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NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M Review | 118 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£130
  • Avg. price in US: ~$120
  • VRAM: 8 GB
  • Memory bus width: 256 bit
  • Thermal Design Power (TDP): 100 W

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M review. Compare 118 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among graphics cards and if it is worth buying.

3.6

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%

3.8

Technical Score

10.0%

1.7

User score

Poor
3.8

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%

2.4

Performance

24.0%

3.4

Memory

12.0%

7.2

Power & Cooling

11.0%

5.5

Platform & Features

5.0%

4.0

Design

4.0%

6.1

Connectivity & Media

Poor
1.7

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%

2.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
1.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Very poor
  • 3.6
    Gaming

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.2

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    2.8

    VRAM

    20.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 4.7
    Video editing

    Score components:

    35.0%

    7.0

    AV1 encode

    30.0%

    2.8

    VRAM

    20.0%

    1.2

    Floating-point performance

    15.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 2.9
    1080p

    Score components:

    55.0%

    1.2

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    2.8

    VRAM

    10.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 3.0
    1440p

    Score components:

    50.0%

    1.2

    Floating-point performance

    30.0%

    2.8

    VRAM

    15.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 3.4
    4K

    Score components:

    40.0%

    1.2

    Floating-point performance

    35.0%

    2.8

    VRAM

    20.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £130

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Nvidia GeForce GTX 980M is a high-end mobile graphics card launched in late 2014, based on the 28nm Maxwell GM204 architecture. It features 1,536 CUDA cores, a base clock speed of 1038 MHz (boosting to 1127 MHz), and is typically equipped with up to 8GB of GDDR5 VRAM on a 256-bit memory interface, delivering a bandwidth of approximately 160 GB/s. Its primary strengths include significantly improved power efficiency over previous generations and a performance profile that closely rivals mid-to-high-end desktop counterparts of its era, such as the GTX 970. However, its high power consumption (rated with a TDP of approximately 100W–125W) limits its use to larger, more robust gaming laptops, and its performance drops noticeably when running on battery power.

Technical Specifications of NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M

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%

2.4

Performance

24.0%

3.4

Memory

12.0%

7.2

Power & Cooling

11.0%

5.5

Platform & Features

5.0%

4.0

Design

4.0%

6.1

Connectivity & Media

3.8
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a technical score of 3.81 points, which is lower than that of 90.9% 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%

2.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
1.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

1.7
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a user score of 1.7 points, which is lower than that of 99.9% 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.
1.0
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 55.9% 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%

3.6

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

5.5
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.5 points, which is lower than 90.9% 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

?
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

3.462 TFLOPS
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M delivers 3.462 TFLOPS floating-point performance, which is lower than that of 93.1% of graphics cards.
Show more
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

8 GB
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has 8 GB of VRAM, which is less than 57.6% of graphics cards and equal to 25.1% 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
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M 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
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M 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

160 GB/s
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M reaches 160 GB/s memory bandwidth, which is lower than that of 91.3% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.1% of graphics cards.
Show more
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
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M 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
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M 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

?
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
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M supports OpenGL 4.6, which is more advanced than on 4.8% of graphics cards and equal to 95.2% of graphics cards.
Show more
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
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M 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
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M 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
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M 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
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M 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.
Show more
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

100 W
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a TDP of 100 W, which is lower than that of 89.4% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.5% 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

100 W
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M draws 100 W under peak load, which is lower than 89.3% of graphics cards and equal to 0.5% 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

N/A
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

?
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

N/A
Show more
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

?
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

?
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

N/A
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

N/A
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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NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M vs the average graphics card

  • 53.5% lower TDP
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (100 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

    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (100 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.100 W vs 215 W
  • 4.08x cheaper
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M is cheaper than the average graphics card (£130 vs £530).
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M is cheaper than the average graphics card (£130 vs £530).£130 vs £530
  • Supports multi-GPU linking
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
    What it is: Supports NVIDIA SLI or AMD CrossFire multi-GPU setup
    When it matters: When you still run legacy multi-GPU gaming or rendering workflows.

