort outputs, which is fewer than 89.5% of graphics cards and equal to 8.6% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort version
What it is: Version of DisplayPort standard supported
When it matters: When your monitor setup depends on newer DisplayPort features for higher refresh rates, higher resolution, or better cable flexibility.

Importance: LOW

1.2
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming supports DisplayPort 1.2, which is older than on 93.6% of graphics cards and equal to 4.8% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort link rates
What it is: Supported data link rates for DisplayPort connections
When it matters: When you are pushing high resolution and refresh rate over DisplayPort.

Importance: LOW

5.4 Gbps
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming supports DisplayPort link rates up to 5.4 Gbps, which is slower than on 90.9% of graphics cards and equal to 8% of graphics cards.
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Thermal Design Power (TDP)
What it is: Typical power consumption under full load (TDP)
When it matters: When you need a realistic idea of power draw before choosing a PSU or case.

Importance: MEDIUM

148 W
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a TDP of 148 W, which is lower than that of 75.5% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.1% of graphics cards.
Power consumption while under peak load
What it is: Peak power draw of the graphics card under maximum load.
When it matters: When transient-heavy gaming loads could stress your power supply.

Importance: LOW

299 W
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming draws 299 W under peak load, which is higher than 71.4% of graphics cards.
Recommended PSU wattage
What it is: Recommended wattage of the system power supply
When it matters: When you are checking whether your current power supply is enough.

Importance: LOW

500 W
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming recommends a 500 W PSU, which is lower than that of 76.2% of graphics cards and equal to that of 9.6% of graphics cards.
Board power limit
What it is: Maximum configurable power limit for the GPU board
When it matters: When you care about how far the card can be pushed through tuning or factory power settings.

Importance: LOW

148 W
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a board power limit of 148 W, which is lower than that of 76% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.1% of graphics cards.
PCIe power spec
What it is: PCIe power delivery specification followed
When it matters: When you are checking whether the slot and external cables match the card's intended power-delivery standard.

Importance: LOW

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Size
What it is: Physical size of the GPU card
When it matters: When you need the card to fit a compact case without blocking nearby hardware.

Importance: LOW

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Length
What it is: Physical length of the GPU card
When it matters: When front radiators or drive cages leave only limited GPU clearance.

Importance: LOW

241.3 mm
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming is 241.3 mm long, which is shorter than 74.9% of graphics cards and equal in length to 0.1% of graphics cards.
Height
What it is: Physical height of the GPU card
When it matters: When side panels, brackets, or tight case layouts reduce vertical clearance.

Importance: LOW

111.15 mm
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming is 111.15 mm tall, which is shorter than 88.1% of graphics cards and equal in height to 1.4% of graphics cards.
Slot width
What it is: Number of PCIe slots occupied by the card
When it matters: When you need room for another PCIe card or better airflow under the GPU.

Importance: LOW

2 slot/s
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming occupies 2 slot/s, which is slimmer than 49.2% of graphics cards and equal in width to 47.3% of graphics cards.
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the graphics card
When it matters: When sag, bracket support, or shipping stress matters in your build.

Importance: LOW

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EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming vs the average graphics card

  • 23.1% lower PSU requirement
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (500 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
    What it is: Recommended wattage of the system power supply
    When it matters: When you are checking whether your current power supply is enough.

    Importance: LOW

    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (500 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.500 W vs 650 W
  • 31.2% lower TDP
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (148 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
    What it is: Typical power consumption under full load (TDP)
    When it matters: When you need a realistic idea of power draw before choosing a PSU or case.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (148 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.148 W vs 215 W
  • 15.85 mm lower card height
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming is shorter than the average graphics card (111.2 mm vs 127 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 127 mm.
    What it is: Physical height of the GPU card
    When it matters: When side panels, brackets, or tight case layouts reduce vertical clearance.

    Importance: LOW

    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming is shorter than the average graphics card (111.2 mm vs 127 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 127 mm.111.15 mm vs 127 mm
  • 44.07 mm shorter card length
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming is shorter than the average graphics card (241.3 mm vs 285.37 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 285.37 mm.
    What it is: Physical length of the GPU card
    When it matters: When front radiators or drive cages leave only limited GPU clearance.

    Importance: LOW

    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming is shorter than the average graphics card (241.3 mm vs 285.37 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 285.37 mm.241.3 mm vs 285.37 mm
  • 2 more DVI outputs
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (2 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
    What it is: Number of DVI display outputs available
    When it matters: When you still use an older monitor that depends on DVI.

    Importance: LOW

    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (2 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.2 vs 0
  • 32.7% lower board power limit
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower board power limit than the average graphics card (148 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 220 W.
    What it is: Maximum configurable power limit for the GPU board
    When it matters: When you care about how far the card can be pushed through tuning or factory power settings.

