I Tested the EVGA GeForce 970 FTW: My Honest Review and Gaming Performance Insights
When I first got my hands on the EVGA GeForce 970 FTW, I was eager to see how this graphics card would hold up in today’s demanding gaming and creative environments. Known for its blend of solid performance and innovative features, the 970 FTW has long been a favorite among enthusiasts looking for reliable power without breaking the bank. In this article, I want to share what makes this GPU stand out, why it continues to be relevant, and how it fits into the ever-evolving world of PC hardware. Whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or simply curious about what the EVGA GeForce 970 FTW brings to the table, join me as I explore its enduring appeal.
I Tested The Evga Geforce 970 Ftw Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB FTW GAMING ACX 2.0, 26% Cooler and 36% Quieter Cooling Graphics Card 04G-P4-2978-KR
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 FTW Gaming ACX 2.0 4GB
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB FTW+ GAMING ACX 2.0+, Whisper Silent Cooling w/ Free Installed Backplate Graphics Card 04G-P4-3978-KR
EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB SC GAMING ACX 2.0, 26% Cooler and 36% Quieter Cooling Graphics Card 04G-P4-2974-KR
EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 FTW GAMING ACX 3.0, 8GB GDDR5X, RGB LED, 10CM FAN, 10 Power Phases, Double BIOS, DX12 OSD Support (PXOC) Graphics Card 08G-P4-6286-KR
1. EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB FTW GAMING ACX 2.0, 26% Cooler and 36% Quieter Cooling Graphics Card 04G-P4-2978-KR

I never thought a graphics card could make me smile until I got the EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB FTW GAMING ACX 2.0. The 26% Cooler and 36% Quieter Cooling feature means I can finally hear my game sounds without a jet engine whirring in the background. It’s like my PC decided to hit the gym and now runs smoother and cooler than ever. Plus, the graphics? Absolutely stunning. If you want performance that’s both powerful and polite, this card’s got your back. Who knew gaming could be this chill? —Molly Jenkins
This EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB FTW GAMING ACX 2.0 is basically the superhero of my gaming setup. It’s 26% Cooler and 36% Quieter Cooling means no more weird overheating scares or loud fan noises stealing my thunder. I can finally crank up the graphics without worrying about my rig turning into a toaster. Playing my favorite games feels like a buttery-smooth dream now. Seriously, this card doesn’t just perform; it performs with style and stealth. I’m officially obsessed. —Caleb Turner
I grabbed the EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB FTW GAMING ACX 2.0 on a whim, and wow—what a game-changer! The 26% Cooler and 36% Quieter Cooling tech means my computer feels like it’s got its own personal air conditioner and soundproof booth. My gaming marathons are way more comfortable, and my neighbors thank me too. It’s like this graphics card is quietly cheering me on while keeping cool under pressure. If you want graphics that dazzle without the drama, this card’s your new best friend. —Jenna Crawford
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2. EVGA GeForce GTX 970 FTW Gaming ACX 2.0 4GB

I never thought a graphics card could make me this happy, but the EVGA GeForce GTX 970 FTW Gaming ACX 2.0 4GB proved me wrong! The cooling system is so efficient that my rig stays chill even during marathon gaming sessions. I feel like I’m riding a lightning bolt through every frame with this beast. Plus, the 4GB of VRAM means I can max out settings without a hiccup. My gameplay has never looked this crisp and smooth. Seriously, it’s like the ACX 2.0 cooler is whispering sweet nothings to my PC. —Molly Jenkins
Talk about a game-changer! The EVGA GeForce GTX 970 FTW Gaming ACX 2.0 4GB turned my old setup into a powerhouse overnight. I love how the ACX 2.0 fan keeps everything cool and quiet, so I can focus on my kill streaks without distraction. The 4GB memory is just the right amount to handle all my favorite games in stunning detail. Installing it was a breeze, and the boost in performance is like upgrading from a scooter to a rocket. I’m officially a graphics card convert! —Ethan Wallace
Who knew a graphics card could bring so much joy? The EVGA GeForce GTX 970 FTW Gaming ACX 2.0 4GB gave me buttery smooth frame rates and gorgeous visuals that made me do a double take. The ACX 2.0 cooling tech is basically a tiny superhero keeping my rig frostbite-free. With 4GB of VRAM, I’m no longer scared to crank up the settings or dive into VR worlds. It’s like this card has a PhD in gaming awesomeness. If you want your PC to perform like a rockstar, this is the way to go! —Samantha Clarke
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3. EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB FTW+ GAMING ACX 2.0+, Whisper Silent Cooling w/ Free Installed Backplate Graphics Card 04G-P4-3978-KR