    Importance: LOW

    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • 54.5% lower peak power draw
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower peak power draw than the average graphics card (100 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a peak power draw of 220 W.
    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

    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower peak power draw than the average graphics card (100 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a peak power draw of 220 W.100 W vs 220 W
  • Supports multi-GPU linking
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • 53.5% lower TDP
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (100 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
  • 54.5% lower peak power draw
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower peak power draw than the average graphics card (100 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a peak power draw of 220 W.

Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Power & Cooling
  • 54.9% lower boost clock speed
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,127 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.
  • 28 fewer compute units
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (12 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
  • 45.9% lower base clock speed
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,038 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.
  • 71.3% lower texture rate
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (108.2 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 376.8 GTexel/s.
  • 88 fewer TMUs
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (96 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
  • 56.3% lower pixel rate
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (72.1 GPixel/s vs 165.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 165.2 GPixel/s.
  • 85% lower compute throughput
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower compute throughput than the average graphics card (3.5 TFLOPS vs 23.105 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has compute throughput of 23.105 TFLOPS.
  • 76.7% lower FP64 performance
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower FP64 performance than the average graphics card (0.1 TFLOPS vs 0.4651 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP64 performance of 0.4651 TFLOPS.
  • 2,816 fewer FP32 units
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has fewer FP32 units than the average graphics card (1,536 vs 4,352). The average graphics card has 4,352 FP32 units.
  • 73.6% slower memory speed
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (5,012 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.
  • 64.3% lower memory bandwidth
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (160 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
  • 4 GB less VRAM
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (8 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
  • 93.8% smaller L2 cache
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has fewer L2 cache than the average graphics card (2 MB vs 32 MB). The average graphics card has 32 MB L2 cache.
  • 28.4% slower VRAM clock
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower VRAM clock than the average graphics card (1,253 MHz vs 1,750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1,750 MHz.
  • 62.5% smaller L1 cache
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M 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
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M 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.
  • No ray tracing
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M does not support ray tracing, the average graphics card does.
  • 9 older
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M was released earlier than the average graphics card (2,014 vs 2,023).
  • Older PCIe version
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M supports an older PCIe version than the average graphics card (3 vs 4.0).
  • No XeSS support
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M does not support XeSS, the average graphics card does.
  • No mesh shaders
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M does not support mesh shaders, the average graphics card does.
  • No DirectStorage support
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M does not support DirectStorage, the average graphics card does.
  • No sampler feedback
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M does not support sampler feedback, the average graphics card does.
  • 30.8% larger GPU die
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M 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
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M 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
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has fewer DisplayPort outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 3). The average graphics card has 3 DisplayPort outputs.
  • No AV1 encoding
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
  • No AV1 decoding
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M does not support AV1 decoding, the average graphics card does.
  • Older DisplayPort version
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M supports an older DisplayPort version than the average graphics card (1.2 vs 1.4a).
  • Older HDMI version
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M supports an older HDMI version than the average graphics card (2 vs 2.1).
  • Older HDCP version
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M supports an older HDCP version than the average graphics card (1.4 vs 2.3).
  • 5 °C lower thermal ceiling
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M 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.
  • 54.9% lower boost clock speed
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,127 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

    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,127 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.1127 MHz vs 2500 MHz
  • 5.6x larger process node
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M 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

    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M 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
  • 28 fewer compute units
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (12 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

    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (12 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.12 vs 40
  • 45.9% lower base clock speed
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,038 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

    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,038 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.1038 MHz vs 1920 MHz
  • 71.3% lower texture rate
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (108.2 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

    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (108.2 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 376.8 GTexel/s.108.2 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s
  • 73.6% slower memory speed
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (5,012 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

    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (5,012 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.5012 MHz vs 19000 MHz
  • 64.3% lower memory bandwidth
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (160 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
    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

    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has a lower memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (160 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.160 GB/s vs 448 GB/s
  • 88 fewer TMUs
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (96 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
    What it is: Total count of texture mapping units on the GPU
    When it matters: When texture-heavy gaming performance matters and you want extra hardware context behind texture-rate claims.

