GeForce GTX 980M SLI
NVIDIA
G3D Mark
12,523
Performance Spectrum - GPU
About G3D Mark
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
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Performance Per Dollar GeForce GTX 980M SLI
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of GeForce GTX 980M SLI specifications and capabilities.
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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