High-End Video Gaming Adapter GeForce GTX 970 gained fame on the world stage thanks to the scandal that was staged by potential buyers, the media and competitors. However, in recent years, many experts in the field of IT technologies claim that this was a common marketing ploy in order to attract maximum attention to the product. So it really or not - it doesn't matter, the main thing is that every user has learned about the new product. In this article, the reader will take a closer look at the wonderful GeForce GTX 970 chip from Nvidia, as well as devices based on it, released under the brands of well-known manufacturers.

The crux of the GeForce GTX 970 problem

To the world public by the manufacturer Nvidia, the new gaming chip was presented as the GeForce GTX 970 4096Mb, which has 64 rasterization units and a second-level cache on the graphics core with a volume of 2 megabytes. However, the first buyers, when launching testing applications, found that it is not 4 GB, but 3.5 gigabytes, there are only 56 RPS, and the L2 cache has 1.75 MB. Naturally sensing deception, many users turned to the manufacturer with a negative.

With the memory size, the situation was resolved favorably: in fact, it is simply segmented by 3.5 + 0.5 GB (when the main volume is full, the backup segment is connected). But the manufacturer attributed the insufficient amount of cache and ROP blocks to a mistake by the company's designers.

In order to somehow make amends for the conflict, Nvidia reduced the cost of the GeForce GTX 970 chip. As a result, only the buyer was the winner, because this video adapter occupies a leading position in the market in terms of price-quality criterion in the High-End class. Competitors from AMD manufacturer lag behind by a large margin in this matter.

Chip Specifications

The attractive price for the GeForce GTX 970 video adapter (20-30 thousand rubles) unambiguously confuses all potential buyers on the market when they first get to know the technical characteristics of the device. Indeed, when compared with the older model of the line (we are talking about GTX 980), the cost of which is two times higher than the video card in question, the parameters of the chip are not too different:

• uses the same graphics core GM204 (Maxwell) with a 28 nanometer technical process;
• the same L2 cache (declared);
• GDDR5 memory with a 256-bit bus, clocked at 1750 MHz and having a volume of 4 GB, is also identical;
• naturally and throughput memory will be the same - 224 gigabytes per second.

The difference between the GeForce GTX 970 and the flagship GeForce is only in the number of shader units (the younger model has 1664 units, instead of 2048 units for the top device). There are 104 texture blocks (the GeForce GTX 980 has 128 of them). The graphics processor GeForce GTX 970 operates at a frequency of 1050 MHz (instead of 1126 MHz for the flagship).

Getting Started with a Factory-Made GeForce GTX 970 Adapter

Reference device from Nvidia is missing in retail, but with a special desire, the original GeForce GTX 970 video card can be provided by the manufacturer's official distributor (this is used by the media and independent laboratories around the world to conduct tests). The cost of such a copy always exceeds similar products sold on the market under other brands - this is the policy of the company.

The video adapter is supplied without packaging (OEM). The appearance of the device clearly hints that the video card belongs to the High-End class: dimensions, dual cooling system and the presence of a turbofan. It is worth noting that upon a detailed examination of the batteries and after testing the GeForce GTX 970 adapter under load, many users found that the manufacturer, in order to save money, installed cheap Chinese chokes, which not only squeak during operation, but also get very hot. There are no questions about the cooling system, the cooler coped with its task by 100% when working at standard frequencies.

Best buy in the domestic market

The Asus GeForce GTX 970 Strix is ​​the first Nvidia to hit store shelves around the world. The device immediately attracted the attention of all buyers of the gaming segment not only for its affordable price (22,000 rubles), but also for its decent performance. True, for this in the laboratories of the company, the video cards were completely modified:

• complete replacement of all batteries, including PWM controllers, chokes and phase distributors;
• components that are responsible for power distribution are collected together and placed on the front of the GeForce GTX 970 PCB (like on budget video adapters) for better cooling;
• 8-pin in the ASUS lab was turned upside down (for easy disconnection);
• installed Samsung memory modules capable of operating at the nominal frequency of 2000 MHz.

