NVIDIA
GeForce RTX 4090 vs GeForce GTX 970
Full comparison of specs, performance and benchmarks
NVIDIA
GTX 970
Aggregate performance score
We've compared RTX 4090 and GTX 970 across specs and all relevant benchmarks.
↗RTX 4090 outperforms GTX 970 by ~144% on the catalog index; this is not a measured FPS gain.+144%
Scores are normalized on the Head to Head scale. Higher is better. How is this calculated?H2HBench Data Quality
Low confidenceSpecifications: Field verification not recordedVerified gaming results: 0Estimated / unverified results: 32Price record updated: Sep 6, 2026
Limited verified data
H2HBench Verdict
Higher catalog score: GeForce RTX 4090 (~60%)
The score difference is not a measured FPS improvement.
Reasons to consider RTX 4090
- Higher catalog performance index
- More graphics memory
- Recorded feature support: OpenCL 3.0, CUDA 8.9 · DLSS 3
Reasons to consider GTX 970
- Lower stated power consumption
- Higher catalog value index
- Recorded feature support: OpenCL 3.0, CUDA 5.2 · Not supported
Catalog metrics radar
Axes with missing data are hidden; every value uses a fixed scale.
NVIDIAPerformance
Efficiency
Price / performance
Memory capacity
8836
6583
3966
10056
Graphics card ranking
Positions 8–13of 321
Which should you choose?
Two practical conclusions based on community votes and gaming value.
GeForce RTX 4090
131 likesHead to Head visitors currently choose this model more often.
GeForce GTX 970
Price $40.00Based on catalog performance per unit of current market price, not measured FPS.
Overview
Scores are calculated from specifications, performance, and efficiency.
GamesDirectX, OpenCL, and Vulkan performance
88Better
36
Professional applications3D modeling, video editing, and rendering
70Better
32
AI and machine learningMachine-learning and AI capabilities
67Better
30
Power efficiencyPower consumption across workloads
65
83Better
Head to Head scoreOverall catalog score
72Better
45
Specifications
The better numeric value is highlighted in green, taking the metric direction into account.
Device class
Upscaling
DisplayPort
HDMI
TFLOPSBetter
DirectX
Vulkan
OpenGL
Power consumptionBetter
Memory type
Power connector
Release date
Architecture
Thickness
Compute API
Launch priceBetter
Shader units / coresBetter
Clock speedBetter
Base clockBetter
Boost clockBetter
VRAMBetter
Memory frequencyBetter
Memory busBetter
Memory bandwidthBetter
Interface
Power consumptionBetter
Process nodeBetter
Recommended PSUBetter
LengthBetter
Die sizeBetter
Memory cache
Transistor countBetter
Max monitors
Max resolution
USB Type-C
Gaming FPS
Available results are shown separately; missing data is not treated as zero.
The Gaming FPS section compares RTX 4090 and GTX 970 across curated H2H Lab game presets. The useful signal is not only average FPS, but also how each device behaves at 1440p and 4K, how memory capacity and bus width affect heavy textures, and whether the game engine favors raster performance, ray tracing, or driver maturity.
RTX 4090GTX 970
Verified externalEstimatedSources ↗
Counter-Strike 2
1080p High
365 FPS
182 FPS
1080p Ultra
252 FPS
128 FPS
1440p Ultra
188 FPS
71 FPS
4K Ultra
95 FPS
24 FPS
Counter-Strike 2RTX 4090365 FPSGTX 970182 FPSRTX 4090252 FPSGTX 970128 FPSRTX 4090188 FPSGTX 97071 FPSRTX 409095 FPSGTX 97024 FPS
Cyberpunk 2077RTX 4090230 FPSGTX 970118 FPSRTX 4090205 FPSGTX 970101 FPSRTX 4090142 FPSGTX 97052 FPSRTX 409068 FPSGTX 97016 FPS
Forza Horizon 5RTX 4090284 FPSGTX 970148 FPSRTX 4090194 FPSGTX 97096 FPSRTX 4090172 FPSGTX 97064 FPSRTX 4090131 FPSGTX 97036 FPS
Hogwarts LegacyRTX 4090187 FPSGTX 97096 FPSRTX 4090157 FPSGTX 97080 FPSRTX 4090126 FPSGTX 97046 FPSRTX 409074 FPSGTX 97017 FPS
H2H workload indices
Comparable internal indices on a fixed 0–100 scale.
H2H Raster IndexH2H Index / 100883684%
H2H Compute IndexH2H Index / 100893978%
H2H Rendering IndexH2H Index / 100914274%
H2H Memory Workload IndexH2H Index / 1001005656%
H2H Efficiency IndexH2H Index / 100658324%
These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.
H2H AI workload indices
Estimated workload profiles based on available performance and memory data.