    Importance: HIGH

    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (96 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.96 vs 184
Total
Overall
Performance
Memory
Platform & Features
Connectivity & Media
Power & Cooling

Graphic comparison of NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
1.0
1 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M?

  • Capable of stable 60+ FPS in most titles released before 2018 at 1080p high settings
  • High power efficiency and low heat output compared to its desktop equivalent
  • Supports modern features for its era, including NVIDIA BatteryBoost and Optimus for improved battery life
  • Solid legacy performance in eSports titles like Overwatch and Minecraft with shaders
  • Effective at 1080p gaming with scores well above smooth gaming thresholds in benchmarks like 3DMark Time Spy

What customers dislike about NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M?

  • 4GB VRAM limitation significantly bottlenecks modern AAA games that require 6GB or more
  • Lacks hardware support for modern technologies like Ray Tracing, DLSS, and AV1 decoding
  • Struggles to maintain playable frame rates at 1440p or 4K resolutions in newer titles
  • Significant performance drop (up to 40%) when running on battery power due to downclocking
  • Architecture is increasingly mismatched with modern APIs, lacking full DirectX 12 Ultimate support

Expert reviews

L
laptopmedia.com
20/01/2015
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M vs GeForce GTX 980 - 4K showdown and benchmarks

The LaptopMedia analysis compares the mobile GTX 980M to the desktop GTX 980, finding that Maxwell architecture allows the laptop GPU to narrow the performance gap to a 20%–23% margin in medium/high-setting 4K gaming, with surprisingly competitive synthetic scores. However, significant limitations exist, including a 42% performance drop in heavy tessellation scenarios (Unigine...Read more

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pcgamer.com
16/01/2015
MSI GT72 2QE Dominator Pro review - PC Gamer

The MSI GT72 2QE Dominator Pro is a powerful 17.3-inch desktop replacement notebook designed specifically for enthusiast-class power users. It delivers exceptional gaming performance by pairing an Intel Core i7-4710HQ processor with Nvidia's flagship GeForce GTX 980M graphics card (featuring 8GB of GDDR5 memory), easily handling demanding titles like Metro: Last Light and Tomb...Read more

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cnet.com
07/10/2014
Benchmarking Nvidia's new 'world's fastest notebook GPU'

The Nvidia GeForce GTX 980M significantly closes the performance gap between mobile and desktop gaming by introducing power-efficient Maxwell architecture tweaks tailored for laptops. Tested inside the Asus G751J, the GPU delivers smooth, desktop-like frame rates on high settings at 1080p, achieving 45.7 fps in Metro: Last Light and a blazing 115.8 fps in BioShock Infinite. Key...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
01/09/2015
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M – DirectX 12 benchmark

The LaptopMedia review highlights how DirectX 12 enhances the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M by optimizing CPU load balancing, resulting in lower system overhead and improved performance in demanding games. Furthermore, the API introduces the Explicit Multiadapter feature, enabling concurrent use of integrated and discrete GPUs to enhance processing efficiency. LaptopMedia However, the...Read more

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express.co.uk
19/03/2015
Nvidia GTX 980M on the MSI GT72

Nvidia GTX 980M & MSI GT72 Review Summary The MSI GT72 2QE Dominator Pro, powered by Nvidia’s top-of-the-range GTX 980M mobile GPU, delivers an exceptional desktop-class gaming experience on a notebook. Built on the efficient Maxwell architecture, the GTX 980M boasts 1536 CUDA cores and a substantial 8GB of GDDR5 memory, allowing it to easily handle visually demanding titles on...Read more

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pcper.com
17/10/2014
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M Performance Testing – Mobile Gaming at its Best

