GeForce GTX 1050 Max Q vs GeForce GTX 980

When comparing GeForce GTX 1050 Max Q and GeForce GTX 980, we look primarily at benchmarks and game tests. But it is not only about the numbers. Often you can find third-party models with higher clock speeds, better cooling, or a customizable RGB lighting. Not all of them will have all the features you need. Another thing to consider is the port selection. Most graphics cards have at least one DisplayPort and HDMI interface, but some monitors require DVI. Before you buy, check the TDP of the graphics card - this characteristic will help you estimate the consumption of the graphics card. You may even have to upgrade your PSU to meet its requirements. An important factor when choosing between GeForce GTX 1050 Max Q and GeForce GTX 980 is the price. Does the additional cost justify the performance hit? Our comparison should help you make the right decision.

GeForce GTX 1050 Max Q is a Laptop Graphics Card

Note: GeForce GTX 1050 Max Q is only used in laptop graphics. It has lower GPU clock speed compared to the desktop variant, which results in lower power consumption, but also 10-30% lower gaming performance. Check available laptop models with GeForce GTX 1050 Max Q here:

Main Specs

  GeForce GTX 1050 Max Q GeForce GTX 980
Power consumption (TDP) 75 Watt 165 Watt
Interface PCIe 3.0 x16 PCIe 3.0 x16
Supplementary power connectors None 2x 6-pins
Memory type GDDR5 GDDR5
Maximum RAM amount 4 GB 4 GB
Display Connectors No outputs 1x DVI, 1x HDMI, 3x DisplayPort
Recommended system power (PSU) 500 Watt
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  • GeForce GTX 980 has 120% more power consumption, than GeForce GTX 1050 Max Q.
  • Both video cards are using PCIe 3.0 x16 interface connection to a motherboard.
  • GeForce GTX 1050 Max Q and GeForce GTX 980 have maximum RAM of 4 GB.
  • GeForce GTX 1050 Max Q is used in Laptops, and GeForce GTX 980 - in Desktops.
  • GeForce GTX 1050 Max Q is build with Pascal architecture, and GeForce GTX 980 - with Maxwell.
  • GeForce GTX 1050 Max Q is manufactured by 14 nm process technology, and GeForce GTX 980 - by 28 nm process technology.
  • Memory clock speed of GeForce GTX 1050 Max Q is 6993 MHz higher, than GeForce GTX 980.

Game benchmarks

high / 1080p 20−22 55−60
ultra / 1080p 12−14 35−40
QHD / 1440p 6−7 30−35
4K / 2160p 5−6 18−20
low / 720p 40−45 80−85
medium / 1080p 24−27 65−70
The average gaming FPS of GeForce GTX 980 in Assassin's Creed Odyssey is 157% more, than GeForce GTX 1050 Max Q.

Full Specs

  GeForce GTX 1050 Max Q GeForce GTX 980
Architecture Pascal Maxwell
Code name N17P-G0 Max-Q GM204
Type Laptop Desktop
Release date 3 January 2018 19 September 2014
Pipelines 640 2048
Core clock speed 999 - 1189 MHz
Boost Clock 1139 - 1328 MHz 1216 MHz
Transistor count 3,300 million 5,200 million
Manufacturing process technology 14 nm 28 nm
Texture fill rate 53.12 144 billion/sec
Floating-point performance 1,700 gflops 4,981 gflops
Length 10.5" (26.7 cm)
Memory bus width 128 Bit 256 Bit
Memory clock speed 7000 MHz 7.0 GB/s
Memory bandwidth 112.1 GB/s 224 GB/s
Shared memory - -
G-SYNC support +
DirectX 12 (12_1) 12 (12_1)
Shader Model 6.4 6.4
OpenGL 4.6 4.5
OpenCL 1.2 1.2
Vulkan 1.2.131 1.1.126
CUDA 6.1 +
Monero / XMR (CryptoNight) 0.54 kh/s
CUDA cores 2048
Bus support PCI Express 3.0
Height 4.376" (11.1 cm)
SLI options +
Multi monitor support 4 displays
HDMI +
HDCP +
Maximum VGA resolution 2048x1536
Audio input for HDMI Internal
Bitcoin / BTC (SHA256) 579 Mh/s
Laptop size large
DisplayPort Multimode (DP++) support +
H.264, VC1, MPEG2 1080p video decoder +
Optimus +
Decred / DCR (Decred) 1.74 Gh/s
Ethereum / ETH (DaggerHashimoto) 20.28 Mh/s
Zcash / ZEC (Equihash) 312.12 Sol/s
GameStream +
GeForce ShadowPlay +
GPU Boost 2.0
GameWorks +
BatteryBoost +
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