GTX 980M Sourcing Guide for Refurbished Laptops & MXM Modules

As of June 2026, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M has shifted from its former flagship status to a legacy/budget "retro" hardware category. While technically obsolete for modern AAA gaming, it maintains a steady niche in the secondary market for eSports and older game titles.

Product Overview & Performance

Launched in late 2014 based on the Maxwell 2.0 (28nm) architecture, the GTX 980M was a milestone in closing the gap between laptop and desktop performance.

Specifications: Typically features 8GB GDDR5 VRAM (256-bit bus) and 1536 CUDA cores. Wccftech Techpowerup
Relative Performance: In 2026, it is roughly equivalent to a modern GTX 1650 mobile or high-end integrated graphics like the Radeon 780M. It delivers 100+ FPS in titles like *Valorant* or *CS2* at 1080p but struggles with modern AAA titles, often falling below 20 FPS on high settings. Techpowerup Pcper

2026 Market Trends & Insights

* Secondary Market Surge: There was a notable spike in search momentum in April 2026, driven by "retro gaming" trends and demand for ultra-budget secondary machines. Alibaba

* Replacement Market: The MXM 3.0b module form factor makes it a popular upgrade or replacement part for legacy high-end laptops (e.g., older Alienware, MSI GT, or Clevo models). Alibaba

* Pricing Trends:

* MXM Modules: Standalone 8GB cards are priced between $108 – $120 for individual units, with bulk wholesale prices potentially dropping below $25 for high-volume orders. Alibaba

* Refurbished Laptops: Complete systems featuring the GTX 980M are typically marketed in the $200 – $260 range. Be cautious of listings at $300+ as they often overlap with newer GTX 10-series or 16-series laptops which offer better power efficiency. Alibaba

I have compiled two comprehensive sourcing lists for GTX 980M modules and refurbished laptops, including pricing, MOQ, and supplier details.