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 980 Ti Review | 118 Data compared

Avg. price:~£90VRAM:6 GBMemory bus width:384 bitThermal Design Power (TDP):250 W

MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti 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.

MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti
5.3/10

Overall score

Score
5.3/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components

90%

4.9

Technical score

10%

8.1

User score

▼Worse than 84% of graphics cards
6.7

Value for money

Value for money
6.7/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components

70%

5.3

Overall score

30%

10

Price

▼Worse than 74%
4.9

Technical score

Technical score
4.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components

44%

3.0

Performance

24%

4.8

Memory

12%

8.0

Power & Cooling

11%

6.3

Platform & Features

5%

9.1

Design

4%

8.2

Connectivity & Media

▼Worse than 85%
8.1

User score

User score
8.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 62% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

7.0

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▲Better than 62%
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Best prices
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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 980 Ti

Technical score
Technical score
4.9/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 85% of models
Score components:

44%

3.0

Performance

24%

4.8

Memory

12%

8.0

Power & Cooling

11%

6.3

Platform & Features

5%

9.1

Design

4%

8.2

Connectivity & Media

4.9
User score
User score
8.1/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 62% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

7.0

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.1
Popularity
Popularity
7.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 66% of models
Popularity:
MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti has a popularity score of 7 points, which is higher than that of 65.6% of products in this category.
7.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.7/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 74% of models
Score components:

70%

5.3

Overall score

30%

10

Price

6.7
3DMark Time Spy benchmark score
6,270 points
Market range: <4k points – >34k points
This graphics card scores 6,270 points in 3DMark Time Spy, which is lower than 82% of graphics cards.
3DMark Port Royal score
3,250 points
Market range: <0 points – >25k points
This graphics card scores 3,250 points in 3DMark Port Royal, which is lower than 77.9% of graphics cards.
PassMark (G3D) result
11,187 points
Market range: <7.7k points – >36k points
This graphics card scores 11,187 points in PassMark G3D, which is lower than 82.5% of graphics cards.
PassMark (DirectCompute) result
28,995 points
Market range: <3.1k points – >26.3k points
This graphics card scores 28,995 points in PassMark DirectCompute, which is higher than 93.2% of graphics cards and equal to 2.2% of graphics cards.
Floating-point performance
7.2 TFLOPS
Market range: <4.38 TFLOPS – >57.42 TFLOPS
This graphics card delivers 7.2 TFLOPS floating-point performance, which is lower than that of 80% of graphics cards.
Show more
VRAM
6 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >24 GB
This graphics card has 6 GB of VRAM, which is less than 82.6% of graphics cards and equal to 5.2% 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
384 bit
Market range: <64 bit – >384 bit
This graphics card uses a 384 bit memory bus, which is wider than that of 89.3% of graphics cards and equal to that of 7.3% of graphics cards.
Maximum memory bandwidth
336.5 GB/s
Market range: <168 GB/s – >960 GB/s
This graphics card reaches 336.5 GB/s memory bandwidth, which is lower than that of 63.5% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.1% 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
1.2
This graphics card supports Vulkan 1.2, which is older than on 95.1% of graphics cards and equal to 3.7% 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.
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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
3
Market range: <1 – >3
This graphics card offers 3 DisplayPort outputs, which is more than 21% of graphics cards and equal to 76.8% 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)
250 W
Market range: <60 W – >360 W
This graphics card has a TDP of 250 W, which is higher than that of 58.3% of graphics cards and equal to that of 6.2% of graphics cards.
Power consumption while under peak load
274 W
Market range: <100 W – >400 W
This graphics card draws 274 W under peak load, which is higher than 63.8% of graphics cards.
Recommended PSU wattage
600 W
Market range: <450 W – >850 W
This graphics card recommends a 600 W PSU, which is lower than that of 54.3% of graphics cards and equal to that of 7.9% of graphics cards.
Board power limit
275 W
Market range: <100 W – >400 W
This graphics card has a board power limit of 275 W, which is higher than that of 62.4% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.5% of graphics cards.
PCIe power spec
250 W
Show more
Size
277x 140x 40 mm
Length
277 mm
Market range: <200 mm – >350 mm
This graphics card is 277 mm long, which is shorter than 55.1% of graphics cards and equal in length to 0.3% of graphics cards.
Height
110 mm
Market range: <109 mm – >146 mm
This graphics card is 110 mm tall, which is shorter than 88.7% of graphics cards and equal in height to 1% 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
880 g
Market range: <500 g – >2k g
This graphics card weighs 880 g, which is lighter than 65.8% of graphics cards and equal in weight to 0.3% of graphics cards.
Show more

MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti vs the average graphics card

246810TotalPerformanceMemoryPlatform & FeaturesConnectivity & MediaPower & CoolingDesign
  • 32 more ROPs
    This graphics card has more ROPs than the average graphics card (96 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
    96 vs 64
  • 128 bit wider memory bus
    This graphics card has a wider memory bus than the average graphics card (384 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.
    384 bit vs 256 bit
  • 15 mm lower card height
    This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (110 mm vs 125 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 125 mm.
    110 mm vs 125 mm
  • 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
  • 5.89x cheaper
    MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti is cheaper than the average graphics card (£90 vs £530).
    £90 vs £530
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    This graphics card has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
    1 vs 0
  • Supports NVLink
    This graphics card supports NVLink, the average graphics card does not.
  • 5.89x cheaper
    MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti is cheaper than the average graphics card (£90 vs £530).
    £90 vs £530
  • 1.4% higher user score
    User score
    8.1/ 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
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti
    the average graphics card
    MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti has a higher user score than the average graphics card (8.11 vs 8.000).
    8.11 vs 8
  • 32 more ROPs
    This graphics card has more ROPs than the average graphics card (96 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
    96 vs 64
  • 2.4x higher compute score
    This graphics card has a higher compute score than the average graphics card (28995 points vs 12074 points). The average graphics card has a compute score of 12074 points.
    28,995 points vs 12,074 points
  • 128 bit wider memory bus
    This graphics card has a wider memory bus than the average graphics card (384 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.
    384 bit vs 256 bit
  • 0.2% faster VRAM clock
    This graphics card has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (1753 MHz vs 1750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1750 MHz.
    1,753 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.
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    This graphics card has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
    1 vs 0
  • 7.7% lower PSU requirement
    This graphics card has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (600 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
    600 W vs 650 W
  • 15 mm lower card height
    This graphics card is shorter than the average graphics card (110 mm vs 125 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 125 mm.
    110 mm vs 125 mm
  • 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
  • 57% lower boost clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1076 MHz vs 2505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2505 MHz.
    1,076 MHz vs 2,505 MHz
  • 6 GB less VRAM
    This graphics card has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (6 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
    6 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
  • 47.9% lower base clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1000 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
    1,000 MHz vs 1,920 MHz
  • 18 fewer compute units
    This graphics card has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (22 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
    22 vs 40
  • 1 fewer fans
    This graphics card has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
    2 vs 3
  • No DLSS support
    This graphics card does not support DLSS, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • 7.8% worse value for money
    MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti has worse value for money than the average graphics card (6.68 vs 7.2).
    6.68 vs 7.2
  • 57% lower boost clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1076 MHz vs 2505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2505 MHz.
    1,076 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
  • 47.9% lower base clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1000 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
    1,000 MHz vs 1,920 MHz
  • 18 fewer compute units
    This graphics card has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (22 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
    22 vs 40
  • 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
  • 50.3% lower texture rate
    This graphics card has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (189.4 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 381.2 GTexel/s.
    189.4 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s
  • 41.2% lower pixel rate
    This graphics card has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (96 GPixel/s vs 163.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 163.2 GPixel/s.
    96 GPixel/s vs 163.2 GPixel/s
  • 73.2% lower FP32 performance
    This graphics card has a lower FP32 performance than the average graphics card (6.1 TFLOPS vs 22.57 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP32 performance of 22.57 TFLOPS.
    6.06 TFLOPS vs 22.57 TFLOPS