    Importance: LOW

    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower board power limit than the average graphics card (148 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 220 W.148 W vs 220 W
  • Uses hybrid cooling
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming uses hybrid cooling, the average graphics card does not.
    What it is: Whether the graphics card uses a combined air-water cooling design.
    When it matters: When you are considering a hybrid-cooled card for lower load temperatures.

    Importance: LOW

    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming uses hybrid cooling, the average graphics card does not.
  • 15 °C lower idle temperature
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower idle temperature than the average graphics card (23 °C vs 38 °C). The average graphics card has an idle temperature of 38 °C.
    What it is: GPU temperature measured while the graphics card is idle.
    When it matters: When the system stays on for long periods and you care whether the card runs cool and relaxed outside of gaming sessions.

    Importance: LOW

    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower idle temperature than the average graphics card (23 °C vs 38 °C). The average graphics card has an idle temperature of 38 °C.23 °C vs 38 °C
  • 0.2% faster VRAM clock
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (1,753 MHz vs 1,750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1,750 MHz.
  • Supports multi-GPU linking
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • Supports NVLink
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming supports NVLink, the average graphics card does not.
  • 2 more DVI outputs
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (2 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
  • 23.1% lower PSU requirement
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (500 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
  • 31.2% lower TDP
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (148 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
  • 32.7% lower board power limit
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower board power limit than the average graphics card (148 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 220 W.
  • Uses hybrid cooling
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming uses hybrid cooling, the average graphics card does not.
  • 27 °C lower load temperature
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower load temperature than the average graphics card (40 °C vs 67 °C). The average graphics card has a load temperature of 67 °C.
  • 15 °C lower idle temperature
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower idle temperature than the average graphics card (23 °C vs 38 °C). The average graphics card has an idle temperature of 38 °C.
  • 15.85 mm lower card height
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming is shorter than the average graphics card (111.2 mm vs 127 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 127 mm.
  • 44.07 mm shorter card length
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming is shorter than the average graphics card (241.3 mm vs 285.37 mm). The average graphics card has a length of 285.37 mm.

Total
Memory
Platform & Features
Connectivity & Media
Power & Cooling
Design
  • 48.8% lower boost clock speed
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,279 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.
  • 27 fewer compute units
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (13 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
  • 40.6% lower base clock speed
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,140 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.
  • 64.7% lower texture rate
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (133 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 376.8 GTexel/s.
  • 80 fewer TMUs
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (104 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
  • 61.4% lower pixel rate
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (63.8 GPixel/s vs 165.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 165.2 GPixel/s.
  • 83.4% lower FP32 performance
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower FP32 performance than the average graphics card (3.8 TFLOPS vs 22.86 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP32 performance of 22.86 TFLOPS.
  • 8 fewer ROPs
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has fewer ROPs than the average graphics card (56 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
  • 83.6% lower compute throughput
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower compute throughput than the average graphics card (3.8 TFLOPS vs 23.105 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has compute throughput of 23.105 TFLOPS.
  • 2,688 fewer FP32 units
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has fewer FP32 units than the average graphics card (1,664 vs 4,352). The average graphics card has 4,352 FP32 units.
  • 8 GB less VRAM
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (4 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
  • 63.1% slower memory speed
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (7,010 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.
  • 49.9% lower memory bandwidth
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (224.4 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
  • 94.5% smaller L2 cache
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has fewer L2 cache than the average graphics card (1.8 MB vs 32 MB). The average graphics card has 32 MB L2 cache.
  • 62.5% smaller L1 cache
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has fewer L1 cache than the average graphics card (48 vs 128). The average graphics card has 128 L1 cache.
  • 5.6x larger process node
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a higher process node than the average graphics card (28 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.
  • 8 older
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming was released earlier than the average graphics card (2,015 vs 2,023).
  • Older PCIe version
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming supports an older PCIe version than the average graphics card (3 vs 4.0).
  • No XeSS support
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming does not support XeSS, the average graphics card does.
  • No mesh shaders
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming does not support mesh shaders, the average graphics card does.
  • Older OpenCL version
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming supports an older OpenCL version than the average graphics card (1.2 vs 3.0).
  • Older encoder generation
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming uses an older encoder generation than the average graphics card (5 vs 8). The average graphics card uses encoder generation 8.
  • No sampler feedback
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming does not support sampler feedback, the average graphics card does.
  • 30.8% larger GPU die
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a higher GPU die size than the average graphics card (398 mm² vs 304.25 mm²). The average graphics card has a GPU die size of 304.25 mm².
  • 76.3% fewer transistors
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has fewer transistors than the average graphics card (5,200 million vs 21,900 million). The average graphics card has 21,900 million transistors.
  • 2 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 3). The average graphics card has 3 DisplayPort outputs.
  • No AV1 encoding
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
  • No AV1 decoding
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming does not support AV1 decoding, the average graphics card does.
  • No DSC support
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming does not support DSC, the average graphics card does.
  • Older DisplayPort version
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming supports an older DisplayPort version than the average graphics card (1.2 vs 1.4a).
  • Older HDMI version
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming supports an older HDMI version than the average graphics card (2 vs 2.1).
  • Older HDCP version
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming supports an older HDCP version than the average graphics card (2.2 vs 2.3).
  • 1 fewer fans
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
  • No fan stop
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming does not support fan stop, the average graphics card does.
  • 5 °C lower thermal ceiling
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower thermal ceiling than the average graphics card (98 °C vs 93 °C). The average graphics card has a thermal ceiling of 93 °C.
  • No backplate
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming does not include a backplate, the average graphics card does.
  • 48.8% lower boost clock speed
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,279 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.
    What it is: Maximum boost frequency the GPU can reach under load
    When it matters: When you want a rough idea of peak advertised frequency, while knowing real sustained clocks still depend on cooling and power limits.

