The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 is a popular mid-range graphics card released in 2015, targeting gamers who want to play modern games at high settings without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the GTX 960’s performance, features, and capabilities to help you determine if it’s still a good option for your gaming needs.
Architecture and Specifications
The GTX 960 is based on NVIDIA’s Maxwell architecture, which provides significant improvements in performance and power efficiency compared to the previous Kepler architecture. Here are the key specifications of the GTX 960:
- GPU: GM206
- CUDA Cores: 1024
- Memory: 2GB or 4GB GDDR5
- Memory Bus: 128-bit
- Memory Bandwidth: 128 GB/s
- Base Clock: 1126 MHz
- Boost Clock: 1178 MHz
- Power Consumption: 120W
- DirectX Support: 12
- OpenGL Support: 4.5
Performance in Modern Games
The GTX 960 is capable of playing modern games at high settings, but its performance may vary depending on the game and resolution. Here are some benchmarks of the GTX 960 in popular games:
| Game | Resolution | Frames Per Second (FPS) |
| — | — | — |
| Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | 1080p | 40-50 FPS |
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | 1080p | 50-60 FPS |
| Fortnite | 1080p | 60-80 FPS |
| PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds | 1080p | 40-50 FPS |
| Overwatch | 1080p | 60-80 FPS |
As you can see, the GTX 960 can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution with high settings, but it may struggle with more demanding games or higher resolutions.
Performance in Esports Games
The GTX 960 is also suitable for esports games, which require fast frame rates and low latency. Here are some benchmarks of the GTX 960 in popular esports games:
| Game | Resolution | Frames Per Second (FPS) |
| — | — | — |
| League of Legends | 1080p | 80-100 FPS |
| Dota 2 | 1080p | 80-100 FPS |
| CS:GO | 1080p | 100-120 FPS |
| Overwatch | 1080p | 80-100 FPS |
The GTX 960 can handle most esports games at high frame rates, making it a good option for competitive gamers.
Power Consumption and Heat Generation
The GTX 960 has a relatively low power consumption of 120W, which is lower than many other graphics cards in its class. This makes it a good option for those who want to build a power-efficient gaming PC.
| Graphics Card | Power Consumption (W) |
| — | — |
| GTX 960 | 120W |
| GTX 970 | 145W |
| R9 380 | 190W |
| R9 390 | 275W |
The GTX 960 also generates relatively low heat, with a maximum temperature of around 80°C under heavy load.
Noise Levels
The GTX 960 is a relatively quiet graphics card, with a noise level of around 30 dBA under heavy load. This makes it a good option for those who want a quiet gaming PC.
Conclusion
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 is a solid mid-range graphics card that offers good performance and power efficiency. While it may not be able to handle the most demanding games at high resolutions, it’s a good option for those who want to play modern games at high settings without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking for a graphics card that can handle esports games, the GTX 960 is a good option. Its low power consumption and heat generation also make it a good choice for those who want to build a power-efficient gaming PC.
However, if you’re looking for a graphics card that can handle 4K resolutions or the most demanding games, you may want to consider a more powerful option.
Alternatives to the GTX 960
If you’re looking for alternatives to the GTX 960, here are a few options to consider:
- GTX 970: A more powerful version of the GTX 960, with 1664 CUDA cores and 4GB of GDDR5 memory.
- R9 380: A mid-range graphics card from AMD, with 1792 stream processors and 4GB of GDDR5 memory.
- GTX 1660: A more modern graphics card from NVIDIA, with 1408 CUDA cores and 6GB of GDDR6 memory.
Ultimately, the best graphics card for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. Be sure to do your research and compare different options before making a decision.
What are the key features of the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 is a mid-range graphics card that boasts several key features, including 1024 CUDA cores, 2GB or 4GB of GDDR5 memory, and a 128-bit memory bus. It also supports DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, and NVIDIA’s proprietary technologies such as PhysX, TXAA, and DSR. Additionally, the GTX 960 has a relatively low power consumption of 120W, making it a suitable option for those looking to build a power-efficient gaming PC.
In terms of performance, the GTX 960 is capable of delivering smooth frame rates at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, making it an excellent choice for gamers who want to play the latest titles at high settings. The card also supports NVIDIA’s GeForce Experience software, which provides users with a range of tools and features to optimize their gaming experience, including automatic driver updates, game optimization, and streaming capabilities.