  • 50.6% lower PassMark score
    This graphics card has a lower PassMark score than the average graphics card (11187 points vs 22653 points). The average graphics card has a PassMark score of 22653 points.
    11,187 points vs 22,653 points
  • 57.3% lower gaming score
    This graphics card has a lower gaming score than the average graphics card (6270 points vs 14678.5 points). The average graphics card has a gaming score of 14678.5 points.
    6,270 points vs 14,678.5 points
  • 64.5% lower ray tracing score
    This graphics card has a lower ray tracing score than the average graphics card (3250 points vs 9166 points). The average graphics card has a ray tracing score of 9166 points.
    3,250 points vs 9,166 points
  • 99.4% lower FP16 performance
    This graphics card has a lower FP16 performance than the average graphics card (0.2 TFLOPS vs 29.7 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP16 performance of 29.725 TFLOPS.
    0.18 TFLOPS vs 29.725 TFLOPS
  • 60.4% lower FP64 performance
    This graphics card has a lower FP64 performance than the average graphics card (0.2 TFLOPS vs 0.48 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP64 performance of 0.48 TFLOPS.
    0.19 TFLOPS vs 0.48 TFLOPS
  • 68.7% lower compute throughput
    This graphics card has a lower compute throughput than the average graphics card (7.2 TFLOPS vs 22.98 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has compute throughput of 22.98 TFLOPS.
    7.2 TFLOPS vs 22.98 TFLOPS
  • 6 GB less VRAM
    This graphics card has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (6 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
    6 GB vs 12 GB
  • 62.7% slower memory speed
    This graphics card has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (7096 MHz vs 19000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19000 MHz.
    7,096 MHz vs 19,000 MHz
  • 24.9% lower memory bandwidth
    This graphics card has a lower memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (336.5 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
    336.5 GB/s vs 448 GB/s
  • 62.5% smaller L1 cache
    This graphics card has fewer L1 cache than the average graphics card (48 vs 128). The average graphics card has 128 L1 cache.
    48 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 vs yes
  • No ray tracing
    This graphics card does not support ray tracing, the average graphics card does.
  • 8 older
    This graphics card was released earlier than the average graphics card (2015 vs 2023).
    June 2015
    2,015 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
  • Older encoder generation
    This graphics card uses an older encoder generation than the average graphics card (2 vs 8). The average graphics card uses encoder generation 8.
    2 vs 8
  • No mesh shaders
    This graphics card does not support mesh shaders, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • No XeSS support
    This graphics card does not support XeSS, the average graphics card does.
  • No DirectStorage support
    This graphics card does not support DirectStorage, the average graphics card does.
  • Older Vulkan version
    This graphics card supports an older Vulkan version than the average graphics card (1.2 vs 1.4).
    1.2 vs 1.4
  • Worse SAM support
    This graphics card offers worse SAM support than the average graphics card (no vs yes).
  • 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
  • 2.04x larger GPU die
    This graphics card has a higher GPU die size than the average graphics card (601 mm² vs 295 mm²). The average graphics card has a GPU die size of 295 mm².
    601 mm² vs 295 mm²
  • Older shader model
    This graphics card supports an older shader model than the average graphics card (6.4 vs 6.8).
    6.4 vs 6.8
  • No sampler feedback
    This graphics card does not support sampler feedback, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • 65.1% fewer transistors
    This graphics card has fewer transistors than the average graphics card (8000 million vs 22900 million). The average graphics card has 22900 million transistors.
    8,000 million vs 22,900 million
  • 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.
    No vs yes
  • 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/MPEG-2/VC-1 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1).
    H.264/H.265/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
  • Fewer NVENC sessions
    This graphics card has fewer concurrent NVENC sessions than the average graphics card (3 vs 8). The average graphics card has 8 concurrent NVENC sessions.
    3 vs 8
  • 1 fewer fans
    This graphics card has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
    2 vs 3
  • 16.3% higher TDP
    This graphics card has a higher TDP than the average graphics card (250 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
    250 W vs 215 W
  • 13 °C higher idle temperature
    This graphics card has a higher idle temperature than the average graphics card (50 °C vs 37 °C). The average graphics card has an idle temperature of 37 °C.
    50 °C vs 37 °C
  • 22.2% higher board power limit
    This graphics card has a higher board power limit than the average graphics card (275 W vs 225 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 225 W.
    275 W vs 225 W
  • 33.3% higher idle power draw
    This graphics card has a higher idle power draw than the average graphics card (16 W vs 12 W). The average graphics card has an idle power draw of 12 W.
    16 W vs 12 W

