In the rapidly evolving world of gaming technology, having the best graphics card is crucial for an immersive and seamless gaming experience. As we look ahead to 2023, the demand for superior performance and cutting-edge graphics is only expected to rise. If you are a gaming enthusiast searching for the ultimate GPU, look no further. In this article, we have curated a list of the 8 best 980 GPUs for 2023. From unrivaled power and exceptional cooling capabilities to advanced features and stunning visual enhancements, these GPUs are the top contenders that will undoubtedly elevate your gaming experience to new heights.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
Upgrade your gaming video card with the MAHIE PLD10010S12HH GTX 980 GPU Fan. Designed for compatibility with various MSI models, this air-cooled fan provides efficient cooling for your graphics card. With its 4PIN/6PIN USB ports and compatibility with multiple CPUs, this GPU fan is easy to install and use. Keep your gaming sessions cool and uninterrupted with this high-performance cooling fan.
Key Features
- Radiator Type: Air-cooled
- USB Ports: 4PIN/6PIN
- Application: Graphics Card
- Compatible CPU: YES
Specifications
- Color: 4PIN
Pros
- Efficient cooling for gaming video cards
- Easy installation with 4PIN/6PIN USB ports
- Compatible with various MSI models and CPUs
- Provides uninterrupted cooling for gaming sessions
Cons
Upgrade your gaming experience with the MAHIE PLD10010S12HH GTX 980 GPU Fan. This air-cooled fan is designed for graphics cards and provides efficient cooling to optimize performance. With its easy installation and compatibility with multiple MSI models and CPUs, this GPU fan is a reliable choice for gamers. Keep your gaming sessions cool and uninterrupted with this high-performance cooling fan.
Overall Score: 9/10
The ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1660 6GB GDDR5 192-bit Gaming Graphics Card is a powerful and compact graphics card designed for gaming enthusiasts. With its new Turing architecture, it allows for smooth gaming experiences, handling both classic and modern games at 1080p and 60 fps. The card is super compact, fitting 99% of systems, and is dual slot and 4k/HDR/VR ready. It comes with 3 x DisplayPort 1.4 and 1 x HDMI 2.0b ports. The boost clock speed is 1785 MHz, ensuring high performance. Overall, this graphics card offers a great balance between price and performance, making it a reliable choice for gamers on a budget.
Key Features
- New turing architecture
- Classic and modern games at 1080p at 60 fps
- Super compact 8.5-inch card, fits 99% of systems
- Dual slot, 4k/HDR/VR ready
- 3 x Display Port 1.4, 1 x HDMI 2.0b
- Boost clock 1785 MHz
Specifications
- Dimension: 8.50Lx1.39Wx4.38H
- Size: 1785 MHz
Pros
- Smooth gaming performance
- Compact size fits most systems
- Versatile ports for connectivity
- Reliable and efficient performance
- Reasonable price for its capabilities
Cons
- May not support Direct X 9 games well
The ZOTAC GeForce GTX 1660 Gaming Graphics Card is an excellent choice for gamers on a budget who still want high performance. With its compact size and versatile connectivity options, it can fit into most systems and deliver smooth gaming experiences. The boost clock of 1785 MHz ensures reliable and efficient performance, and the reasonable price makes it a great value for its capabilities. While it may not excel in supporting DirectX 9 games, it compensates for it with its overall performance. Whether you’re playing classic or modern games, this graphics card is sure to enhance your gaming experience without breaking the bank.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Gaming Geforce GTX 980 is a powerful graphics card designed for gamers and virtual reality enthusiasts. It features the Maxwell architecture, offering faster performance and 2048 CUDA cores for smooth graphics rendering. With a boost clock speed of 1064 MHz, it delivers hyper-realistic visuals and supports G-SYNC in games, ensuring tear-free graphics. The card is compatible with Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11, and supports various API versions like DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, and OpenCL 1.2. It comes with three DisplayPort 1.2 ports, one HDMI 2.0 port, and one DL-DVI port. This bulk pack, OEM version of the Gaming Geforce GTX 980 includes US technical support for convenience.