Such modifications on the printed circuit board clearly hint to the owner that they plan to use the video card within the walls of ASUS for overclocking. But, as you know, the full potential of the device depends directly on decent cooling.

Plagiarism or old ASUS technologies

It is not known for certain which manufacturer came up with an aluminum sole installed on the bottom of the PCB in the cooling system, but this technology is used in all high-end devices based on Nvidia chips. The Asus GeForce GTX 970 video adapter is equipped with the most advanced and most efficient cooler that a user can find on the market.

As users note in their reviews, the manufacturer did not spare the non-ferrous metal for the gaming video card. Two sections of an aluminum radiator are threaded around the entire perimeter with five copper tubes that are brought together on a copper contact pad. The metal structure is mounted on the surface of the PCB and pressed down with screws that tighten the aluminum soleplate to the main system. Above the entire structure is mounted a casing of the cooling system with two huge fans. The rotation speed of the GeForce GTX 970 4Gb air cooling fans is controlled by the BIOS microprocessor, which has special temperature sensors throughout the device's printed circuit board.

Performance and overclocking potential from Asus

As the owners note in their reviews, a lot of work was invested in the modification of the Asus GeForce GTX 970 Strix video card, and the declared characteristics at the same time look very poor: the manufacturer only increased the nominal frequency of the graphics processor to 1114 MHz (Boost 1253 MHz). Apparently, the manufacturer decided to entrust the overclocking to the future owner. And, as tests of independent laboratories show, there is potential, and it is very high.

Without exception, all users note that the overclocking of the video adapter is unlimited - it all depends on the flow of cold air and a powerful power supply, since the Asus GeForce GTX 970 video card is very gluttonous during overclocking. So, many owners have managed to achieve the maximum air-cooled for graphics core 1550 MHz and for 8000 MHz memory. True, the power consumption of the video adapter increases proportionally: the standard indicator of 145 watts rushes upward - to 200 watts.

Zoo of video adapters GeForce GTX 970 from Gigabyte

The Taiwanese manufacturer decided to use all its innovations and developments to create gaming-grade video adapters based on the GTX 970 graphics accelerator, otherwise there is simply no explanation for what purpose a well-known brand presents to the market so many different new products built on one chip. The most affordable device is considered to be the Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 ITX OC video card. For only 20,000 rubles, the buyer receives a high-end gaming-grade adapter.

Many potential buyers, however, are confused appearance gadget - it looks like a cheap budget device. The company's policy here is quite simple: not all owners gaming computers own spacious system blocks... It is this modification that is one of the few on the market in the elite class, which can be easily installed in Personal Computer... The shortened heatsink and one fan in the cooling system do not interfere with the performance and overclocking of the graphics core. The video adapter perfectly overclocks up to 1200 MHz in the crystal and up to 7700 MHz in memory, although the sensor registers an increase in the core temperature up to 80 degrees Celsius.

Triple hit from Gigabyte

The video adapter Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 WindForce OC is a complete antipode to the shortened version of the video card. Many owners jokingly note that they know exactly where the third cooler came from in the cooling system of this device (a hint of a shortened version of the ITX OC gadget). Gigabyte Corporation obviously did not spare copper in the production of a radiator for heat dissipation. The grids in the sections, the tubes, the core and the bottom support for the PCB are made of copper. True, the casing of the cooling system is plastic, including the fans.

As you would expect, decent heat dissipation is a harbinger of high performance and excellent overclocking potential. The graphics core of the Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 chip perfectly overclocks to 1444 MHz (nominal frequency - 1178 MHz). Not bad for a device that hasn't been tweaked by Gigabyte's labs.

The final version of the manufacturer

Gigabyte decided to upgrade its third product - GeForce GTX 970 Gaming 4G. As you might expect, the changes were made to the batteries - they were collected in one sector and placed in the back of the PCB. Also, the manufacturer replaced the chokes (apparently, the feedback from the owners of the first two products was still heard) and made a separate power phase for memory modules.

