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.

Overview

The GeForce GTX 980M SLI is manufactured by NVIDIA. It was released in October 7 2014. It features the Maxwell architecture. The core clock ranges from 1038 MHz to 1127 MHz. It has 3072 shading units. The thermal design power (TDP) is 200W. Manufactured using 28 nm process technology. G3D Mark benchmark score: 12,523 points.

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.•
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Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance benchmarks.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for GeForce GTX 980M SLI across popular games. Tested paired with Ryzen 7 7800X3D to isolate GPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of GeForce GTX 980M SLI specifications and capabilities.

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Graphics Performance

The GeForce GTX 980M SLI scores 12,523 in the G3D Mark benchmark (the standard measure of rasterization GPU performance), placing it in the Mid-Range tier as a Legacy generation graphics card. It is built on the Maxwell (2014−2017) architecture, manufactured on a 28 nm process— smaller process nodes improve power efficiency and transistor density. It packs 3072 shader units (the primary compute units for rendering pixels). Boost clock reaches 1127 MHz from a base of 1038 MHz.

Specification	GeForce GTX 980M SLI
G3D MarkPassMark 3D graphics benchmark score	12,523
ArchitectureGPU microarchitecture generation	Maxwell (2014−2017)
Manufacturing ProcessFabrication node — smaller = more efficient	28 nm
Shader UnitsCore compute units for rendering/compute	3072
Boost ClockMaximum GPU frequency under load	1127 MHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum GPU frequency	1038 MHz
PCIe InterfaceCPU↔GPU data link generation	PCIe 3.0 x16
Transistor Count	2x 5200 Million
Performance RankPosition in global GPU performance ranking	#263

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Video Memory (VRAM)

The GeForce GTX 980M SLI is equipped with 8 GB of GDDR5 video memory connected via a 256-bit memory bus, delivering 160 GB/s of bandwidth. Memory operates at 8 Gbps effective speed.

Specification	GeForce GTX 980M SLI
VRAM SizeVideo memory capacity — more = better for high-res textures	8 GB
VRAM TypeMemory technology generation	GDDR5
Memory BusWidth of data path — wider = more bandwidth	256-bit
Memory SpeedEffective memory data rate	8 Gbps
BandwidthMaximum data throughput between GPU and VRAM	160 GB/s

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Advanced Features & APIs

Graphics API support: DirectX 12.1, Vulkan 1.1, OpenGL 4.4— latest API versions enable the most advanced rendering features like ray tracing and mesh shaders.

Specification	GeForce GTX 980M SLI
NVIDIA Reflex	❌ Not Supported
DLSS Frame Generation	❌ Not Supported
DLSS Super Resolution	❌ Not Supported
DirectXMicrosoft graphics API version	12.1
VulkanCross-platform graphics API	1.1
OpenGLLegacy graphics API	4.4
Compute APIGPGPU framework (CUDA/ROCm/OpenCL)	CUDA 5.2 (2x)
Multi-GPUSLI/CrossFire/NVLink support	2-Way SL

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Display & Media

Display outputs: 3x DP, 1x HDMI — supports up to 4 simultaneous displays. Hardware encoder: NVENC 4.0 (2x), decoder: PureVideo HD VP6 (2x)— dedicated hardware for video encoding/decoding accelerates streaming, recording, and video playback. Supported codecs: MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC.

Specification	GeForce GTX 980M SLI
DP PortsNumber of DP display connectors	3x
HDMI PortsNumber of HDMI display connectors	1x
Max DisplaysMaximum simultaneously connected monitors	4
Hardware EncoderVideo encoding engine version	NVENC 4.0 (2x)
Hardware DecoderVideo decoding engine version	PureVideo HD VP6 (2x)
CodecsSupported video compression formats	MPEG-2,H.264,HEVC

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Power & Dimensions

The GeForce GTX 980M SLI draws 200 Watt under load (TDP) — a 500W PSU minimum is recommended. Power connector: 1x 6-pin. Physical size: 267mm long, 111mm tall, occupying 2 expansion slots, weighing 2000g— verify your case has clearance before purchasing. Typical temperatures: 45°C at idle, 85°C under load.

Specification	GeForce GTX 980M SLI
TDPPower consumption under load	200 Watt
Recommended PSUMinimum power supply wattage	500W
Power ConnectorRequired PCIe power cable type	1x 6-pin
Card LengthGPU card length — check case clearance	267mm
Card Height	111mm
Slot WidthExpansion slots occupied	2-slot
Weight	2000g
Idle TemperatureTypical temperature at desktop idle	45°C
Load TemperatureTypical temperature under gaming load	85°C

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

2 categories

Technical Specifications

13 specs

Vram	8 GB
Core Clock	1038 MHz
Boost Clock	1127 MHz
Memory Type	GDDR5
Memory Speed	8 Gbps
Shading Units	3072
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0 x16
Memory Bandwidth	160 GB/s
Memory Bus Width	256-bit
Transistor Count	2x 5200 Million
Frame Generation	NVIDIA Reflex: No \| DLSS Frame Generation: No \| DLSS Super Resolution: No
Manufacturing Process	28 nm
Power Consumption (TDP)	200 Watt