Is the GTX 970 Still Worth It for Gaming Laptops in 2024?
The NVIDIA GTX 970 was once a powerhouse in gaming laptops, providing strong performance for popular games a few years ago. Fast-forward to 2024, and while the GTX 970 is still a capable GPU for some, it’s considered entry-level by today’s standards. In this article, we’ll examine what the GTX 970 can handle today, compare it to modern GPUs, and help you decide if it’s still worth considering for gaming.
What Can the GTX 970 Handle in 2024?
The GTX 970 can still handle older and less demanding games quite well, especially if you’re willing to play at lower settings or 1080p resolution. Popular games like CS
, League of Legends, Dota 2, and Fortnite can run relatively smoothly on this card. However, modern AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Red Dead Redemption 2 will push the GTX 970 to its limits, often requiring low settings to maintain playable frame rates.
Here's a quick look at what you can expect:
- Older Games: The GTX 970 can easily run popular titles from 5+ years ago at medium or high settings, especially at 1080p.
- Indie & Casual Games: Many indie games and casual games with lower system demands should run without issues.
- Modern Games: For recent AAA games, expect to play at low to medium settings, likely with a capped frame rate around 30–40 FPS.
GTX 970 vs. Modern GPUs (RTX 3050, RTX 3060)
Technology has advanced rapidly, and newer GPUs like the RTX 3050 and RTX 3060 offer considerable advantages over the GTX 970. Here’s a comparison:
| Specification | NVIDIA GTX 970 | NVIDIA RTX 3050 | NVIDIA RTX 3060 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Maxwell | Ampere | Ampere |
| VRAM | 4GB GDDR5 | 4GB GDDR6 | 6GB GDDR6 |
| Ray Tracing | No | Yes | Yes |
| DLSS Support | No | Yes | Yes |
| Power Efficiency | Moderate | High | High |
| Performance | Suitable for older games | Ideal for modern titles | High performance for AAA titles |
The newer Ampere architecture in the RTX 30-series cards brings features the GTX 970 can’t match, including ray tracing and Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS). Ray tracing improves in-game lighting and reflections, while DLSS upscales games to higher resolutions with less impact on performance. These features significantly enhance the visual quality and performance in supported games, especially on newer GPUs like the RTX 3050 and RTX 3060.
Power Efficiency and Performance
The GTX 970, based on Maxwell architecture, uses more power for lower performance compared to today’s GPUs. Modern GPUs like the RTX 3050 and RTX 3060 are more power-efficient, meaning they can deliver better frame rates and smoother gameplay without consuming as much power or generating as much heat.
Should You Consider a GTX 970 Laptop in 2024?
Here are some key considerations:
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For Older Games and Casual Gaming: If you mainly play older titles or casual games, the GTX 970 will suffice. Many classic games don’t require the latest hardware, and the GTX 970 can handle medium settings comfortably in many of these titles.
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For Budget-Conscious Gamers: If you’re on a tight budget, a laptop with a GTX 970 may be a cheaper option, but only if you’re okay with limited performance in newer games.
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For Modern AAA Games: If you’re aiming to play the latest AAA games at high settings with smooth frame rates, consider a laptop with an RTX 3050, RTX 3060, or higher. The GTX 970 will struggle with modern demands, especially if you’re gaming at 1080p or higher resolutions.
Alternatives to Consider: RTX 3050, RTX 3060, and More
If you’re looking to game on a laptop with a budget of around $800–$1,200, you’ll find several alternatives that outperform the GTX 970:
- RTX 3050: Offers good 1080p gaming performance, supports ray tracing and DLSS, and is a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers.
- RTX 3060: Provides even better 1080p performance with smoother frame rates in AAA titles and enhanced ray tracing capabilities.
- RX 6600M (AMD): Competes well with the RTX 3060, offering excellent performance at a lower price.
These modern GPUs will deliver significantly better performance, longevity, and visual quality, ensuring a smoother gaming experience even as new games continue to evolve.
Conclusion
The GTX 970 still holds value for certain gamers, especially those focused on classic games, indie titles, or casual gaming. However, for those wanting to experience modern AAA titles at high settings with smooth frame rates, the GTX 970 falls short. Investing in a laptop with a more recent GPU, like the RTX 3050 or RTX 3060, will provide a much better gaming experience, future-proofing your setup for years to come.
Whether you choose to stick with the GTX 970 for specific uses or upgrade to a modern GPU, knowing what to expect from your laptop will help you make the best decision for your gaming needs in 2024.