But the cooling system has undergone only minor improvements - within the walls of Gigabyte they decided to leave a fan with a turbine to cool the chip.

Performance and overclocking potential graphics accelerators based on the Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 chip look a little modest compared to the WindForce modification (1280 MHz core is somehow not impressive). It is also better to be careful with memory when overclocking - it heats up too quickly and displays artifacts on the screen instead of an image.

The golden mean from MSI

The company's labs also decided that the noisy chokes on the PCB needed to be replaced. In addition, the MSI GeForce GTX 970 video adapter has received a number of improvements in the power supply system. It is worth noting that the manufacturer also increased the number of phases to 6, separating the power supply of the graphics core from microcircuits and memory modules.

All products on the market from MSI based on GTX 970 chip are implemented on one PCB, but with different systems cooling. Therefore, as users note in their reviews, expect a dramatic performance gap between MSI products not worth it. It is recommended to focus on the golden mean.

The GeForce GTX 970 Armor 2X graphics card, unlike competitors, is equipped with a more simplified cooling system: two-section aluminum radiator held together by two copper tubes that converge on an aluminum core. A plastic casing with two fans is installed on top. Externally this device vaguely resembles a budget representative - this video card looks somehow flimsy and inexpensive. However, in tests, everything quickly falls into place (the GPU overclocks perfectly from 1100 MHz to 1311 MHz and at the same time demonstrates stable operation).

Anniversary representative

Based on the MSI GeForce GTX 970 platform, the manufacturer has made two more new video adapters of the Gaming 4G series. They have the same cooling system and corresponding characteristics. The only difference is their color: red and green. The last video adapter has the “100ME” suffix in the marking, which indicates that this video card was included in the one hundred millionth anniversary batch produced at the plant.

However, most potential buyers are more interested not in the appearance of the video adapter, but in its specifications... Here the manufacturer will hardly be able to surprise the user with anything: the same printed circuit board and Twin Frozr V cooler, respectively, and the same characteristics as the Armor 2X device. The difference only in price greatly confuses buyers - 5,000 rubles for a color color look clearly unworthy.

MSI product with turbine

On the basis of the Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 chip within the walls of the MSI plant, another interesting product of a well-known manufacturer was made. Outwardly, it strongly resembles Nvidia's reference device, but upon closer inspection it turns out that MSI technologists printed circuit board and the cooling system was slightly modified. As you might expect, the changes were made to the batteries: the chokes and PWM controllers were replaced. The manufacturer also segmented the placement of heating elements on the front of the PCB.

The factory characteristics, declared by the manufacturer Nvidia, were not changed at the factory, having entrusted this procedure entirely to the user. Even the most demanding owner will be satisfied with the result of overclocking (1450 MHz for the core and 7800 MHz for video memory). Excellent performance. True, as users note in their reviews, the temperature of the graphics core reaches 80 degrees Celsius and the video card in some cases lacks the power of the power supply (the power supply unit must be from 550 W or more, otherwise the system will simply reboot during overclocking).

Finally

As you can see from the review, the chip based on the Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 will stay in the elite gaming class for a very long time. The guarantor provides him with excellent overclocking potential, which is about 20-30% of the manufacturer's declared nominal value. Many enthusiasts are pleased that overclocking is not limited at the hardware level. BIOS consequently, by improving the cooling (liquid or nitrogen), the test results of the official world laboratories can be surpassed.

Many potential buyers should listen not only to the opinions of experts, but also to the owners' feedback regarding their preferences before buying a decent gaming adapter. In terms of price-quality ratio, among the most productive devices with huge overclocking potential, the best representative is the Asus GeForce GTX 970 Strix graphics accelerator. If cost is a priority, then you should take a closer look at the product of the manufacturer Gigabyte.

