NVIDIA GPU Benchmark comparison: FPS tests with the GTX 670, 770, 970 and 1070

Testing four generations of NVIDIA Graphics Cards with our Benchmark video from PixelPerfect. Which one managed to come out on top and how did the older cards perform, with some surprising results.

We had a simple goal in mind, take 4 different generations of graphics cards and measure the FPS results in various games. So we had a look at some demanding games including the most recent Ghost Recon Wildlands, the stunning open world of Grand Theft Auto V and even the high speed racing of Project CARS. Which was the weakest card and how did each one stack up against one another in head to head tests? Since it was not easy to get older models for the graphics cards, our partner Caseking or Overclockers for the UK, got together with NVIDIA in order to find some for us to test. Thanks to another contest that was held, three lucky winners managed to get themselves a shiny new GTX 1070! All they had to do was send Caseking their old cards for the upgrade.

The models GTX 670, 770 and 970 then landed at our test lab. Caseking added a GTX 1070 directly to help us complete the benchmark test for our PixelPerfect collaborative graphics comparison. Then a benchmark marathon was on the agenda. In the three games Project CARS, Grand Theft Auto V and Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands, Driving above all the GTX 670 to extreme load limits. All this with a resolution of 2560x1440 (1440p, WQHD) - there goes so many cards also times the puste.

The ASUS GTX 670 did a really good job with the Medium, and even sometimes High settings. Especially in GTA 5 and in Project CARS where playing was still possible, with only 2 GB VRAM. As we moved on to Ghost Recon Wildlands however, things didn't hold up as the FPS drops sank to the bottom! Since we recommend then a GTX 970th Clear, the GTX 1070 of MSI in all disciplines of the other cards of it. The performance leap was to be expected.

Which card brakes last?

4 graphics cards, 3 games, 1 benchmark video

In Project CARS, the four candidates were able to compete on a course in Spain and at the Nürburgring (yes, quietly admire the vehicle skin). In GTA 5 we sneaked through Michael's house, tried a stunt with the motorbike and raced through the streets Los Santos. Of course with chrome paint, the game had some beautiful reflections on show. Finally the four graphics cards had to prove themselves as they went head to head in the ingame benchmark for GTA 5. Then the king's discipline for such a benchmark test as we tackle the open world setting of Ghost Recon Wildlands. First with the Intro sequence for the Fallen Ghosts DLC, then went with the Jeep through the jungle and also the ingame benchmark of Ghost Recon Wildlands managed to completely overwhelm the poor GTX 670. The FPS counter sometimes dropped to a single 1 FPS, which felt like a slideshow!

The 4 cards we tested:

• ASUS GeForce GTX 670 2GB
• Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 OC 2GB
• EVGA GeForce GTX 970 FTW 4GB
• MSI GeForce GTX 1070 GamingX 8GB

Test System Specs:

• Intel Core i7 7700 CPU @ 4.20 GHz
• 16 GB RAM (DDR4)
• GeForce Game Ready Driver 385.41
• ASRock Z270 Pro 4 Motherboard
• Windows 10 Home (64 bit)

Most important scenes used in the video

Benchmark scenes with Project CARS:

• Driving in Spain with lightly cloudy skies: 0:27
• Ride in the rain at the Nürburgring: 3:27

Benchmark scenes with GTA 5:

• First drive through Los Santos: 1:25
• Tour of Michaels estate: 4:27
• Stunt with the motorbike: 5:30
• Motorcycle Tour at Los Santos Del Perro Pier: 9:03
• Cruising through Los Santos: 10:04
• Ingame benchmark: 11:02

Benchmark scenes Ghost Recon Wildlands:

• Cozy walk through the open world scenery: 2:29 (though the GTX 670 was showing it's age)
• Intro sequence for Ghost Recon Wildlands - Fallen Ghosts: 6:37
• Tracking enemies in the Wildlands: 7:06
• Taking things off road with a buggy: 8:04
• Ingame benchmark: 12:34

Graphics settings used:

• Project CARS: 13:55
• GTA 5: 14:10
• Ghost Recon Wildlands: 14:30

Test Results: FPS Diagrams

• Project CARS: 4:07
• Grand Theft Auto 5: 12:14
• Ghost Recon Wildlands: 13:32

If you're looking for a graphics card upgrade, you can get the king of all tests - the MSI GTX 1070 from our partners at Overclockers UK ;)
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