Key Features
- -Maxwell architecture, 2048 CUDA cores, Boost Clock 1064 MHz
- -G-SYNC for tear-free hyper-realistic graphics
- -Supports Direct X 12, Open GL 4.5, Open CL 1.2, Shader Model 6.4, The Vulkan API 1.1.126
- -Compatible with Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11
- -US technical support service via phone or email
Specifications
Pros
- Powerful graphics card for gaming and VR
- Fast performance with 2048 CUDA cores
- Supports various API versions for enhanced compatibility
- Three Display Port 1.2, one HDMI 2.0, and one DL-DVI ports
- Includes US technical support
Cons
- May require securing in the PCI slot for stability
The Gaming Geforce GTX 980 is a highly capable graphics card that delivers impressive performance for gaming and virtual reality experiences. With its Maxwell architecture, 2048 CUDA cores, and support for various APIs, it ensures smooth and hyper-realistic graphics. The inclusion of G-SYNC technology eliminates tearing for a seamless visual experience. While it may require some additional securing in the PCI slot for stability, this card offers excellent value for its features. With US technical support included, customers can rely on assistance if any issues arise. Overall, the Gaming Geforce GTX 980 is a solid choice for gamers and VR enthusiasts.
Overall Score: 8/10
The AISURIX Radeon RX 580 Graphic Cards is a powerful and affordable option for gamers. With its Arctic Islands architecture and 2048SP, it delivers superior gaming experiences with smooth graphics and high definition. It supports DirectX 12 and has 8GB GDDR5 memory for fast performance. The graphic card also offers multiple interfaces including 2X DisplayPort 1.4a and 1X HDMI 2.0b, allowing for easy connection to multiple monitors. Its outstanding heat dissipation system and low noise fans ensure optimal performance and durability. The AISURIX RX 580 is a great choice for desktop computer gaming.
Key Features
- Arctic Islands architecture and superior gaming experience
- Multiple interfaces and high definition support
- Outstanding heat dissipation system
- Low noise and durable fans
- Low power consumption
- Independently powered
Specifications
- Dimension: 9.42Lx3.74Wx1.59H
Pros
- Superior gaming performance
- Multiple monitor support
- Efficient heat dissipation
- Quiet operation
- Affordable price
Cons
- May not fit in all PC cases
- Requires additional power connector
The AISURIX Radeon RX 580 Graphic Cards is a reliable and affordable option for gamers looking for a powerful GPU. With its superior gaming performance, multiple monitor support, and efficient heat dissipation, it provides an excellent gaming experience. The low noise fans and durable design ensure a long service life. However, it may not fit in all PC cases, so buyers should check compatibility before purchasing. Overall, this graphic card offers great value for its price and is recommended for anyone looking to upgrade their gaming setup.
Overall Score: 8/10
The maxsun AMD Radeon RX 550 4GB GDDR5 ITX Computer PC Gaming Video Graphics Card GPU is a powerful and efficient graphics card designed for gaming, video editing, and 3D CAD/CAM work. With its AMD Radeon RX 550 chipset and silver-plated PCB, this graphics card offers lower temperature, higher efficiency, and stability. It features a unique 9cm fan for low noise and improved airflow. The GPU boost clock and memory speed can reach up to 1183 MHz and 6000 MHz respectively. It supports DirectX 12, Shader Model 5.0, and 4K video decode. The maxsun AMD Radeon RX 550 is easy to install and perfect for upgrading older systems. It has received positive reviews for its performance and value for money.
Key Features
- AMD Radeon RX 550 Chipset
- Silver plated PCB & all solid capacitors
- 9CM unique fan for low noise and airflow
- Up to 1183 MHz boost clock / 4GB GDDR5 / 6000 MHz memory
- Supports Direct X 12, Shader Model 5.0, Open GL 4.6/4.5, 4K Video Decode
Specifications
- Dimension: 7.28Lx4.44Wx1.37H
Pros
- Great value for money
- Easy installation
- Low power consumption
- Quiet and cool operation
Cons
- Not suitable for hardcore gaming
- Energy-saving feature can be inconvenient
The maxsun AMD Radeon RX 550 4GB GDDR5 ITX Graphics Card is an excellent choice for budget gaming PCs or upgrading older systems. With its impressive performance, low power consumption, and easy installation, it offers great value for money. While it may not be suitable for hardcore gaming, it excels at everyday tasks, video editing, and 3D CAD/CAM work. The card runs quietly and coolly, ensuring a comfortable gaming experience. The silver-plated PCB and solid capacitors contribute to its stability and durability. The maxsun AMD Radeon RX 550 is a reliable and efficient graphics card that delivers on its promises.