To fans of modern computer games were able to choose the best graphics card and enjoy gameplay, we conducted tests of video cards and made a rating of video cards based on them, so that we can compare video cards. Our tests allow you to maximize the potential of gaming graphics cards and find out what frame rate (FPS) can be achieved in popular games with high graphic settings, as well as find out the graphics card performance index according to FutureMark. The results of our tests give a complete picture of the performance of NVIDIA and AMD video cards, allow you to compare video cards, determine the best video card in 2019 and make a choice in favor of video cards based on chips AMD Radeon or NVIDIA GeForce. Among the leaders in the rating in the comparison table are ASUS Graphics Cards, GIGABYTE Graphics Cards, MSI Graphics Cards, Palit Graphics Cards and Sapphire Graphics Cards.

Comfortable FPS values ​​differ depending on the genre of the game. For car simulators, of which Project CARS is an example, it is enough for the computer to produce 29-30 frames per second. For various action games, such as World of Tanks, Fallout 4 or Dying Light, it is necessary for the computer to consistently produce 40 FPS, and the more active the gameplay, the faster the computer must have. In some of our tests, the low result is due to the fact that when designing the testing methodology, future generations of video cards were taken into account, so all settings were set to the maximum. In any case, the graphics card rating is always ready to show powerful gaming graphics cards (at the very top of the list), as well as inexpensive mid-range gaming graphics cards (in the middle). The rest of the video cards in the rating are designed to provide inexpensive multimedia and office PCs with high-quality video and support for multiple monitors. high resolution- they are not capable of more.

We want to tell you about the geforce gtx 970 video card, or rather how it behaves in mining. Our example will be asus strix geforcr gtx 970 nvidia 4gb, the main profitable currencies will be taken for mining.

Gtx 970 mining

For mining cryptocurrency on an nvidia geforce 970 video card, the following will be described - zcash, sia, eth.

And so, in fact, the nvidia 970 is not very good for mining, and even more so this old version... But for those who already have a geforce 970, they can squeeze a good profit out of it.

Gtx 970 mining zcash

So far, for today, the most profitable direction of mining on gtx 970 4gb.

As you can see, the overclocking of gtx 970 for mining zcash is not very big. And more will be very unstable. Average speed 300 Sol / s (h / s).

The gtx 970 has an average power consumption of 180 watts in zcash mining.

Gtx 970 mining sia

Less profitable, but also not a bad direction for mining on the gtx 970.

As you can see, the average speed is 2450 MH / s, which is not bad at all. The consumption is slightly less than that of zcash.

Gtx 970 ether mining

I didn't even make a screen, out of the box the speed is 17 mh / s. For how much it cost, it’s very little. Penny. The gtx 970 setting for ether mining (faster) has its own small hemorrhoids. After we started trying to install different patches, play with overclocking, make changes to the drivers. The maximum that we managed to squeeze out is 21 mh / s, better than it was, but also not enough.

In principle, if you have this video card, then you can mine on it. I hope our 970 GPU mining settings are optimal for you.

970 gtx is not relevant for mining for a long time, better read the article -

More productivity
The MSI GeForce GTX 970 Gaming 4G graphics card is ready for a performance boost right out of the box. Overclocking via the MSI Gaming App is covered under warranty, so there is nothing to worry about. Connect and go to victory.

Twin Frozr V - colder, quieter, better in the game
Performance increases with each new generation of GPUs. With each new generation, MSI Twin Frozr delivers less noise and cooler temperatures. Responding to numerous user requests, the new generation of Twin Frozr V cooling system takes up less space, has more powerful fans, produces less noise, keeps the graphics card and its elements cooler, which perfectly matches other MSI Gaming products. There is even a stylish LED lights... We've been developing Twin Frozr V for 18 months, including field tests in gaming cafes to make sure you get the quality and consistency that you need 24/7.

MSI's Twin Frozr series of cooling systems have been a trendsetter in graphics card cooling in the computer industry. Launching the trend of dual fan systems, MSI is committed to delivering the best temperature and noise performance in its class.

Two powerful 10cm Torx Fans provide solid airflow with a new blade design, while reducing noise levels by 5% compared to the previous generation. This lowers graphics card temperatures by 10 ° C at maximum fan speeds, compared to Twin Frozr IV Advanced.

