OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Graphics cards Methodology v1.0
Graphics cards Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Graphics cards Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Graphics cards Methodology v1.0

MSI GeForce GTX 970 Review | 118 Data compared

Avg. price:~£45VRAM:4 GBMemory bus width:256 bitThermal Design Power (TDP):148 W

MSI GeForce GTX 970 Review: Compare 118 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Graphics cards category and whether it is worth buying.

4.4/10

Overall score

Score
4.4/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components

90%

4.4

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 93% of graphics cards
6.1

Value for money

Value for money
6.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components

70%

4.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 89%
4.4

Technical score

Technical score
4.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Graphics cards category across these key areas: Performance, Memory, Platform & Features, Connectivity & Media, Power & Cooling, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare graphics cards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components

44%

2.3

Performance

24%

4.0

Memory

12%

8.8

Power & Cooling

11%

6.6

Platform & Features

5%

7.2

Design

4%

6.7

Connectivity & Media

â–¼Worse than 91%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Best prices
    N/A~ £45
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of graphics card MSI GeForce GTX 970

Technical score
Technical score
4.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Graphics cards category across these key areas: Performance, Memory, Platform & Features, Connectivity & Media, Power & Cooling, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare graphics cards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Score components:

44%

2.3

Performance

24%

4.0

Memory

12%

8.8

Power & Cooling

11%

6.6

Platform & Features

5%

7.2

Design

4%

6.7

Connectivity & Media

4.4
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
MSI GeForce GTX 970 has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 57.7% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components:

70%

4.4

Overall score

30%

10

Price

6.1
3DMark Time Spy benchmark score
3,340 points
Market range: <4k points – >34k points
This graphics card scores 3,340 points in 3DMark Time Spy, which is lower than 92.5% of graphics cards.
3DMark Port Royal score
0 points
Market range: <0 points – >25k points
This graphics card scores 0 points in 3DMark Port Royal, which is lower than 83.2% of graphics cards and equal to 16.8% of graphics cards.
PassMark (G3D) result
9,639 points
Market range: <7.7k points – >36k points
This graphics card scores 9,639 points in PassMark G3D, which is lower than 85.4% of graphics cards.
PassMark (DirectCompute) result
4,080 points
Market range: <3.1k points – >26.3k points
This graphics card scores 4,080 points in PassMark DirectCompute, which is lower than 86.6% of graphics cards.
Floating-point performance
3.92 TFLOPS
Market range: <4.38 TFLOPS – >57.42 TFLOPS
This graphics card delivers 3.92 TFLOPS floating-point performance, which is lower than that of 91% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.1% of graphics cards.
Show more
VRAM
4 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >24 GB
This graphics card has 4 GB of VRAM, which is less than 88% of graphics cards and equal to 6% of graphics cards.
Memory type
GDDR5
GDDR version
GDDR5
This graphics card uses GDDR5 memory, which is older than on 85.9% of graphics cards and equal to 13.2% of graphics cards.
Memory bus width
256 bit
Market range: <64 bit – >384 bit
This graphics card uses a 256 bit memory bus, which is wider than that of 49.7% of graphics cards and equal to that of 35.9% of graphics cards.
Maximum memory bandwidth
224.4 GB/s
Market range: <168 GB/s – >960 GB/s
This graphics card reaches 224.4 GB/s memory bandwidth, which is lower than that of 83.2% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.2% of graphics cards.
Show more
PCI Express (PCIe) version
3
This graphics card supports PCIe 3, which is older than on 77.7% of graphics cards and equal to 20.3% of graphics cards.
PCIe lanes
x16
This graphics card uses x16 PCIe lanes, which is more than 23.4% of graphics cards and equal to 76.6% of graphics cards.
DirectX version
12.1
This graphics card supports DirectX 12.1, which is older than on 77.4% of graphics cards and equal to 4.4% of graphics cards.
Vulkan version
1.4
This graphics card supports Vulkan 1.4, which is more advanced than on 20.7% of graphics cards and equal to 79.3% of graphics cards.
OpenGL version
4.6
This graphics card supports OpenGL 4.6, which is more advanced than on 1.9% of graphics cards and equal to 98.1% of graphics cards.
Show more
Max displays supported
4
Market range: <4 – >4
This graphics card supports up to 4 displays, which is more than 8.3% of graphics cards and equal to 88.9% of graphics cards.
Max digital resolution
4096x2160
This graphics card supports a maximum digital resolution of 4096x2160, which is lower than that of 92.6% of graphics cards and equal to that of 4.4% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort outputs
1
Market range: <1 – >3
This graphics card offers 1 DisplayPort outputs, which is fewer than 88.7% of graphics cards and equal to 8.6% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort version
1.2
This graphics card supports DisplayPort 1.2, which is older than on 93.9% of graphics cards and equal to 5.1% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort link rates
5.4 Gbps
Market range: <5.4 Gbps – >80 Gbps
This graphics card supports DisplayPort link rates up to 5.4 Gbps, which is slower than on 87.8% of graphics cards and equal to 6% of graphics cards.
Show more
Thermal Design Power (TDP)
148 W
Market range: <60 W – >360 W
This graphics card has a TDP of 148 W, which is lower than that of 75.8% of graphics cards.
Power consumption while under peak load
148 W
Market range: <100 W – >400 W
This graphics card draws 148 W under peak load, which is lower than 77.1% of graphics cards.
Recommended PSU wattage
500 W
Market range: <450 W – >850 W
This graphics card recommends a 500 W PSU, which is lower than that of 75.6% of graphics cards and equal to that of 8.9% of graphics cards.
Board power limit
148 W
Market range: <100 W – >400 W
This graphics card has a board power limit of 148 W, which is lower than that of 77.2% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.2% of graphics cards.
PCIe power spec
148 W
Show more
Size
269x 141x 35 mm
Length
269 mm
Market range: <200 mm – >350 mm
This graphics card is 269 mm long, which is shorter than 58.1% of graphics cards and equal in length to 0.7% of graphics cards.
Height
141 mm
Market range: <109 mm – >146 mm
This graphics card is 141 mm tall, which is taller than 85.7% of graphics cards and equal in height to 0.9% of graphics cards.
Slot width
2 slot/s
Market range: <2 slot/s – >3.25 slot/s
This graphics card occupies 2 slot/s, which is slimmer than 53.4% of graphics cards and equal in width to 42.5% of graphics cards.
Weight
814 g
Market range: <500 g – >2k g
This graphics card weighs 814 g, which is lighter than 70.1% of graphics cards.
Show more