Overall Score: 8/10
Upgrade your gaming experience with the ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 Twin Edge OC graphics card. Featuring the NVIDIA Ampere architecture, this card delivers stunning visuals with 2nd Gen Ray Tracing Cores and 3rd Gen Tensor Cores. It also boasts 12GB 192-bit GDDR6 memory, 15 Gbps speed, and PCIE 4.0 compatibility. The IceStorm 2.0 Cooling system, Active Fan Control, and Freeze Fan Stop ensure optimal temperature management. With its 4K and VR readiness, along with multiple display support, this graphics card is perfect for gaming enthusiasts. The ZOTAC RTX 3060 Twin Edge OC offers impressive performance and value for money.
Key Features
- NVIDIA Ampere architecture, 2nd Gen Ray Tracing Cores, 3rd Gen Tensor Cores
- 12GB 192-bit GDDR6, 15 Gbps, PCIE 4.0; Boost Clock 1807 MHz
- Ice Storm 2.0 Cooling, Active Fan Control, Freeze Fan Stop, Metal Backplate
- 8K Ready, 4 Display Ready, HDCP 2.3, VR Ready
- 3 x Display Port 1.4a, 1 x HDMI 2.1, Direct X 12 Ultimate, Vulkan RT API, Open GL 4.6
Specifications
- Dimension: 8.80Lx4.60Wx1.50H
- Size: AMD Ryzen 5
Pros
- Impressive gaming performance
- Advanced cooling system
- High-quality visuals and smooth frame rates
- Versatile display options
- Great customer support
Cons
- Possible overheating issues
- Inadequate power supply can cause instability
The ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 Twin Edge OC is a powerful graphics card that offers impressive gaming performance and value for money. With its NVIDIA Ampere architecture and advanced cooling system, it delivers stunning visuals and smooth frame rates. The 12GB GDDR6 memory and PCIE 4.0 compatibility ensure high-speed data transfer and optimal gaming experience. The graphics card is also 8K and VR ready, making it perfect for gamers who want to enjoy immersive gameplay. While there may be some possible overheating issues and the need for an adequate power supply, the overall performance and customer support make it a great investment. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a professional, the ZOTAC RTX 3060 Twin Edge OC is a solid choice.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The SAMSUNG 980 PRO SSD 2TB PCIe NVMe Gen 4 is an extraordinary storage solution that delivers next-gen speed, making it a perfect companion for gaming and data storage needs. With its massive 2TB capacity and cutting-edge PCIe Gen 4 technology, this SSD has far surpassed my expectations, providing lightning-fast performance and ample space for all my files and games. The standout feature of the SAMSUNG 980 PRO SSD is its PCIe NVMe Gen 4 interface. This latest-generation technology ensures blazing-fast data transfer rates, significantly reducing loading times and boosting overall system responsiveness. With a generous 2TB capacity, this SSD provides abundant space to store my vast collection of games, multimedia files, and important documents. The spacious capacity ensures that I never have to worry about running out of storage space. The M.2 form factor is ideal for modern motherboards, offering a compact and space-saving solution for easy installation. The SAMSUNG 980 PRO SSD seamlessly fits into compatible M.2 slots, maintaining a clean and organized build. Furthermore, this SSD boasts exceptional reliability and endurance, thanks to its intelligent and advanced management features.
Key Features
- Adobe membership included for eligible purchases
- Next-level SSD performance with PCIe 4.0 NVMe
- Read speeds up to 7,000 MB/s
- Compact M.2 2280 form factor for power efficiency
- Reliable thermal control for stable performance
- Smart thermal solution for heat management
- Samsung Magician software for drive maintenance
- In-house production for end-to-end integration
- AES 256-bit Full Disk Encryption for data security
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 3.15Lx0.87Wx0.09H
- Size: 1TB
Pros
- Blazing-fast performance and reliability
- Massive 2TB capacity for ample storage
- Cutting-edge PCIe Gen 4 technology
- Compact M.2 form factor for easy installation
- Exceptional reliability and endurance
Cons
- May cause compatibility issues with certain motherboards
- Lack of heatsink included in package
- Some users experienced instability with OS installation
The SAMSUNG 980 PRO SSD 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe Gen 4 is a top-tier storage solution that delivers blazing-fast performance and ample capacity. With its next-gen technology and compact form factor, it is perfect for gamers and enthusiasts looking for a powerful and reliable SSD. The included Adobe membership and Samsung Magician software add extra value and convenience. Although there may be some compatibility issues and the absence of a heatsink, the overall performance and reliability of this SSD make it a worthwhile investment. If you’re seeking to elevate your gaming experience and storage capabilities, the SAMSUNG 980 PRO SSD is a top choice.
