NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580M vs NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 Comparison

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580M represent two distinct eras of mobile and desktop graphics, separated by three years of architectural evolution. The data shows a single direct benchmark comparison between the two, but the specification sheet reveals a chasm in compute capability, memory bandwidth, and feature support. The GTX 970 is a desktop-class part built on the Maxwell 2.0 architecture, while the GTX 580M is a legacy mobile solution based on Fermi 2.0. This analysis walks through the available benchmark data, architectural differences, and specification gaps to determine which GPU holds the advantage and for whom.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The only shared benchmark result between the two cards is the Geekbench OpenCL test, and the outcome is decisively one-sided. The GTX 970 scores 29,982 points, while the GTX 580M manages 6,389 points. This translates to a delta of 369.3% in favor of the GTX 970, meaning the newer card delivers nearly 4.7 times the raw compute performance in this specific workload. The gap is so large that it dwarfs the differences seen between the GTX 970's own nearest rivals, which are all within 0.9% of its average score. For context, the GTX 970’s average benchmark score across all tests is 7,157, while the GTX 580M’s average is 6,389; the OpenCL result for the GTX 970 alone is over four times its own average, indicating that this test heavily favors its compute architecture.

The GTX 580M’s single data point places it in the 37th percentile of all GPUs, while the GTX 970 sits in the 39th percentile, a surprisingly narrow overall positioning despite the massive OpenCL delta. This suggests that the GTX 580M’s performance is competitive in other unshared workloads, but the head-to-head data shows no such overlap. The GTX 970 also holds wins in every category where both have data, with one win for the GTX 970 and zero for the GTX 580M. The 369.3% delta is the only quantitative comparison available, and it sets the tone for the rest of the analysis: the GTX 970 is in a different performance class.

FAQ

Q: How much faster is the GTX 970 in the Geekbench OpenCL test?

A: The GTX 970 scores 29,982 points compared to the GTX 580M’s 6,389 points, a delta of 369.3% in favor of the GTX 970.

Q: What is the GTX 580M’s percentile ranking, and how does it compare to the GTX 970?

A: The GTX 580M ranks in the 37th percentile of all GPUs, while the GTX 970 ranks in the 39th percentile. Despite the GTX 970’s massive OpenCL lead, the two cards sit within two percentile points of each other overall.

Q: Which card has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The GTX 970 has an average benchmark score of 7,157, while the GTX 580M has an average of 6,389. The GTX 970’s average is 768 points higher.

Q: What are the nearest rivals to the GTX 970 in terms of average score?

A: The GTX 970’s nearest rivals are the Intel Iris Pro Graphics P580 (7,170, -0.2%), NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 SE (7,171, -0.2%), AMD Radeon Vega 8 Mobile (7,203, -0.6%), and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 (7,222, -0.9%).

Q: What are the nearest rivals to the GTX 580M?

A: The GTX 580M’s nearest rivals are the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 SE (6,389, 0%), NVIDIA RTX PRO 5000 72 GB Blackwell (6,407, -0.3%), AMD Radeon Pro WX 4100 (6,330, 0.9%), and AMD Radeon R7 M350 (6,327, 1%).

Q: Does the GTX 580M have any benchmark wins over the GTX 970?

A: No. In the single head-to-head test available (Geekbench OpenCL), the GTX 970 wins. The data shows zero wins for the GTX 580M.

Architecture Differences

The architectural gap between these two GPUs is fundamental. The GTX 970 uses the GM204 chip built on the Maxwell 2.0 architecture, fabricated on a 28 nm process at TSMC. It packs 5,200 million transistors onto a 398 mm² die, yielding a transistor density of 13.1M per mm². In contrast, the GTX 580M uses the GF114 chip from the Fermi 2.0 architecture, built on an older 40 nm process, also at TSMC. The GF114 contains 1,950 million transistors on a 332 mm² die, with a density of just 5.9M per mm². The newer process node allows the GTX 970 to nearly triple the transistor count while occupying only 20% more die area.

The compute resources differ even more starkly. The GTX 970 features 1,664 shading units, 104 texture mapping units, and 56 raster output units. The GTX 580M has 384 shading units, 64 TMUs, and 32 ROPs. This means the GTX 970 has roughly 4.3 times as many shaders, 1.6 times as many TMUs, and 1.75 times as many ROPs. The pixel rate tells the story: the GTX 970 achieves 65.97 GPixel/s versus 9.92 GPixel/s for the GTX 580M. Texture rate follows suit, with the GTX 970 hitting 122.5 GTexel/s compared to 39.68 GTexel/s.

