MSI NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 Gaming 4GB Graphics Card

MSI NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 Gaming 4GB Graphics Card — image 1
85%
88%
Gaming Performance (1080p/1440p)
93%
Cooling System Noise
91%
Price-to-Performance Ratio
85%
Installation Ease
72%
Driver Compatibility
89%
Multi-Monitor Setup Support
86%
Build Quality and Durability
90%
Support for Latest Games
88%
Graphics Rendering Quality
79%
Software and Control Panel
84%
Energy Efficiency
80%
Customer Support & Warranty
More

Overview

The MSI NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 Gaming 4GB Graphics Card delivers a great balance of performance and value for gamers. Built on NVIDIA’s advanced Maxwell architecture, this GPU provides efficient power usage while delivering high-quality graphics. With 4GB GDDR5 memory, it’s well-equipped to handle demanding games and high-resolution textures, making it a solid choice for gaming enthusiasts. Whether you’re playing AAA titles or enjoying immersive experiences at 1080p or 1440p, this graphics card offers smooth and responsive gameplay for a variety of setups.

Features & Benefits

The MSI GTX 970 is packed with features designed to enhance your gaming experience. Its support for NVIDIA G-Sync technology ensures a smooth and tear-free display, while GameWorks adds a layer of realism to supported titles. The card's GPU Boost 2.0 functionality automatically overclocks the GPU for better performance during demanding tasks. It also supports resolutions up to 7680x4320, making it an excellent option for multi-monitor setups. Multiple output options, including DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI, give you flexibility in connecting different displays.

Best For

This graphics card is best suited for gamers seeking strong performance without a premium price tag. The MSI GTX 970 is ideal for those using 1080p and 1440p monitors who want smooth, lag-free frame rates in modern games. It also serves PC builders looking for a mid-range GPU that strikes a balance between cost and power. For users upgrading from older GTX models or mid-tier cards, this GPU offers a noticeable boost in performance without the high-end cost of newer models like the RTX series.

User Feedback

Many users appreciate the noticeable performance boost this GPU offers, particularly in titles running at 1080p and 1440p. Its cooling system receives praise for being quiet and effective, even under heavy load. However, some users have reported occasional issues with driver compatibility and noted that specific setups may require some tweaks to get optimal results. Despite this, the card is widely regarded for its solid value, offering excellent gaming performance at a more affordable price compared to other options on the market.

#Graphics Cards
#Internal Components
#Computer Components
#Computers & Accessories
#Electronics

Pros

  • Ideal for gamers seeking smooth performance at 1080p and 1440p resolutions.
  • Quiet cooling system effectively prevents overheating during extended gaming sessions.
  • Supports multi-monitor setups with a maximum resolution of 7680x4320.
  • GPU Boost 2.0 enhances gaming performance with automatic overclocking.
  • NVIDIA GameWorks and G-Sync technologies improve gaming visuals and reduce screen tearing.
  • Offers great value for money, balancing performance and price for mid-range gaming builds.

Cons

  • Occasional driver issues reported by some users, particularly with older setups.
  • Not the best option for those looking for 4K gaming or ultra settings.
  • Can experience stuttering in more demanding titles at higher frame rates.
  • Some users found compatibility issues with certain systems and configurations.
  • Not future-proof for gamers looking for top-tier performance in the next few years.
  • A few users report that the 4GB memory limit may become restrictive for newer, more demanding games.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from multiple sources and languages, the scores for the MSI NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 Gaming 4GB Graphics Card reflect authentic feedback from gamers around the world. Only high-quality, non-incentivized reviews were considered, offering a balanced view that highlights both the strengths and potential drawbacks of this GPU. The overall consensus indicates that while the card excels in performance and value, some users note minor compatibility issues and driver concerns, which are reflected in the ratings.

