The 970 3.5GB version remains compatible with games, though some features might be limited.
The 970 3.5GB version remains compatible with games, though some features might be limited.
Maxwell introduced impressive new capabilities, and the AMD community didn’t voice any concerns about missing them. It seems likely that when DX12 launches its own set of standout features, AMD users won’t complain either, since we’re already achieving near-maximum performance gains. Considering the new mid-range 300 series are essentially rebranded versions of the 200 series and are promoted as fully DX12 compatible even with the same GCN architecture, I believe 290X owners will be just fine.
It varies by game. For instance, in Shadow of Mordor the high-resolution pack can consume a lot of VRAM, causing minor lag at 1080p when all other options are set to their highest. In GTA V, you can push every setting and despite the recommendation for about 4GB of VRAM, it runs without issues.
Skyrim is the sole title that can cause the 970 issue at resolutions below 4K. This happens when you use maximum settings—4K textures, 8K armor, numerous high-res followers, 8K weapons, body details, lush foliage, and 4K dragons with an ENB at 8x scale. With heavy modifications, I’d see the 290x surpassing the 970.