Video reviews

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

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

T
tweaktown.com
10/08/2015
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti Gaming 6G Video Card Review
B
bit-tech.net
06/08/2015
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti Gaming 6G Review
H
hardwarecanucks.com
23/07/2015
Summary of the review
MSI GTX 980 Ti Gaming 6G Review
P
pcmag.com
10/07/2015
Summary of the review
MSI GTX 980 Ti Gaming 6G Review
O
overclockers.com
08/07/2015
Summary of the review
MSI GTX 980 Ti Gaming 6G Video Card Review
T
techpowerup.com
03/07/2015
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti Gaming 6 GB Review
G
guru3d.com
30/06/2015
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti Gaming OC Review
L
legitreviews.com
04/01/2016
Summary of the review
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 Ti Video Card Roundup
P
pcmag.com
21/10/2015
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti Sea Hawk Review
H
hothardware.com
06/10/2015
Summary of the review
GeForce GTX 980 Ti Round-Up With MSI, ASUS, And EVGA
G
guru3d.com
28/08/2015
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti Lightning Review
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gamestar.de
13/08/2015
Summary of the review
MSIs GTX 980 Ti Gaming 6G - MSIs Gaming-Flaggschiff
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C
clubic.com
01/06/2015
Summary of the review
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 Ti : la Titan X pour tous ?
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tomshw.it
01/06/2015
Summary of the review
GeForce GTX 980 Ti dei produttori, ce n'è per tutti i gusti (e le tasche)
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H
hardware.info
22/07/2015
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti Gaming review: de beste all-rounder
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Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: June 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti

  • Exceptional factory overclock that outperforms the reference design and matches Titan X performance in many benchmarks.
  • Near-silent operation thanks to Twin Frozr V fans that remain off below 60°C.
  • Effective thermal management, maintaining load temperatures around 69-75°C despite high clock speeds.
  • High build quality featuring a sturdy backplate with an aesthetic dragon design and controllable LED lighting.
  • Strong performance for 1440p gaming and a viable entry-level option for 4K resolutions.

What we don't like about MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti

  • High power consumption, with peak system draws reaching up to 375W, requiring a robust 600W+ power supply.
  • Large physical footprint (11 inches long) that may not fit in smaller cases.
  • Open-air cooler design requires excellent case ventilation to prevent internal heat build-up.
  • Slightly higher price premium compared to the standard reference GTX 980 Ti models.
  • Lackluster included accessories and limited future-proofing for the newest ray-tracing titles.

Verdict

The MSI GeForce GTX 980 Ti is a high-end graphics card featuring 2,816 CUDA cores and 6GB of GDDR5 memory on a wide 384-bit bus, delivering approximately 336 GB/s of bandwidth. Built on NVIDIA's Maxwell architecture, MSI's custom variants—such as the Gaming 6G—often include a factory overclock with base clocks around 1,178 MHz and boost speeds reaching 1,279 MHz. A major pro is its powerful performance that rivals the GTX Titan X for a significantly lower price, complemented by the Twin Frozr V cooling system that remains silent during low-load tasks. However, it carries a high TDP of 250W, requiring a robust 600W power supply and two 8-pin connectors, and its open-air cooler design can lead to increased internal case temperatures.

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