Gaming Performance (1080p/1440p)
88%
Many users are impressed with the consistent, smooth performance at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, making it a great choice for mainstream gaming. The card runs demanding titles like 'The Witcher 3' and 'Shadow of the Tomb Raider' without lag or frame drops, offering a great balance between performance and price.
However, some users reported occasional stuttering or frame dips when pushing the card in extremely demanding games or higher resolutions. A few buyers also mentioned that while the GTX 970 is still solid, it doesn’t hold up as well against newer, higher-end GPUs on the market.
Cooling System Noise
93%
Several users have praised the quiet operation of the cooling system, even during intense gaming sessions. The fan noise is barely noticeable, and the cooling is efficient, preventing the card from overheating during extended gaming sessions.
Despite the positive feedback, a small group of users mentioned that the card's fan can get louder at full load. Some felt that the cooling system was not as quiet as other competing cards, especially in a smaller, enclosed case.
Price-to-Performance Ratio
91%
This GPU offers outstanding value for the price, offering top-tier gaming performance at a much lower cost than other high-end options. Users appreciate how well it handles modern games at 1440p while still maintaining a reasonable price point.
While most users find the price-to-performance ratio excellent, a few felt that the card is starting to show its age in terms of future-proofing, especially with the release of newer, more efficient GPUs that offer better long-term value.
Installation Ease
85%
Installing this GPU is straightforward, with many buyers reporting no issues getting it up and running. It slots into PCIe 3.0 x16 slots easily, and its drivers are generally simple to install, making setup quick and hassle-free.
Some users, however, did experience issues with installation, especially with certain motherboards or in custom-built PCs. There were reports of needing to manually update drivers or troubleshoot compatibility issues with specific configurations.
Driver Compatibility
72%
28%
Many users have highlighted the reliable driver support for most gaming setups. The card works seamlessly with NVIDIA’s latest drivers, offering solid compatibility with most games and applications.
However, a significant number of users have reported driver issues, including frequent crashes, bugs, or installation difficulties on certain OS versions. Some have mentioned that NVIDIA’s drivers can occasionally conflict with other system components, requiring manual fixes or workarounds.
Multi-Monitor Setup Support
89%
The GTX 970 is highly praised for its ability to support multi-monitor setups up to 7680x4320 resolution, providing a great option for gamers looking to build immersive, multi-screen environments. It handles multiple displays without any significant lag or screen tearing.
While the multi-monitor setup support is generally excellent, some users with older displays or lower-end monitors have noted occasional compatibility problems, such as flickering or screen blanking, when connecting multiple displays.
Build Quality and Durability
86%
Buyers are generally pleased with the solid build quality of this graphics card. It feels sturdy and well-constructed, with a robust design that helps it handle long gaming sessions without issues like warping or overheating.
A few users mentioned concerns about the card’s longevity, especially after extended usage. Some reported that after a year or two, the fans or heat sinks could show signs of wear, and there were isolated cases of thermal paste degradation.
Support for Latest Games
90%
Many users report that the GTX 970 handles the latest games with ease, providing a solid gaming experience even on higher settings. The 4GB of GDDR5 memory and Maxwell architecture enable it to run newer titles smoothly at medium to high settings.
However, a small number of users mentioned that as games become more demanding, the card struggles to maintain high framerates on ultra settings, particularly in 4K or virtual reality setups, where newer GPUs tend to outperform it.
Graphics Rendering Quality
88%
The GTX 970 delivers excellent graphics quality, with vibrant colors and smooth textures. Many users have mentioned how well it handles visual effects and complex textures in modern games, offering crisp and detailed images at 1080p and 1440p.
Some users noted that, while the graphics rendering is good, it sometimes falls short when handling very high frame rates or more complex scenes, especially with games that have advanced visual effects, where newer GPUs excel.
Software and Control Panel
79%
21%
NVIDIA's software suite, including the GeForce Experience, offers useful tools for gamers, like automatic driver updates and performance optimization. Users appreciate the clean, easy-to-use interface for configuring settings and monitoring the GPU’s performance.
However, there are complaints about the software being a bit bloated and prone to occasional crashes. Some users feel that it’s not as intuitive or efficient as they would like, with certain features buried in menus or requiring extra setup.
Energy Efficiency
84%
The GTX 970 is noted for being relatively power-efficient, especially compared to other GPUs in its class. Many users appreciate that it delivers great performance without putting too much strain on their power supply, leading to less overall system heat and lower electricity costs.
However, a few users reported that while the card is energy-efficient under normal loads, it can draw more power during intense gaming sessions, which may require better cooling solutions or a higher-rated power supply in certain systems.
Customer Support & Warranty
80%
20%
NVIDIA’s customer support has received generally favorable reviews, with many users mentioning quick responses and helpful troubleshooting. The warranty provided for the card is also seen as a positive aspect, offering peace of mind to buyers in case of hardware failure.
Despite the positive experiences, some users reported long wait times or unclear communication from customer service. There were also isolated cases where warranty claims were difficult to process, leading to frustration among those experiencing issues.

Suitable for:

The MSI NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 Gaming 4GB Graphics Card is ideal for gamers looking for an affordable, high-performance GPU for 1080p and 1440p gaming. It’s especially well-suited for budget-conscious gamers who want a significant performance boost without breaking the bank. This graphics card is also great for users building mid-range PC setups, offering an excellent balance between price and power. Those looking to upgrade from older GTX models or mid-tier cards will find this GPU offers solid performance for modern titles. For example, casual and semi-competitive gamers who play games like 'The Witcher 3' or 'Fortnite' will appreciate its smooth performance at mid-range settings, while users who run multiple monitors can take advantage of its multi-display support.

