GeForce GTX 970 vs GRID P40-2Q

G3D Mark is a standard benchmark that measures graphics performance in real-world gaming scenarios. It simplifies comparing cards from different brands, where higher scores directly correlate with better fps and smoother gaming experiences.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (G3D Mark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance benchmarks.

Performance Per Dollar GRID P40-2Q

#116

Radeon Pro SSG

MSRP: $6999|Avg: $1500

93%

#295

Tesla K20m

MSRP: $3199|Avg: $55

8793%

#310

GRID P40-2Q

MSRP: $5699|Avg: $340

100%

#311

Quadro 2000D

MSRP: $599|Avg: $40

98%

#312

FirePro 3D V8800

MSRP: $1499|Avg: $30

97%

#313

Quadro K5000

MSRP: $2499|Avg: $60

95%

#314

Quadro 2000

MSRP: $599|Avg: $25

94%

#316

FirePro S7150

MSRP: $2399|Avg: $459

93%

#317

FirePro W9000

MSRP: $3999|Avg: $150

92%

#318

GRID M60-4Q

MSRP: $2500|Avg: $120

91%

#319

FirePro V8800

MSRP: $1499|Avg: $100

90%

#320

Quadro K6000

MSRP: $5265|Avg: $300

90%

#321

NVS 510

MSRP: $449|Avg: $15

90%

#322

GRID M60-1Q

MSRP: $2500|Avg: $50

88%

#323

FirePro M2000

MSRP: $300|Avg: $50

85%

#324

GRID K280Q

MSRP: $2000|Avg: $50

85%

#325

Tesla K20c

MSRP: $3199|Avg: $500

83%

Based on actual market prices and performance benchmarks.

Performance Comparison

About G3D Mark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

The GeForce GTX 970 is the superior choice for raw performance. It leads with a 0.6% higher G3D Mark score. This advantage makes it significantly better for higher resolutions (1440p/4K) and graphic-intensive titles compared to the GRID P40-2Q.

Insight	GeForce GTX 970	GRID P40-2Q
Performance	✅Leading raw performance (+0.6%)	❌Lower raw frame rates (-0.6%)
Longevity	🛑Obsolete Architecture (2014 / Maxwell 2.0 (2014−2019))	🛑Obsolete Architecture (2015 / Maxwell 2.0 (2014−2019))
Ecosystem	Supports FSR Upscaling	Supports FSR Upscaling
VRAM	❌ Less VRAM capacity	✅ More VRAM (+0%)
Efficiency	💡 Excellent Perf/Watt	⚡ Higher Power Consumption
Case Fit	Standard Size (267mm)	Standard Size (267mm)

💎 Value Proposition

The GeForce GTX 970 offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio. While both GPUs are considered legacy components by modern standards, the GeForce GTX 970 holds the technical lead. Priced at $50 (vs $340), it costs 85% less, resulting in a 584.2% higher cost efficiency score.

Insight	GeForce GTX 970	GRID P40-2Q
Cost Efficiency	✅Better overall value (+584.2%)	❌Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	✅More affordable ($50)	⚠️Higher upfront cost ($340)

Performance Check

Real-world benchmarks and performance projections based on comprehensive hardware analysis and comparative metrics. Values represent expected performance on High/Ultra settings at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. Modeled using a Ryzen 7 7800X3D reference profile to minimize specific CPU bottlenecks.

Note: Performance behavior can vary per game. Specific architectures may perform better or worse depending on game engine optimizations and API implementation.

GeForce GTX 970 Benchmark Check

GRID P40-2Q Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of GeForce GTX 970 and GRID P40-2Q

GeForce GTX 970

The GeForce GTX 970 is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in September 19 2014. It features the Maxwell 2.0 architecture. The core clock ranges from 1050 MHz to 1178 MHz. It has 1664 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 150W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 9,640 points. Launch price was $329.

GRID P40-2Q

The GRID P40-2Q is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in August 30 2015. It features the Maxwell 2.0 architecture. The core clock ranges from 557 MHz to 1178 MHz. It has 2048 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 225W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 9,581 points.

