The GeForce GTX 960, launched by NVIDIA in early 2015, was a mid-range graphics card that aimed to deliver solid 1080p gaming experiences without breaking the bank. In its prime, it was a popular choice for budget-conscious gamers. However, technology marches on, and the question arises: is the GTX 960 still worth buying in [Current Year]? To answer this, we need to delve into its specifications, performance, the current state of the gaming landscape, and consider the available alternatives.
GTX 960: A Look Back At The Specs
Understanding the GTX 960’s architecture is crucial to evaluating its current viability. Built on the Maxwell architecture, it was designed for efficiency and performance.
Core Specifications
The GTX 960 typically features 1024 CUDA cores, a base clock speed around 1127 MHz (boostable to around 1178 MHz), and 2GB or 4GB of GDDR5 memory operating on a 128-bit memory bus. Its TDP (Thermal Design Power) is rated at 120W, making it relatively easy to cool.
Architecture And Features
Maxwell architecture brought improvements in power efficiency compared to its predecessor, Kepler. It also included features like MFAA (Multi-Frame Sampled Anti-Aliasing) and VXGI (Voxel Global Illumination) that aimed to enhance visual fidelity without severely impacting performance. However, VXGI never became widely adopted in games.
Performance In [Current Year]: How Does It Hold Up?
Evaluating the GTX 960’s performance in modern games is essential to determine its worth. While it was competent in 2015, game requirements have increased significantly.
1080p Gaming Performance
At 1080p, the GTX 960 can still run many older games and less demanding titles at medium to high settings and achieve playable framerates (30-60 FPS). However, for newer AAA games, you’ll likely need to lower the settings to low or medium to maintain a smooth experience. Expect to struggle with demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, or even Red Dead Redemption 2 without significant compromises.
Performance In ESports Titles
For popular eSports titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, League of Legends, and Valorant, the GTX 960 should be able to deliver high framerates at 1080p, even with moderately high settings. These games are generally well-optimized and don’t require extremely powerful hardware.
Performance With Modern Technologies
The GTX 960 lacks support for modern technologies like DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and ray tracing, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in newer games. The absence of DLSS means you can’t leverage AI-powered upscaling to improve performance without sacrificing visual quality, and the lack of ray tracing severely limits the visual fidelity in games that support it.
Alternatives To The GTX 960
Considering the alternatives available at similar price points (especially in the used market) is critical before deciding to purchase a GTX 960.
Used Market Options
In the used market, you might find cards like the GTX 970, GTX 1050 Ti, or even a Radeon RX 570 for a similar price to a used GTX 960. These cards generally offer significantly better performance. The GTX 970, despite its VRAM controversy, typically outperforms the GTX 960 by a considerable margin. The RX 570 provides excellent value in terms of price-to-performance.
New Entry-Level Cards
If you’re looking for a new card, entry-level options like the AMD Radeon RX 6400 or Intel Arc A310 offer better performance and support modern features like DirectX 12 Ultimate. These cards can be found at relatively affordable prices and provide a more future-proof solution than the aging GTX 960.
The Used Market: Caveats And Considerations
Buying used hardware always comes with risks.
Reliability And Lifespan
Used graphics cards may have been subjected to heavy use, such as mining or overclocking, which can reduce their lifespan. It’s crucial to thoroughly inspect the card before purchasing it and inquire about its history.
Warranty
Used cards typically don’t come with a warranty, leaving you vulnerable if the card fails shortly after purchase.
Driver Support
While NVIDIA still provides driver updates for the GTX 960, these updates are less frequent and may not fully optimize performance for the latest games. Newer cards generally receive more comprehensive driver support.
Is The GTX 960 Right For You? Scenarios Where It Might Still Be Viable
Despite its age, there might be specific scenarios where the GTX 960 could still be a reasonable choice.
Retro Gaming
If you primarily play older games from the early to mid-2010s, the GTX 960 can provide a decent experience at 1080p with high settings.
Budget Constraints
If your budget is extremely limited and you can find a GTX 960 for a very low price, it might be a temporary solution to get a PC up and running for basic tasks and light gaming. However, be aware that you’ll likely need to upgrade soon.
Secondary PC
The GTX 960 could be used in a secondary PC for tasks like media playback or light productivity work.
Power Consumption And Cooling
The GTX 960’s 120W TDP is relatively low compared to modern graphics cards, which means it doesn’t require a high-end power supply or an elaborate cooling solution. This can be an advantage if you’re building a budget-friendly system or upgrading an older PC with limited power capacity.
The Verdict: Should You Buy A GTX 960 In [Current Year]?
In most cases, the answer is no. While the GTX 960 was a solid card in its time, it’s now outdated and struggles to deliver acceptable performance in modern games. The used market offers better alternatives at similar price points, and new entry-level cards provide superior performance and features. Unless you have very specific needs (such as retro gaming or an extremely limited budget) and can find a GTX 960 for a bargain price, it’s generally not worth buying in [Current Year]. Investing in a newer or more powerful used card will provide a much better gaming experience and a longer lifespan.
Factors To Consider Before Buying Any Graphics Card
Regardless of whether you’re considering a GTX 960 or a different card, here are some essential factors to keep in mind:
Budget
Determine your budget and stick to it. Graphics card prices can vary significantly, so it’s essential to set a limit and research options within that range.
Resolution And Refresh Rate
Consider the resolution and refresh rate of your monitor. If you have a 1440p or 4K monitor, you’ll need a more powerful card than if you’re gaming at 1080p. Similarly, a higher refresh rate (e.g., 144Hz) requires more horsepower.
Games You Play
Think about the types of games you play. If you primarily play eSports titles, you don’t need as powerful a card as if you play AAA games with demanding graphics.