There is a massive radiator under the fans, according to Airflow Control technology, which occupies 90% of the fans' diameter. MSI's patented SuperSU architecture provides best contact with a GPU and allows both conventional heatpipes and SuperPipes heatpipes to do their job even better.

• Torx Fan. Absolutely new design the fans keep the temperature low.
• Supersu Pipe. Greater efficiency in heat dissipation.
• Zero Frozr. Smart cooling, completely quiet.
• Airflow Contol. Greater airflow efficiency.

Gaming APP
The latest version of the MSI Gaming App has been enhanced with MSI Scenamax technology (in the EyeRest tab), giving you easy access to programmatically enhancing the image in the familiar MSI Gaming App interface.

• OC Mode. Maximum productivity with overclocked frequencies and more active operation of the fans.
• Gaming Mode (default). Optimal balance between in-game performance and temperature.
• Silent Mode. Quiet operation with minimal fan noise.
• EyeRest Tab in MSI Gaming App. Quick setup color modes to suit your requirements. Open the tab by clicking on the "eye" icon and select your preferred profile.
• Eye Rest Mode. Helps you prepare for sleep and rest easier by reducing blue light levels on your screen, which helps your body acclimate at night.
• Gaming Mode. Brighter colors with increased contrast to see games the way the developers intended.
• Movie Mode. Dynamically adjust gamma and contrast for the best picture quality when watching movies.

Easier to play, easier on the eyes.

Military Class Components
One of the deciding factors in performance is the quality of the components used. This is why MSI uses only MIL-STD-810G certified components for the Gaming Series, as only these components have been able to withstand the rigors of extreme gaming and overclocking.

• Hi-c CAP - high efficiency capacitors. Hi-c CAPs are very small but incredibly efficient capacitors. In addition to providing ample space around the socket for larger coolers, they also use 93% less power. That's why MSI boards are the most energy efficient on the market.
• Super Ferrite Choke - Super ferrite coils. Super Ferrite Choke (SFC) - Coils with a superconducting ferrite core. This allows the SFC to operate at an average 35 ° C lower temperature, carry 30% more current, and be 20% more energy efficient, thereby providing better stability during overclocking.
• Solid CAP - solid capacitors. Solid CAPs with their aluminum core have long been one of the defining factors in the design of high quality motherboards as they provide a lower ESR as well as a 10-year service life.

Afterburner
MSI Afterburner is an internationally recognized cross-vendor GPU overclocking tool. The simple interface provides access to the most detailed information on your video card and allows you to reconfigure almost everything on your video card.
The program is compatible with 64-bit applications and is available in many languages, including Russian, Spanish, Chinese and Korean. Support customization and installation of user's own skins, anyone will feel at home.

Afterburner can be controlled from an iOS or Android smartphone, and the built-in Kombustor benchmarking utility will give you all the information about the true performance of your video card.

Predator
A built-in image and video capture utility called Predator allows you to take a screenshot or record a video of the coolest, most dynamic and iconic moments of your games in one click.

Additional characteristics:

• Power consumption: 148 watts.
• Weight: 814 g.

A few hours ago, the broadcast of the daily NVIDIA marathon began, dedicated, in general, to the announcement of the company's new video cards - GeForce GTX 980 and GeForce GTX 970. currently we can already provide full information about new products, including the recommended ruble prices for them, as well as provide you with full overview of these video cards, made in our laboratory.

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Both game adapters are based on GPU GM204. This is the second version and is now a complete implementation of the NVIDIA Maxwell architecture. The GPU die area is 398 square meters. mm, process technology - 28 nm. Emphasis in development this decision was made to improve the energy efficiency of calculations. So, the maximum consumption of the new single-processor flagship in the face of the GeForce GTX 980 video card was 165 W, while the maximum consumption of the GeForce GTX 780 Ti on the GK110 processor was 250 W. Of course, performance has also increased, as have been brought to the new architecture a number of significant improvements. In general, the specifications of the new products are as follows.