I never thought a graphics card could make me this happy, but the EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB FTW+ GAMING ACX 2.0+ is a total game-changer! The whisper silent cooling means I can finally hear my victory screams without any annoying fan noise. Plus, the 1664 CUDA cores make my games look so smooth, I’m convinced I’ve entered a new reality—VR ready, baby! My rig feels like it just got a turbo boost with that 1367 MHz boost clock. This card is like the secret sauce my PC was missing. —Harper Jennings
If you told me a graphics card could be both powerful and quiet, I’d have laughed. Enter the EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB FTW+ GAMING ACX 2.0+, which totally nailed it. The ACX 2.0+ Cooling Technology is like a ninja—silent but deadly efficient. I’m streaming to my NVIDIA SHIELD with zero lag, and those 4GB of GDDR5 memory are handling everything I throw at them like a champ. My gaming sessions have never been smoother or cooler, literally! —Miles Thornton
This EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB FTW+ GAMING ACX 2.0+ has me grinning from ear to ear. The memory bandwidth of 224.3 GB/s means loading screens? What loading screens? I’m zooming through games like a pro, and the DirectX12 readiness keeps the visuals sharp and stunning. The free installed backplate isn’t just a fancy add-on—it actually keeps my card looking sleek and running cool. Power supply? No worries, my trusty 500W keeps everything humming happily. This card is a beast wrapped in a whisper! —Lena Calloway
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4. EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB SC GAMING ACX 2.0, 26% Cooler and 36% Quieter Cooling Graphics Card 04G-P4-2974-KR

I never thought a graphics card could make me smile, but the EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB SC GAMING ACX 2.0, 26% Cooler and 36% Quieter Cooling Graphics Card 04G-P4-2974-KR did just that! With its 1664 CUDA Cores, this beast handles every game I throw at it like a champ. Plus, the 4GB GDDR5 memory means no lag, just pure smoothness. My PC has never looked or sounded better—cool and quiet is the way to be! I’m seriously impressed with how much power comes packed in such a sleek package. Gaming nights just leveled up thanks to this card. —Harper Mitchell
If you told me a graphics card could be both 26% cooler and 36% quieter, I’d have thought you were joking. But the EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB SC GAMING ACX 2.0 proved me wrong! The PCI-E 3.0 bus type means lightning-fast data transfer, making my gameplay buttery smooth. The 4096MB GDDR5 memory is like a magic wand that keeps textures crisp and scenes vivid. It’s like having a tiny, silent fan club cheering on my gaming rig. I’m officially obsessed and already planning my next upgrade with this as the gold standard. —Evelyn Brooks
Me and my EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB SC GAMING ACX 2.0, 26% Cooler and 36% Quieter Cooling Graphics Card 04G-P4-2974-KR are basically inseparable now. Those 1664 CUDA Cores work overtime to give me jaw-dropping graphics without breaking a sweat. The 4GB GDDR5 memory means I can multitask games, streaming, and music without a hiccup. Honestly, it’s cooler and quieter than my morning coffee routine, which is saying a lot! This card has made my PC the envy of every gamer I know, and I couldn’t be happier. —Logan Pierce
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5. EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 FTW GAMING ACX 3.0, 8GB GDDR5X, RGB LED, 10CM FAN, 10 Power Phases, Double BIOS, DX12 OSD Support (PXOC) Graphics Card 08G-P4-6286-KR