MSI GeForce GTX 970 vs the average graphics card

246810TotalPerformanceMemoryPlatform & FeaturesConnectivity & MediaPower & CoolingDesign
  • 4.01x faster VRAM clock
    This graphics card has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (7010 MHz vs 1750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1750 MHz.
    7,010 MHz vs 1,750 MHz
  • 23.1% lower PSU requirement
    This graphics card 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
    This graphics card 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
  • 0.5 slot/s slimmer design
    This graphics card occupies fewer slots than the average graphics card (2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.
    2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s
  • 4 more GPUs supported
    This graphics card supports more GPUs in multi-GPU mode than the average graphics card (4 vs 0). The average graphics card supports 0 GPUs in multi-GPU mode.
    4 vs 0
  • 2 more DVI outputs
    This graphics card has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (2 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
    2 vs 0
  • 11.78x cheaper
    MSI GeForce GTX 970 is cheaper than the average graphics card (£45 vs £530).
    £45 vs £530
  • 34.2% lower board power limit
    This graphics card has a lower board power limit than the average graphics card (148 W vs 225 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 225 W.
    148 W vs 225 W
  • 11.78x cheaper
    MSI GeForce GTX 970 is cheaper than the average graphics card (£45 vs £530).
    £45 vs £530
  • 4.01x faster VRAM clock
    This graphics card has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (7010 MHz vs 1750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1750 MHz.
    7,010 MHz vs 1,750 MHz
  • 4 more GPUs supported
    This graphics card supports more GPUs in multi-GPU mode than the average graphics card (4 vs 0). The average graphics card supports 0 GPUs in multi-GPU mode.
    4 vs 0
  • Supports multi-GPU linking
    This graphics card supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • Supports NVLink
    This graphics card supports NVLink, the average graphics card does not.
  • 2 more DVI outputs
    This graphics card has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (2 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
    2 vs 0
  • 23.1% lower PSU requirement
    This graphics card 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
    This graphics card 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
  • 34.2% lower board power limit
    This graphics card has a lower board power limit than the average graphics card (148 W vs 225 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 225 W.
    148 W vs 225 W
  • 6.4 dB quieter under load
    This graphics card has a lower load noise level than the average graphics card (29 dB vs 35.4 dB). The average graphics card has a load noise level of 35.4 dB.
    29 dB vs 35.4 dB
  • 0.5 slot/s slimmer design
    This graphics card occupies fewer slots than the average graphics card (2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.
    2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s
  • 53% lower boost clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1178 MHz vs 2505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2505 MHz.
    1,178 MHz vs 2,505 MHz
  • 8 GB less VRAM
    This graphics card 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
  • 5.6x larger process node
    This graphics card 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
  • 40 fewer ray tracing cores
    This graphics card has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.
    0 vs 40
  • 27 fewer compute units
    This graphics card has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (13 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
    13 vs 40
  • 40.6% lower base clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1140 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
    1,140 MHz vs 1,920 MHz
  • 1 fewer fans
    This graphics card has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
    2 vs 3
  • 68.9% lower texture rate
    This graphics card has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (118.6 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 381.2 GTexel/s.
    118.6 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s
  • 4.22x less popular
    MSI GeForce GTX 970 is less popular than the average graphics card (1 vs 4.2).
    1 vs 4.22
  • 18.6% worse value for money
    MSI GeForce GTX 970 has worse value for money than the average graphics card (6.07 vs 7.2).
    6.07 vs 7.2
  • 53% lower boost clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1178 MHz vs 2505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2505 MHz.
    1,178 MHz vs 2,505 MHz
  • 40 fewer ray tracing cores
    This graphics card has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.
    0 vs 40
  • 27 fewer compute units
    This graphics card has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (13 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
    13 vs 40
  • 40.6% lower base clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1140 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
    1,140 MHz vs 1,920 MHz
  • 68.9% lower texture rate
    This graphics card has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (118.6 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 381.2 GTexel/s.
    118.6 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s
  • 80 fewer TMUs
    This graphics card has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (104 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
    104 vs 184
  • 60.9% lower pixel rate
    This graphics card has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (63.8 GPixel/s vs 163.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 163.2 GPixel/s.
    63.8 GPixel/s vs 163.2 GPixel/s
  • 144 fewer AI cores
    This graphics card has fewer AI cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 144). The average graphics card has 144 AI cores.
    0 vs 144
  • 82.6% lower FP32 performance
    This graphics card has a lower FP32 performance than the average graphics card (3.9 TFLOPS vs 22.57 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP32 performance of 22.57 TFLOPS.
    3.92 TFLOPS vs 22.57 TFLOPS
  • 57.4% lower PassMark score
    This graphics card has a lower PassMark score than the average graphics card (9639 points vs 22653 points). The average graphics card has a PassMark score of 22653 points.
    9,639 points vs 22,653 points
  • 77.2% lower gaming score