Overall Score: 9/10
The SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD is a high-performance internal solid-state hard drive that offers the fastest speeds for gaming. With its breakthrough power efficiency, smart thermal control, and compatibility with PlayStation 5, this SSD is the ultimate choice for gamers and tech enthusiasts. It features a two-month membership of Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan, huge speed boost, and Samsung's own nickel-coated controller for effective thermal control. The SSD also comes with Samsung Magician software for advanced optimization and drive management. With its superior performance and reliability, this SSD is a top choice for those seeking maximum speed and storage for their gaming and computing needs.
Key Features
- Adobe membership
- Huge speed boost
- Breakthrough power efficiency
- Smart thermal control
- The champion maker
- Samsung magician software
- World'S #1 Flash memory brand
Specifications
- Dimension: 3.16Lx0.87Wx0.09H
- Size: 1TB
Pros
- Fastest speeds for gaming
- Excellent power efficiency
- Effective thermal control
- Futuristic design with RGB LED lights
- Advanced optimization tools with Samsung Magician software
- Produced by the world's #1 flash memory brand
Cons
- Heat sink adds height and width
- May not fit in all laptops or mini-PCs
- Speed may not be fully realized in real-world usage
- BIOS settings may limit performance in some systems
The SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD is an impressive high-performance internal solid-state hard drive that offers blazing-fast speeds and excellent power efficiency. With its smart thermal control and compatibility with PlayStation 5, it is a perfect choice for gamers. The SSD’s futuristic design with RGB LED lights adds style to its functionality. Samsung Magician software enhances the user experience by providing advanced optimization tools. Although it may not fit in all laptops or mini-PCs, and the speed may not be fully realized in all scenarios, this SSD remains a top choice for those who demand superior performance and reliability. With its outstanding features and the reputation of being the world’s #1 flash memory brand, the SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD truly shines.
Buyer's Guide: 980 GPU
Key Factors to Consider
- GPU Architecture: The 980 GPU is based on NVIDIA's Maxwell architecture, providing high-performance and energy-efficient graphics processing.
- Performance: The GPU's performance is crucial, especially if you intend to use it for demanding tasks like gaming or professional design work. Look for benchmarks and reviews to gauge its capabilities.
- Memory: Consider the amount of VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) the GPU offers. Higher VRAM allows for better performance in graphically intensive applications.
- Cooling and Noise: Look for GPUs with efficient cooling systems to prevent overheating. Additionally, consider the noise levels generated by the GPU's fans, as excessive noise can be distracting during use.
- Power Requirements: Ensure that your power supply unit (PSU) can handle the GPU's power consumption. Check the minimum PSU wattage required and make sure you have enough PCIe power connectors.
- Connectivity: Determine the connectivity options you need, such as DisplayPort, HDMI, or DVI, to ensure compatibility with your monitor or other display devices.
- Compatibility: Confirm that the GPU is compatible with your computer's motherboard and fits in your PC's chassis. Some GPUs may require additional power or have size limitations.
- Price: Set a budget and consider the price of the GPU. Remember that more expensive GPUs generally offer better performance, but it's essential to find the right balance for your needs.
Pros and Cons: 980 GPU
Pros
- Powerful performance for gaming and graphical tasks.
- Energy-efficient architecture.
- Solid VRAM capacity.
- Suitable for high-resolution gaming and VR experiences.
- Supports advanced features like NVIDIA G-SYNC, DSR, and GeForce Experience software.
Cons
- Older generation GPU, not the latest and greatest.
- Limited availability in the market due to discontinued production.
- May have higher power consumption and heat generation compared to newer GPUs.
Frequently Asked Questions about 8 Best 980 GPU for 2023
Yes, the 980 GPU is still capable of handling modern games with high settings and resolutions. However, it may struggle with the most demanding titles at ultra-high resolutions or with features like ray tracing.
Yes, the 980 GPU can handle VR gaming reasonably well. While not as powerful as the latest GPUs, it can provide a smooth VR experience for most games and applications.
The power requirements vary depending on the manufacturer and particular model of the 980 GPU. It is recommended to have a PSU with a minimum wattage of 500W or higher, along with sufficient PCIe power connectors.
Yes, the 980 GPU supports SLI technology, allowing you to connect multiple GPUs for enhanced graphics performance. However, SLI support may vary between games and applications, so ensure compatibility before investing in multiple GPUs.
Yes, there are newer generations of GPUs available, such as the 10 series, 20 series, and 30 series from NVIDIA. These GPUs offer improved performance and features compared to the 980 GPU. However, they might come at a higher cost.