Power Supply
Ensure your power supply has enough wattage to support the graphics card. Check the card’s recommended power supply requirements and make sure your PSU meets or exceeds that.
Case Size And Cooling
Make sure the graphics card will fit in your case and that you have adequate cooling to prevent overheating. Larger cards may require a larger case and better airflow.
By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose a graphics card that meets your needs and budget. The GTX 960 might have been a good choice in the past, but there are now many better options available that offer significantly better performance and features.
Is The GTX 960 A Good Option For Modern AAA Gaming In [Current Year]?
No, the GTX 960 is generally not recommended for playing modern AAA titles at playable framerates in [Current Year]. While it could handle some older or less demanding AAA games released closer to its launch date, modern games with advanced graphical features and higher resolution textures will likely struggle to run smoothly, even at the lowest settings. You’ll likely experience low framerates, stuttering, and potentially unplayable gameplay, especially at resolutions higher than 1080p.
The card’s limited VRAM (2GB or 4GB depending on the model) and aging architecture are significant bottlenecks. Modern games often require more than 4GB of VRAM to run optimally, and the GTX 960’s processing power simply isn’t sufficient to handle the complex calculations and visual effects found in current titles. Therefore, for modern AAA gaming, a more powerful and modern graphics card is a necessity.
What Types Of Games Is The GTX 960 Still Suitable For In [Current Year]?
The GTX 960 remains a viable option for older games, indie titles, and less graphically demanding esports games in [Current Year]. Games released before 2015 or those with simpler graphics and lower system requirements can still run reasonably well on the GTX 960, often at medium to high settings at 1080p. Popular esports titles like CS:GO, Valorant, and League of Legends should also be playable at decent framerates, especially with optimized settings.
Furthermore, the GTX 960 can still be used for basic productivity tasks, web browsing, and video playback without any issues. It provides sufficient performance for everyday computing tasks. Its affordability on the used market also makes it a potentially appealing option for budget-conscious gamers who are primarily interested in playing older or less demanding titles.
How Does The GTX 960 Compare To Modern Integrated Graphics Solutions?
The GTX 960 generally outperforms most integrated graphics solutions found in modern CPUs, especially when it comes to gaming. While integrated graphics have improved significantly in recent years, they typically lack the dedicated VRAM and processing power of a discrete GPU like the GTX 960. For gaming, the GTX 960 will provide a noticeable performance boost compared to integrated graphics, particularly in older titles or at lower settings.
However, some of the newer, higher-end integrated graphics solutions, particularly those found in AMD’s APUs (Accelerated Processing Units), are starting to close the gap. In some specific scenarios, a very modern and powerful integrated GPU might approach or even slightly surpass the GTX 960’s performance, but this is still relatively rare. For the majority of situations, the GTX 960 remains the more capable gaming solution.
What Is The Typical Price Of A Used GTX 960 In [Current Year]?
The price of a used GTX 960 in [Current Year] typically ranges from around $30 to $60 USD, depending on the specific model, condition, and availability. The 4GB version tends to command a slightly higher price than the 2GB version. Prices can also fluctuate based on local market conditions and the platform on which it’s being sold (e.g., eBay, local classifieds).
It’s important to thoroughly inspect the card’s condition before purchasing a used GTX 960. Look for any signs of damage, such as bent pins, excessive dust buildup, or signs of overheating. Requesting benchmarks or stress test results from the seller can also help ensure that the card is functioning properly before committing to a purchase. Always compare prices from multiple sources to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
What Are The Main Limitations Of The GTX 960 In [Current Year]?
The primary limitations of the GTX 960 in [Current Year] are its limited VRAM (2GB or 4GB) and its aging architecture. Modern games often require more than 4GB of VRAM to run smoothly at higher resolutions and settings, leading to stuttering and performance issues on the GTX 960. The architecture, while decent for its time, is no longer optimized for the latest graphical features and technologies used in newer games.
Furthermore, the GTX 960 lacks support for newer technologies like ray tracing and DLSS, which are becoming increasingly common in modern games. This means that you’ll miss out on the improved visual fidelity and performance benefits that these technologies offer. Its power efficiency is also not as good as newer GPUs, meaning it consumes more power and generates more heat for the same level of performance.
Is It Worth Upgrading From A GTX 960 In [Current Year]?
Yes, it is generally worth upgrading from a GTX 960 in [Current Year] if you want to play modern games at decent framerates and settings. The GTX 960 is simply not powerful enough to handle the demands of current AAA titles, and upgrading to a newer graphics card will provide a significant performance boost. Even a relatively budget-friendly modern GPU will offer a substantial improvement in gaming performance.
Consider options like the AMD Radeon RX 6600 or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 as potential upgrades. These cards offer significantly more processing power, VRAM, and support for newer technologies like ray tracing and DLSS. An upgrade will allow you to play modern games at higher resolutions, settings, and framerates, providing a much more enjoyable gaming experience. Plus, these newer cards offer far better power efficiency.
What Alternative Budget Graphics Cards Would You Recommend Over The GTX 960 In [Current Year]?
In [Current Year], several budget graphics cards offer significantly better performance than the GTX 960 at a similar or slightly higher price point on the used market. The AMD Radeon RX 570 or RX 580 are excellent alternatives, offering superior performance and more VRAM than the GTX 960. These cards are widely available and provide a noticeable upgrade for gaming.
Another option to consider is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB. It provides a substantial performance increase over the GTX 960 and also features more VRAM. While these cards are also aging, they still offer a better gaming experience than the GTX 960 and can be found at reasonable prices on the used market. Be sure to check the condition of any used card before purchasing to ensure it is functioning properly.