    This graphics card has a lower gaming score than the average graphics card (3340 points vs 14678.5 points). The average graphics card has a gaming score of 14678.5 points.
    3,340 points vs 14,678.5 points
  • 8 fewer ROPs
    This graphics card has fewer ROPs than the average graphics card (56 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
    56 vs 64
  • 66.2% lower compute score
    This graphics card has a lower compute score than the average graphics card (4080 points vs 12074 points). The average graphics card has a compute score of 12074 points.
    4,080 points vs 12,074 points
  • 82.9% lower compute throughput
    This graphics card has a lower compute throughput than the average graphics card (3.9 TFLOPS vs 22.98 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has compute throughput of 22.98 TFLOPS.
    3.92 TFLOPS vs 22.98 TFLOPS
  • 75% lower FP64 performance
    This graphics card has a lower FP64 performance than the average graphics card (0.1 TFLOPS vs 0.48 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP64 performance of 0.48 TFLOPS.
    0.12 TFLOPS vs 0.48 TFLOPS
  • 2,688 fewer FP32 units
    This graphics card has fewer FP32 units than the average graphics card (1,664 vs 4,352). The average graphics card has 4,352 FP32 units.
    1,664 vs 4,352
  • 8 GB less VRAM
    This graphics card 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
  • 63.1% slower memory speed
    This graphics card has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (7012 MHz vs 19000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19000 MHz.
    7,012 MHz vs 19,000 MHz
  • 49.9% lower memory bandwidth
    This graphics card 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.
    224.4 GB/s vs 448 GB/s
  • 95.8% smaller L2 cache
    This graphics card has fewer L2 cache than the average graphics card (1 MB vs 24 MB). The average graphics card has 24 MB L2 cache.
    1 MB vs 24 MB
  • 50% smaller L1 cache
    This graphics card has fewer L1 cache than the average graphics card (64 vs 128). The average graphics card has 128 L1 cache.
    64 vs 128
  • 5.6x larger process node
    This graphics card 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
  • No DLSS support
    This graphics card does not support DLSS, the average graphics card does.
  • No ray tracing
    This graphics card does not support ray tracing, the average graphics card does.
  • 9 older
    This graphics card was released earlier than the average graphics card (2014 vs 2023).
    September 2014
    2,014 vs 2,023
  • Older PCIe version
    This graphics card supports an older PCIe version than the average graphics card (3 vs 4).
    3.0 vs 4.0
  • No mesh shaders
    This graphics card does not support mesh shaders, the average graphics card does.
  • Worse SAM support
    This graphics card offers worse SAM support than the average graphics card (no vs yes).
  • Older encoder generation
    This graphics card uses an older encoder generation than the average graphics card (5 vs 8). The average graphics card uses encoder generation 8.
    5 vs 8
  • Older DirectX version
    This graphics card supports an older DirectX version than the average graphics card (12.1 vs 12 Ultimate).
    12.1 vs 12 Ultimate
  • No sampler feedback
    This graphics card does not support sampler feedback, the average graphics card does.
  • 77.3% fewer transistors
    This graphics card has fewer transistors than the average graphics card (5200 million vs 22900 million). The average graphics card has 22900 million transistors.
    5,200 million vs 22,900 million
  • 34.9% larger GPU die
    This graphics card has a higher GPU die size than the average graphics card (398 mm² vs 295 mm²). The average graphics card has a GPU die size of 295 mm².
    398 mm² vs 295 mm²
  • 2 fewer DisplayPort outputs
    This graphics card has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 3). The average graphics card has 3 DisplayPort outputs.
    1 vs 3
  • No AV1 encoding
    This graphics card does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
  • No AV1 decoding
    This graphics card does not support AV1 decoding, the average graphics card does.
  • No DSC support
    This graphics card does not support DSC, the average graphics card does.
  • Older DisplayPort version
    This graphics card supports an older DisplayPort version than the average graphics card (1.2 vs 1.4a).
    1.2 vs 1.4a
  • Older HDMI version
    This graphics card supports an older HDMI version than the average graphics card (2 vs 2.1).
    2.0 vs 2.1
  • Narrower encode codec support
    This graphics card supports narrower hardware encode codec support than the average graphics card (H.264/H.265 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9).
    H.264/H.265 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9
  • Narrower decode codec support
    This graphics card supports narrower hardware decode codec support than the average graphics card (H.264/H.265/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1).
    H.264/H.265/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1
  • Older HDCP version
    This graphics card supports an older HDCP version than the average graphics card (2.2 vs 2.3).
    2.2 vs 2.3
  • Older NVDEC generation
    This graphics card has a lower NVDEC generation than the average graphics card (1 vs 6). The average graphics card offers NVDEC generation 6.
    1 vs 6
  • Lower display resolution
    This graphics card supports a lower maximum digital resolution than the average graphics card (4096x2160 vs 7680x4320). The average graphics card supports a maximum digital resolution of 7680x4320.
    4096x2160 vs 7680x4320
  • 2 fewer monitors per output type
    This graphics card supports fewer monitors per output type than the average graphics card (1 vs 3). The average graphics card supports 3 monitors per output type.
    1 vs 3
  • 73% lower DisplayPort bandwidth
    This graphics card has a lower DisplayPort bandwidth than the average graphics card (5.4 Gbps vs 20 Gbps). The average graphics card has DisplayPort bandwidth of 20 Gbps.
    5.4 Gbps vs 20 Gbps
  • 1 fewer fans
    This graphics card has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
    2 vs 3
  • 6 °C higher idle temperature
    This graphics card has a higher idle temperature than the average graphics card (43 °C vs 37 °C). The average graphics card has an idle temperature of 37 °C.
    43 °C vs 37 °C
  • No backplate
    This graphics card does not include a backplate, the average graphics card does.
  • 16 mm higher card profile
    This graphics card is taller than the average graphics card (141 mm vs 125 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 125 mm.
    141 mm vs 125 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

