✅ Key Features

• Architecture: GCN (Graphics Core Next)

• Memory: 4GB GDDR5 (most models)

• Memory Bus: 256-bit

• Ideal Use: 1080p gaming at medium-high settings

• Strength: Good performance in older games and DirectX 11 titles

• Power Consumption: Higher than GTX 970 (varies by model)

⚠️ Pros & Cons

Pros

✔ Strong performance in older games

✔ Better raw memory bandwidth than GTX 970

✔ Usually cheaper in used market

Cons

✘ Higher power consumption

✘ Drivers and support are older

✘ Not as efficient as newer NVIDIA cards

🔶 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970

The GTX 970 is a high-end NVIDIA graphics card released in 2014, famous for excellent 1080p gaming performance and good power efficiency.

✅ Key Features

• Architecture: Maxwell (GM204)

• Memory: 4GB GDDR5

• Memory Bus: 256-bit

• Ideal Use: High-quality 1080p gaming and light 1440p gaming

• Strength: Efficient power usage and strong overall performance

⚠️ Pros & Cons

Pros

✔ Better power efficiency

✔ Strong performance in most games

✔ Better driver support for newer games

Cons

✘ Some models suffer from memory performance issues (rare)

✘ Slightly older card now, still good for budget builds

📌 Side-by-Side Summary

🔥 Which is Better?

✔ GTX 970 is usually the better choice for overall performance, power efficiency, and stability, especially in newer games.

✔ R9 380 can still be good for older games and cheaper used markets, but uses more power.