H2H Image Generation IndexH2H Index / 100934570%
H2H ML Training IndexH2H Index / 100934472%
H2H Inference IndexH2H Index / 100914274%
H2H Local LLM IndexH2H Index / 100954768%
H2H Computer Vision IndexH2H Index / 100924275%
These are versioned H2H calculated indices derived from normalized catalog data. They are not results from a third-party benchmark.
Graphics APIs, SDKs and upscaling
DirectX12.212.1
Vulkan1.41.4
OpenGL4.64.6
UpscalingDLSS 3Not supported
Compute APIOpenCL 3.0, CUDA 8.9OpenCL 3.0, CUDA 5.2
Architecture and release
ArchitectureAda LovelaceMaxwell 2.0
Process node5 nmBetter28 nm
Release date20222014
Device classDesktopDesktop
GPU cores, die and clocks
Transistor count76300 millionBetter5200 million
Die size609 mm²398 mm²Better
Shader units / cores16384Better1664
Base clock2235 MHzBetter1050 MHz
Boost clock2520 MHzBetter1178 MHz
Board size, power and compatibility
InterfacePCIe 4x16PCIe 3x16
Length304 mm267 mmBetter
ThicknessTriple-slotDual-slot
Recommended PSU850 W300 WBetter
Power connector16 pin6+6 pin
Display outputs and limits
HDMIHDMI 2.1HDMI 2.0
DisplayPortDisplayPort 1.4aDisplayPort 1.2
USB Type-CNoNo
Max monitors45
Max resolution7680 × 43207680 × 4320
Memory and compute throughput
VRAM24 GB GDDR6XBetter4 GB GDDR5
Memory typeGDDR6XGDDR5
Memory bus384 bitBetter256 bit
TFLOPS82.58Better3.92
Other comparisons
Arc B580Intel
RX 9070 XT 16 GBAMDReviews and questions
Explain this comparison
Beyond percentages: causes, relevant specifications, and practical impact behind every chart.
What AI will explain
Overall score, radar, FPS, synthetic tests, specifications, efficiency, and value.
Evidence details
Data coverage
- Verified gaming results
- 0
- Verified synthetic results
- 0
- Games with verified results
- 0
- Verified community results
- 0
- Estimated / unverified results
- 32
- Specifications
- 0 / 70
Calculated scores · How is this calculated?
Scores use the catalog model and may include estimated inputs. Open each score to see its origin and the methodology.
clamp(round(performance × 0.7 + (efficiency ?? 50) × 0.2 + (value is missing ? 0 : (value − 50) × 0.2)), 0, 100)Price evidence · View sources (5)
Verified community results
No verified community benchmarks yet.
Reviewed by
No individual editorial review is recorded for this comparison.
Comparison history
Show recorded changes (4)
- · Record updated: products
- · Record changed: product_prices
- · Record updated: products
- · Record updated: products
Why you can trust this comparison
Origin and confidence are evaluated from the evidence attached to each value. Unverified results are identified, and specification, benchmark and price dates remain separate.
Owner experiences
Real builds, results, and community feedback.
Moderator reviewedHelpful to the communityExpert badges
Frequently asked comparison questions
Short recommendations based on performance, memory, power consumption, and intended use.
01Which is better for gaming: RTX 4090 or GTX 970?+
RTX 4090 has the higher overall gaming score, while GTX 970 offers the better price-to-performance ratio. The final choice depends on resolution and settings.
02Which is better for streaming?+
RTX 4090 is the stronger streaming choice thanks to performance, hardware encoding, and application support. Check AV1, H.264, and HEVC support before buying.
03Which is better for Blender?+
RTX 4090 is generally the better option for Blender and GPU rendering. Rendering-engine support and available VRAM also matter.
04Which is better for video editing?+
RTX 4090 offers more overall performance, while RTX 4090 offers more memory headroom. Codecs, hardware encoders, and editor optimization can change the result.
05Which is better for neural networks and AI?+
RTX 4090 is the more practical option for local AI workloads. VRAM capacity, compute libraries, and framework compatibility are especially important.
06Which is better for 1080p?+
GTX 970 is the most rational 1080p choice, where high frame rates and cost per frame matter most.
07Which is better for 1440p?+
RTX 4090 leads in combined 1440p performance. RTX 4090 can be preferable for heavy textures and games with high VRAM usage.
08Which is better for 4K?+
RTX 4090 is preferable for 4K, where total performance, memory bandwidth, and VRAM capacity have the greatest impact.
09Which is better for a quiet PC?+
GTX 970 is easier to use in a quiet build because of its lower estimated power and thermal load. Actual noise depends on the specific cooler.
10Which is better without replacing the power supply?+
GTX 970 is the safer candidate because its stated power consumption is lower. Verify PSU wattage, age, and power connectors.
11Is it worth upgrading from the previous generation?+
Consider upgrading to RTX 4090 if your current device no longer delivers the required FPS, memory capacity, or feature support. A gain below 15–20% is usually worth waiting for a price cut.