E
expertreviews.co.uk
23/11/2014
Summary of the review
MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G Review
K
kitguru.net
19/09/2014
Summary of the review
MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4GGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review - KitGuru
G
guru3d.com
19/09/2014
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 970 Gaming OC review
T
techpowerup.com
17/12/2014
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 970 Gaming 4 GB Review Would you like me to look up performance metrics, overclocking results, or thermal data extracted directly from...
V
vortez.net
14/12/2014
Summary of the review
MSI GTX 970 GAMING 4G Review - Test Setup & Methodology
B
bit-tech.net
19/09/2014
Summary of the review
Nvidia GeForce GTX 970Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review Roundup: feat. ASUS, EVGA and MSI
V
vortez.net
14/12/2014
Summary of the review
MSI GTX 970 GAMING 4G Review - First Look - Vortez
G
gamestar.de
19/09/2014
Summary of the review
Nvidia Geforce GTX 970Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. - Viel günstiger und fast so schnell wie die GTX 980
(Translated)Show original
C
cowcotland.com
19/09/2014
Summary of the review
Carte graphique MSI GTX 970 Twin Frozr V
(Translated)Show original
G
geeknetic.es
25/10/2014
Summary of the review
MSI Geforce GTX 970 Gaming 4G - Geeknetic Si deseas complementar esta búsqueda con análisis en otros idiomas o comparar este modelo con otras variante...
(Translated)Show original
A
akihabarablues.com
30/03/2015
Summary of the review
Análisis de la tarjeta gráfica MSI Geforce GTX 970 - Akihabara Blues
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What we like about MSI GeForce GTX 970