How does the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 compare to its competitors?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 is a mid-range graphics card that competes directly with AMD’s Radeon R9 380 and R9 285. In terms of performance, the GTX 960 is generally faster than the R9 285, but slower than the R9 380. However, the GTX 960 has a lower power consumption than both of its competitors, making it a more power-efficient option. Additionally, the GTX 960 supports NVIDIA’s proprietary technologies, such as PhysX and TXAA, which are not available on AMD’s graphics cards.
In terms of pricing, the GTX 960 is generally priced lower than the R9 380, but higher than the R9 285. However, the GTX 960’s lower power consumption and support for NVIDIA’s proprietary technologies make it a more attractive option for those looking for a mid-range graphics card. Ultimately, the choice between the GTX 960 and its competitors will depend on individual preferences and needs.
What are the system requirements for the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 requires a 64-bit version of Windows 7, 8, or 10, as well as a minimum of 2GB of system memory. The card also requires a 6-pin PCIe power connector and a minimum of 300W of power supply. In terms of CPU requirements, the GTX 960 is compatible with a wide range of processors, including Intel Core i3, i5, and i7, as well as AMD FX and A-series processors.
In addition to these requirements, the GTX 960 also requires a compatible motherboard with a PCIe x16 slot. It’s also recommended to have a high-quality power supply unit (PSU) to ensure stable and efficient power delivery to the graphics card. It’s also important to note that the GTX 960 is not compatible with older systems that use AGP or PCI slots.
Can the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 handle 4K gaming?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 is not designed to handle 4K gaming, as it does not have the necessary processing power or memory to deliver smooth frame rates at 3840 x 2160 resolutions. While the card can technically support 4K resolutions, it will likely struggle to deliver playable frame rates in demanding games. However, the GTX 960 can handle 4K resolutions in less demanding games or applications, such as video playback or web browsing.
For those looking to play games at 4K resolutions, a more powerful graphics card such as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 or GTX 980 Ti is recommended. These cards have more processing power and memory, making them better suited for 4K gaming. Alternatively, users can also consider using multiple GTX 960 cards in SLI configuration to improve performance, but this will also increase power consumption and cost.
Is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 compatible with NVIDIA’s SLI technology?
Yes, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 is compatible with NVIDIA’s SLI (Scalable Link Interface) technology, which allows users to connect multiple graphics cards together to improve performance. However, to use SLI with the GTX 960, users will need a compatible motherboard with multiple PCIe x16 slots, as well as a sufficient power supply unit (PSU) to power the multiple cards.
Using SLI with the GTX 960 can improve performance in games that support the technology, but it will also increase power consumption and cost. Additionally, SLI can also introduce additional complexity and compatibility issues, so it’s recommended to carefully research and plan before setting up an SLI configuration. NVIDIA’s GeForce Experience software can also help users to easily set up and manage their SLI configuration.
What is the power consumption of the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 has a relatively low power consumption of 120W, making it a suitable option for those looking to build a power-efficient gaming PC. The card requires a 6-pin PCIe power connector and can be powered by a 300W power supply unit (PSU). This makes it an attractive option for those looking to build a compact or small form factor gaming PC.
In comparison to other graphics cards in its class, the GTX 960 has a lower power consumption than AMD’s Radeon R9 380, but higher than some of NVIDIA’s lower-end graphics cards. However, the GTX 960’s lower power consumption does not come at the cost of performance, as it is still capable of delivering smooth frame rates at high settings. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a balance between performance and power efficiency.
Is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 still a good option for gaming in 2023?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 is an older graphics card that was released in 2015, and while it was a good option for gaming at the time, it may not be the best choice for gaming in 2023. The card’s performance has been surpassed by newer graphics cards, and it may struggle to deliver smooth frame rates in the latest games at high settings.
However, the GTX 960 can still be a good option for those on a budget or for those who want to play older games or less demanding titles. The card is also still supported by NVIDIA’s drivers and GeForce Experience software, which means it will continue to receive updates and support for the foreseeable future. Ultimately, whether or not the GTX 960 is still a good option for gaming in 2023 will depend on individual needs and preferences.