⚡

Graphics Performance

The GeForce GTX 970 scores 9,640 and the GRID P40-2Q reaches 9,581 in the G3D Mark benchmark — just a 0.6% difference, making them near-identical in rasterization performance. The GeForce GTX 970 is built on Maxwell 2.0 while the GRID P40-2Q uses Maxwell 2.0, both on a 28 nm process. Shader units: 1,664 (GeForce GTX 970) vs 2,048 (GRID P40-2Q). Raw compute: 3.92 TFLOPS (GeForce GTX 970) vs 4.825 TFLOPS (GRID P40-2Q). Boost clocks: 1178 MHz vs 1178 MHz.

Feature	GeForce GTX 970	GRID P40-2Q
G3D Mark Score	9,640	9,581
Architecture	Maxwell 2.0	Maxwell 2.0
Process Node	28 nm	28 nm
Shading Units	1664	2048+23%
Compute (TFLOPS)	3.92 TFLOPS	4.825 TFLOPS+23%
Boost Clock	1178 MHz	1178 MHz
ROPs	56	64+14%
TMUs	104	128+23%
L1 Cache	624 KB	768 KB+23%
L2 Cache	2 MB	2 MB

✨

Advanced Features (DLSS/FSR)

Feature	GeForce GTX 970	GRID P40-2Q
Upscaling Tech	FSR 2.1 (Compatible)	FSR 1.0 (Software)
Frame Generation	FSR 3 (Compatible)	Not Supported
Ray Reconstruction	No	No
Low Latency	Standard	Standard

💾

Video Memory (VRAM)

Both cards feature 4 GB of video memory. Bus width: 256-bit vs 128-bit.

Feature	GeForce GTX 970	GRID P40-2Q
VRAM Capacity	4 GB	4 GB
Memory Type	GDDR5	GDDR6
Bus Width	256-bit+100%	128-bit
L2 Cache	2 MB	2 MB

🖥️

Display & API Support

DirectX support: 12 (FL 12_1) (GeForce GTX 970) vs 12.1 (GRID P40-2Q). Vulkan: 1.3 vs 1.1. OpenGL: 4.6 vs 4.5. Maximum simultaneous displays: 4 vs 0.

Feature	GeForce GTX 970	GRID P40-2Q
DirectX	12 (FL 12_1)	12.1
Vulkan	1.3+18%	1.1
OpenGL	4.6+2%	4.5
Max Displays	4	0

🎬

Media & Encoding

Hardware encoder: NVENC 2nd gen (GeForce GTX 970) vs NVENC 4.0 (2x) (GRID P40-2Q). Decoder: PureVideo VP6 vs PureVideo HD VP6. Supported codecs: H.264,H.265/HEVC (GeForce GTX 970) vs MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC (GRID P40-2Q).

Feature	GeForce GTX 970	GRID P40-2Q
Encoder	NVENC 2nd gen	NVENC 4.0 (2x)
Decoder	PureVideo VP6	PureVideo HD VP6
Codecs	H.264,H.265/HEVC	MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC

🔌

Power & Dimensions

The GeForce GTX 970 draws 150W versus the GRID P40-2Q's 225W — a 40% difference. The GeForce GTX 970 is more power-efficient. Recommended PSU: 500W (GeForce GTX 970) vs 500W (GRID P40-2Q). Power connectors: 2x 6-pin vs PCIe-powered. Card length: 267mm vs 267mm, occupying 2 vs 2 slots. Typical load temperature: 80°C vs 85°C.

Feature	GeForce GTX 970	GRID P40-2Q
TDP	150W-33%	225W
Recommended PSU	500W	500W
Power Connector	2x 6-pin	PCIe-powered
Length	267mm	267mm
Height	111mm	112mm
Slots	2	2
Temp (Load)	80°C-6%	85°C
Perf/Watt	64.3+51%	42.6

💰

Value Analysis

The GeForce GTX 970 launched at $329 MSRP and currently averages $50, while the GRID P40-2Q launched at $5699 and now averages $340. The GeForce GTX 970 costs 85.3% less ($290 savings) at current market prices. Performance per dollar (G3D Mark / price): 192.8 (GeForce GTX 970) vs 28.2 (GRID P40-2Q) — the GeForce GTX 970 offers 583.7% better value. The GRID P40-2Q is the newer GPU (2015 vs 2014).

Feature	GeForce GTX 970	GRID P40-2Q
MSRP	$329-94%	$5699
Avg Price (30d)	$50-85%	$340
Performance per Dollar	192.8+584%	28.2
Codename	GM204	GM204
Release	September 19 2014	August 30 2015
Ranking	#269	#433