Not suitable for:

This graphics card may not be the best choice for users seeking cutting-edge performance for high-end, resource-demanding games at 4K or ultra settings. While it excels at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, users looking for next-gen performance or those running demanding VR setups may find it lacking. Additionally, some users with older systems or specific configurations have reported compatibility issues, particularly with driver setups. Enthusiasts who prioritize future-proofing their systems or require the latest technologies in gaming performance may be better off with newer, more powerful GPUs. If you are building a high-end PC for tasks like 4K gaming or intense video rendering, you may find this GPU underperforms compared to newer alternatives.

Specifications

  • GPU: Uses the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 chipset based on the Maxwell architecture.
  • Memory: Equipped with 4GB of GDDR5 memory for handling high-resolution textures and demanding games.
  • Core Clock: Has a base core clock of 1279 MHz for stable performance.
  • CUDA Cores: Contains 1664 CUDA cores for parallel computing and improved processing power.
  • Maximum Resolution: Supports a maximum screen resolution of 7680x4320, ideal for multi-monitor setups.
  • Ports: Includes DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI outputs for versatile monitor connections.
  • Power Connector: Requires a 6-pin power connector for stable power delivery during high-performance usage.
  • Bus Interface: Uses PCI Express 3.0 for high-speed data transfer between the GPU and the motherboard.
  • DirectX Support: Supports DirectX 12 for enhanced graphics performance in modern games.
  • NVIDIA G-Sync: Supports NVIDIA G-Sync technology for tear-free and smoother gaming experiences.
  • NVIDIA GameWorks: Compatible with NVIDIA GameWorks technologies, enhancing gaming visuals and performance.
  • GPU Boost 2.0: Features GPU Boost 2.0 for automatic overclocking to maximize performance.
  • Power Consumption: Typically consumes 145W of power under load, making it energy-efficient for its performance level.
  • Cooling System: Equipped with a dual-fan cooling system designed for quiet and effective heat dissipation.
  • Form Factor: The card has a standard ATX form factor, fitting most mid-tower and larger cases.
  • Recommended Usage: Optimized for gaming at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, providing smooth frame rates.
  • Software Support: Compatible with NVIDIA’s GeForce Experience software for easy driver updates and performance tuning.
  • Multi-Monitor Setup: Supports multi-monitor configurations for an expansive gaming or productivity setup.
  • Architecture: Built on NVIDIA’s Maxwell architecture, providing improved performance per watt.

FAQ

This graphics card is built on NVIDIA's Maxwell architecture, offering great power efficiency and solid performance for 1080p and 1440p gaming. Its 4GB of GDDR5 memory ensures that modern games with high-resolution textures run smoothly, making it ideal for gamers looking for an affordable yet powerful mid-range option.

While this GPU is compatible with most modern systems using PCI Express 3.0, users should ensure that their PC has a 6-pin power connector and sufficient space for installation. It supports DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI outputs, making it versatile for various monitor setups.

While the GTX 970 supports a maximum resolution of 7680x4320, it is not the best choice for 4K gaming at ultra settings. It performs well at 1080p and 1440p, but 4K gaming demands much more GPU power for smooth performance, and this model is better suited for mid-range resolutions.

Many users report that this graphics card performs very well with modern titles at 1080p and 1440p resolutions. Games like 'The Witcher 3' and 'Far Cry 5' run smoothly with good frame rates, making it a great option for gamers who want solid performance without splurging on high-end cards.

The cooling system on this GPU is designed to be both effective and quiet. Users consistently praise it for running cool under load, even during extended gaming sessions, making it a good choice for those who prefer a quiet gaming setup.

Yes, the GTX 970 can support multi-monitor setups with a maximum resolution of 7680x4320. This allows for an immersive gaming experience or a productivity-oriented multi-display configuration, as it supports a combination of DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI connections.

Some users have reported occasional driver issues, especially with older operating systems, and compatibility problems with specific setups. However, these issues are not widespread, and they can often be resolved with driver updates or minor adjustments in system configuration.

Installing this graphics card is straightforward, as long as your system has a PCI Express 3.0 slot and a 6-pin power connector. After installation, you will need to install the appropriate drivers, which are readily available on NVIDIA’s website.

The MSI GTX 970 offers excellent value for money, balancing solid performance for 1080p and 1440p gaming with an affordable price tag. It’s a good choice for gamers looking to upgrade their system without breaking the bank, especially when compared to more expensive high-end cards.

When upgrading to this GPU, make sure your system meets the power and space requirements. It’s an excellent choice for users who want a noticeable improvement over older mid-range cards, but those aiming for top-tier 4K gaming or future-proofing might need to consider more powerful options.