Memory architecture is another major divergence. The GTX 970 has 4 GB of GDDR5 on a 256-bit bus, delivering 224.4 GB/s of bandwidth. The GTX 580M has 2 GB of GDDR5 on the same 256-bit bus, but only achieves 96.00 GB/s due to a lower memory clock of 750 MHz (3 Gbps effective) versus the GTX 970’s 1753 MHz (7 Gbps effective). Floating-point performance is equally lopsided: the GTX 970 delivers 3.920 TFLOPS of FP32 compute, while the GTX 580M manages just 952.3 GFLOPS. The GTX 970 also supports newer API features, with DirectX 12 (12_1) and Vulkan 1.4, whereas the GTX 580M only reaches DirectX 12 (11_0) and has no Vulkan support. Both cards support OpenGL 4.6.

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous: the GTX 970 is the superior performer in every measurable category. The 369.3% OpenCL delta is compounded by a 4.3x difference in shading units, a 2.3x difference in memory bandwidth, and a 4.1x difference in FP32 throughput. The GTX 970 also has a 768-point higher average benchmark score and a higher percentile ranking. The GTX 580M’s only advantages are its lower TDP (100 W vs. 148 W) and its MXM module form factor, which suits portable devices. For any desktop user or anyone prioritizing raw performance, the GTX 970 is the clear choice. The GTX 580M remains relevant only in legacy mobile contexts where its 100 W power draw and compact MXM-B interface are required.

The GTX 970’s nearest rivals—all within 0.9% of its average score—are integrated and low-end discrete parts like the Intel Iris Pro Graphics P580 and the GeForce GTX 750. This suggests the GTX 970, despite its age, still competes with entry-level modern hardware. The GTX 580M sits in a similar position among its peers, with the GTX 460 SE matching its score exactly. However, the head-to-head result shows that the GTX 970 is not merely a step ahead; it is a generational leap that leaves the GTX 580M in a different performance tier entirely.

Specification Differences

The two cards differ in nearly every hardware specification. The GTX 970 uses the GM204 chip on a 28 nm process with 5,200 million transistors and a 398 mm² die, while the GTX 580M uses the GF114 chip on a 40 nm process with 1,950 million transistors and a 332 mm² die. The GTX 970 has a base clock of 1050 MHz and a boost clock of 1178 MHz; the GTX 580M has no base or boost clock listed. Memory clocks differ significantly: the GTX 970 runs at 1753 MHz (7 Gbps effective), while the GTX 580M runs at 750 MHz (3 Gbps effective).

Memory capacity is 4 GB versus 2 GB, though both use GDDR5 on a 256-bit bus. Bandwidth is 224.4 GB/s versus 96.00 GB/s. Shading units are 1,664 versus 384; TMUs are 104 versus 64; ROPs are 56 versus 32. Pixel rate is 65.97 GPixel/s versus 9.92 GPixel/s; texture rate is 122.5 GTexel/s versus 39.68 GTexel/s; FP32 is 3.920 TFLOPS versus 952.3 GFLOPS. TDP is 148 W versus 100 W. The GTX 970 uses a dual-slot form factor with 2x 6-pin power connectors and a suggested PSU of 300 W; the GTX 580M uses an MXM module with no power connectors and no suggested PSU. The GTX 970 has a PCIe 3.0 x16 bus interface, while the GTX 580M uses MXM-B (3.0). Display outputs are 1x DVI, 1x HDMI 2.0, and 3x DisplayPort 1.2 for the GTX 970, versus "Portable Device Dependent" for the GTX 580M. The GTX 970 supports DirectX 12 (12_1) and Vulkan 1.4; the GTX 580M supports DirectX 12 (11_0) and no Vulkan. Both support OpenGL 4.6. The GTX 970 measures 267 mm in length, 111 mm in height, and 40 mm in width; the GTX 580M has no listed dimensions.

Where Each One Wins

The GTX 970 wins in every workload where data exists. Its OpenCL score of 29,982 versus 6,389 makes it the choice for compute-heavy applications like GPU-accelerated rendering or scientific calculations. The 4 GB memory capacity and 224.4 GB/s bandwidth support larger textures and higher resolutions, while the 3.920 TFLOPS FP32 performance handles complex shaders and physics simulations. The modern API support for DirectX 12 (12_1) and Vulkan 1.4 ensures compatibility with current game titles and future-proofing.

The GTX 580M, despite losing the head-to-head, has a niche. Its 100 W TDP is 48 W lower than the GTX 970, making it suitable for thin-and-light laptops or devices with strict thermal budgets. The MXM-B (3.0) interface is designed for upgradeable mobile workstations, and its lack of external power connectors simplifies installation in portable chassis. The 37th percentile ranking shows it remains functional for older DirectX 11-era games, but the 2 GB memory and 96.00 GB/s bandwidth limit it to 1080p gaming at reduced settings. For users with a legacy MXM slot and no ability to upgrade the chassis, the GTX 580M is the only option; for everyone else, the GTX 970 is the definitive winner.