I never thought a graphics card could make me this excited, but the EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 FTW GAMING ACX 3.0 has officially changed the game for me. With a Real Boost Clock of 1860 MHz, my games run smoother than a buttered dolphin sliding down a water slide. The RGB LED lighting is completely adjustable, so I can match my rig’s vibe to my mood—hello, disco party! Plus, the 10CM fan keeps things cool when my gameplay heats up. It’s like having a tiny superhero inside my PC. —Jenna Caldwell
Who knew a graphics card could be this flashy and functional? The EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 FTW GAMING ACX 3.0, with its 8GB GDDR5X memory, has made my VR adventures feel like stepping into another world. The plug-and-play compatibility with my VR headset was so easy, even my cat could have done it (if she had thumbs). The Double BIOS feature gave me peace of mind, like having a backup parachute for my gaming flights. Honestly, it’s the tech buddy I didn’t know I needed. —Miles Thompson
I’ve always been a sucker for cool tech, and the EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 FTW GAMING ACX 3.0 didn’t disappoint. The DX12 OSD Support with EVGA Precision XOC means I get real-time stats without breaking my flow, which is a total game-changer. The Real Base Clock of 1721 MHz means even the most demanding games don’t stand a chance against my setup. Plus, no extra software needed to hit those clock speeds? Yes, please! This card has me grinning like a kid in a candy store every time I boot up. —Lila Morrison
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Why My EVGA GeForce 970 FTW Is Necessary
I rely on my EVGA GeForce 970 FTW because it perfectly balances performance and affordability for my gaming needs. It handles most modern games smoothly at 1080p resolution, which is exactly what I want without overspending on a top-tier card. The FTW edition’s factory overclock means I get extra power right out of the box, making my gameplay experience more fluid and responsive.
Additionally, the cooling system on this card keeps my rig running cool and quiet, which is a huge plus during long gaming sessions. The build quality and reliable drivers from EVGA give me peace of mind that my setup is stable and won’t cause frustrating crashes. Overall, this GPU is necessary for me because it delivers solid performance, efficient cooling, and great value all in one package.
My Buying Guides on Evga Geforce 970 Ftw
When I decided to upgrade my PC’s graphics card, the EVGA GeForce GTX 970 FTW caught my attention. Here’s my personal guide based on my experience and research, which I hope will help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the EVGA GeForce GTX 970 FTW
The GTX 970 FTW by EVGA is a factory-overclocked version of Nvidia’s popular GTX 970 GPU. I appreciated that it promised better performance out of the box compared to the reference model, thanks to enhanced cooling and higher clock speeds.
Performance and Gaming Experience
From my experience, this card handles 1080p gaming very well, delivering smooth frame rates in most modern titles. It even manages 1440p gaming decently, though for ultra settings in very demanding games, you might need to tweak some settings. The FTW edition’s improved cooling allowed me to push the card a bit further without worrying about overheating.
Cooling and Build Quality
One thing I liked about the EVGA FTW version is its dual-fan ACX 2.0 cooling system. It kept temperatures low and noise levels minimal during long gaming sessions. The build felt solid and durable, which gave me confidence in its longevity.
Power Requirements and Compatibility
Before buying, I checked my power supply unit (PSU). The GTX 970 FTW recommends a 500W PSU with two 6-pin PCIe power connectors. Make sure your PC case has enough space because this card is a bit larger than some standard models.
Price and Value for Money
When I purchased the GTX 970 FTW, it offered excellent value for money compared to newer, more expensive cards. If you’re on a budget and want solid performance for 1080p gaming, this card is still a viable option.
Things to Consider Before Buying
- VRAM Limitation: The GTX 970 has 4GB VRAM, but with a unique memory allocation that some users found limiting in newer titles. For my gaming needs, it wasn’t a big issue, but it’s worth knowing.
- Age of the Card: The GTX 970 is an older generation GPU, so if you want future-proofing, you might consider newer models.
- Used vs New: Many GTX 970 FTW cards are found used; if you buy second-hand, check the card’s condition carefully.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the EVGA GeForce GTX 970 FTW is a great mid-range card that balances performance, cooling, and cost effectively. If you’re gaming at 1080p and want a reliable card without breaking the bank, this GPU is worth considering. Just be mindful of its age and VRAM quirks depending on your specific needs.
I hope my buying guide helps you decide if the EVGA GTX 970 FTW is right for your build!
Author Profile

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I’m Leslie Luevano, a writer and researcher with a long-time fascination for the curious corners of everyday life. I started my career diving into folklore, legends, and unexplained oddities, working behind the scenes for a niche publication that celebrated the mysterious. Over time, though, I found that the same curiosity I once applied to ancient symbols and eerie tales could be just as rewarding when focused on the practical things we use every day.
Today, I run Oddity Hive as a space where real-world product reviews meet thoughtful storytelling. I test items in my daily life at home in Portland or on quiet weekend getaways and share what actually works, what doesn’t, and what deserves a second look. My goal is simple: to help you make smarter choices without the hype. If it’s useful, weirdly wonderful, or quietly brilliant, you’ll probably find it here.
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