    Importance: HIGH

    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,279 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.1279 MHz vs 2500 MHz
  • 5.6x larger process node
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a higher process node than the average graphics card (28 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.
    What it is: Size of the manufacturing process in nanometers
    When it matters: When process node differences may affect power, heat, and overall efficiency.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a higher process node than the average graphics card (28 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.28 nm vs 5 nm
  • 27 fewer compute units
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (13 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
    What it is: Total number of shader multiprocessors or compute units
    When it matters: When you want a better sense of the GPU's overall parallel hardware resources before relying on game benchmarks alone.

    Importance: HIGH

    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (13 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.13 vs 40
  • 8 GB less VRAM
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (4 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
    What it is: Total video memory available on the graphics card
    When it matters: When you play at high settings, use texture mods, or work with large creative projects.

    Importance: HIGH

    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (4 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.4 GB vs 12 GB
  • 40.6% lower base clock speed
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,140 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.
    What it is: Base operating frequency of the GPU core under standard conditions
    When it matters: When you want to understand the card's guaranteed starting frequency instead of looking only at optimistic boost figures.

    Importance: HIGH

    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,140 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.1140 MHz vs 1920 MHz
  • 1 fewer fans
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
    What it is: Total number of cooling fans
    When it matters: When you compare cooler designs and want one more clue about thermal potential.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).2 vs 3
  • 64.7% lower texture rate
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (133 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 376.8 GTexel/s.
    What it is: Number of textured pixels the GPU can process per second
    When it matters: When fast texture handling matters in high-refresh gaming workloads.

    Importance: HIGH

    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (133 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 376.8 GTexel/s.133.0 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s
  • 63.1% slower memory speed
    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (7,010 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.
    What it is: Effective memory data rate combining clock and bus width
    When it matters: When you compare how quickly each card can push data through its memory subsystem.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (7,010 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.7010 MHz vs 19000 MHz
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Third-party reviews

United States
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4.3
17 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming?

  • Exceptionally low operating temperatures (approx. 23°C idle / 40°C load) due to the self-contained liquid cooling loop.
  • Whisper-quiet performance, as the GPU stays cool enough to keep fans at low RPM even during gaming.
  • Strong overclocking potential, with some users reaching over +200MHz core stable clocks.
  • Maintenance-free 'all-in-one' design that is easy to install in standard 120mm fan ports.
  • Reliable high-frame-rate performance for 1080p and 1440p gaming at high settings (at time of release).

What customers dislike about EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming?

  • Higher price point compared to standard air-cooled GTX 970 models, which some users felt offered better value.
  • Physical size requirements: the 120mm radiator and tubing require additional space and mounting points in the PC case.
  • The 3.5GB/4GB memory limitation characteristic of all GTX 970 cards, which can lead to performance drops in VRAM-heavy scenarios.
  • Conservative factory clock speeds despite the cooling headroom, requiring manual overclocking to fully utilize the thermal benefits.
  • The basic short PCB design was seen as 'unnecessary' or underwhelming by enthusiasts expecting a high-end custom board.

Expert reviews

G
gamersnexus.net
15/12/2015
EVGA GTX 970 Hybrid Review & Benchmark | GamersNexus

The EVGA GTX 970 Hybrid ($400) is a liquid-cooled graphics card that pairs an Asetek closed-loop cooler (CLC) for direct-to-GPU cooling with a traditional blower fan for the VRM and VRAM. While its stock core clock (1140MHz) is 50MHz lower than the cheaper air-cooled EVGA GTX 970 SSC ($350), resulting in a slight 2% to 3% performance deficit in stock gaming benchmarks, it completely...Read more

L
legitreviews.com
10/02/2016
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming Video Card Review If you would like to expand this into a performance overview, I can extract the average frame rat...

The Legit Reviews evaluation by Nathan Kirsch details the EVGA GeForce GTX 970 Hybrid Gaming (04G-P4-1976-KR), a specialized graphics card utilizing an Asetek closed-loop liquid cooling system alongside a traditional blower fan. The primary advantage of this card is its extraordinary cooling performance, achieving an incredibly low 23°C idle temperature and only 40°C under heavy...Read more

Video reviews

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