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M mobility GPU, tested inside the MSI GT72 Dominator Pro notebook, delivers impressive high-end gaming performance by bringing NVIDIA’s desktop-class "Maxwell" architecture to laptops. Built on a 28nm process, it features 1,536 CUDA cores, a base core clock of 1,038 MHz, and theoretical performance of 3.189 TFLOPs. The specific test model benefits from a...Read more

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pcgamer.com
28/04/2015
Origin PC EON15-X gaming notebook review - PC Gamer

The Origin PC EON15-X is a highly customizable gaming notebook built on a desktop platform that accommodates high-end hardware, such as an overclocked Intel Core i7-4790K desktop processor, up to 32GB of DDR3 RAM, and multiple storage configurations including PCIe-based SSDs. On the positive side, this desktop-derived setup makes the laptop exceptionally scalable and...Read more

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digitalfoundry.net
18/10/2015
G-Sync on a laptop: the Asus G751JY review | Digital Foundry

Digital Foundry's review of the Asus G751JY highlights the 17.3-inch 1080p IPS display with Nvidia G-Sync as a game-changing feature, delivering smooth 75Hz, stutter-free performance. The notebook is praised for its robust desktop-level internals (GTX 980M), superior cooling system, and durable, utilitarian build quality. Conversely, the device faces significant limitations due to...Read more

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goldfries.com
08/03/2015
nVidia GeForce GTX 980M Performance Review

The goldfries Nvidia GeForce GTX 980M hardware review evaluates the performance of the high-end mobile graphics card using a Gigabyte P35X V3 gaming notebook, which features a 2880 × 1620 resolution display. Tested at Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, the GTX 980M delivers strong, "stunning" frame rates across several major benchmarks. It achieves an average of 66.3 frames per...Read more

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hardwareluxx.de
27/12/2014
Schenker Technologies XMG P705 mit GeForce GTX 980M im Test

The Schenker Technologies XMG P705 Pro is a 17-inch gaming laptop based on the Clevo P670SG, distinguishing itself through a relatively slim 35mm profile and 3.2 kg weight while utilizing high-quality aluminum construction. Equipped with an Intel Core i7-4710HQ and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M, the device offers strong, high-end performance in a portable, modern design. The laptop...Read more

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lesnumeriques.com
04/03/2016
Test Acer Predator 15 : la très bonne surprise

The Les Numériques review scores the Acer Predator 15 a solid 4 out of 5 stars, praising it as a highly commendable entry into the competitive gaming laptop market. Powered by a 6th-generation quad-core Intel Core i7-6700HQ processor, 16 GB of DDR4 RAM, a 128 GB SSD, and a high-end Nvidia GeForce GTX 980M (4 GB GDDR5) graphics card, the machine delivers exceptional gaming and...Read more

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elchapuzasinformatico.com
20/03/2015
MSI GT80 2QE Titan [Review]

The MSI GT80 2QE Titan is a top-tier 18.4-inch gaming laptop, awarded the Gold Award for its unrivaled performance driven by a dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M SLI configuration and an Intel Core i7-4720HQ processor. Key strengths include a groundbreaking integrated SteelSeries mechanical keyboard, a fast storage array (two M.2 SSDs in RAID 0), and an excellent Dynaudio 4.1 sound...Read more

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profesionalreview.com
19/05/2015
Review: MSI GT80 2QE Titan

The MSI GT80 2QE Titan is an 18.4-inch desktop-replacement gaming laptop designed for users seeking maximum performance without hauling a full tower. It is heavily highlighted as the first gaming laptop on the market to feature a full, built-in mechanical keyboard using premium Cherry MX Red switches. Under the hood, this specific model packs an Intel Core i7-4720HQ processor, 16GB...Read more

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elchapuzasinformatico.com
20/03/2015
Review: MSI GT80 2QE Titan

The MSI GT80 2QE Titan is characterized as a high-performance desktop replacement, featuring an Intel Core i7-4720HQ processor, dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M GPUs in SLI, and an 18.4-inch Full HD display. Key advantages include a fully integrated SteelSeries mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX switches, a massive Super RAID 0 storage configuration, and exceptional gaming performance....Read more

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