  • Excellent 1080p performance for its era and remains capable for budget 1080p gaming today
  • MSI Twin Frozr V cooler provides very quiet operation and remains 'virtually inaudible' under load
  • Exceptional thermal management, often keeping the GPU below 65°C during intensive tasks
  • High energy efficiency with relatively low power consumption for its performance class
  • Strong overclocking potential, with some users reaching over 1500 MHz on air cooling
  • Zero Frozr technology stops fans completely during idle or low-load states for silent operation
  • Solid build quality and an attractive red-and-black aesthetic typical of MSI's Gaming series

What we don't like about MSI GeForce GTX 970

  • Controversial VRAM configuration where only 3.5GB of the 4GB total runs at full speed, causing potential stuttering if the final 512MB is used
  • Lack of a backplate on several standard MSI Gaming 4G models, which can lead to PCB sag or exposed components
  • Limited display connectivity, specifically featuring only one DisplayPort, restricting multi-G-Sync monitor setups
  • Physical size is quite large and tall, which may cause clearance issues in smaller Mini-ITX cases
  • Older architecture lacks support for modern features like hardware ray tracing and DLSS
  • Some reports of coil whine issues, though less prevalent than on reference or competitor designs
  • Limited long-term 'future-proofing' as modern AAA titles often require more than 3.5GB of fast VRAM

Verdict

The MSI GeForce GTX 970 is a Maxwell-architecture card featuring 1,664 CUDA cores and 4GB of GDDR5 memory on a 256-bit bus, with the Gaming Edition offering a factory-overclocked boost clock of 1,279 MHz and a base of 1,140 MHz. Built on a 28nm process with a 145W TDP, it requires one 8-pin and one 6-pin power connector and features MSI's Twin Frozr V cooling system with dual Torx fans that remain silent during low-load tasks. Main pros include its exceptional power efficiency, quiet operation under heavy gaming, and strong 1080p performance that remains viable for modern esports titles. However, the card is famously limited by a segmented VRAM configuration where only 3.5GB runs at full speed, leading to potential stuttering in high-demand scenarios, and it lacks a protective backplate on several retail models.

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