The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M is a popular mid-range graphics processing unit (GPU) designed for laptops. Released in 2015, it provided a significant performance boost to gaming laptops, making it an attractive option for gamers and content creators on-the-go. However, with the rapid advancement of technology, the GTX 960M has been surpassed by newer, more powerful GPUs. So, what is the GTX 960M equivalent to in today’s market?
Understanding the GTX 960M’s Performance
Before we dive into the equivalent GPUs, it’s essential to understand the GTX 960M’s performance capabilities. The GTX 960M is based on the Maxwell GM206 GPU architecture and features 640 CUDA cores, 40 ROPs, and 64 TMUs. It has a base clock speed of 1,096 MHz, which can be boosted up to 1,152 MHz. The GPU also features 4GB of GDDR5 memory, with a memory bandwidth of 128 GB/s.
In terms of gaming performance, the GTX 960M is capable of handling modern games at medium to high settings. It can deliver frame rates of around 30-60 FPS in games like Fortnite, Overwatch, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, depending on the resolution and graphics settings. However, it may struggle with more demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey or Shadow of the Tomb Raider at higher resolutions.
CURRENT GENERATION EQUIVALENTS
Now that we’ve established the GTX 960M’s performance capabilities, let’s explore its current generation equivalents.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 is a popular entry-level to mid-range GPU, released in 2019. It’s based on the TU116 GPU architecture and features 1280 CUDA cores, 64 ROPs, and 80 TMUs. The GTX 1650 has a base clock speed of 1,485 MHz, which can be boosted up to 1,665 MHz. It also features 4GB of GDDR6 memory, with a memory bandwidth of 128 GB/s.
In terms of performance, the GTX 1650 is around 20-30% faster than the GTX 960M, making it a suitable upgrade for those looking for improved gaming performance. The GTX 1650 can handle modern games at higher resolutions and graphics settings, making it an attractive option for gamers who want to play games at 1080p or 1440p.
AMD Radeon RX 5500M
The AMD Radeon RX 5500M is a mid-range GPU, released in 2020. It’s based on the Navi 14 GPU architecture and features 1280 stream processors, 64 ROPs, and 80 TMUs. The RX 5500M has a base clock speed of 1,447 MHz, which can be boosted up to 1,664 MHz. It also features 4GB of GDDR6 memory, with a memory bandwidth of 128 GB/s.
In terms of performance, the RX 5500M is around 15-25% faster than the GTX 960M, making it a viable alternative for those who want to play games at higher resolutions and graphics settings. The RX 5500M is also more power-efficient than the GTX 1650, making it a suitable option for those who prioritize battery life.
PREVIOUS GENERATION EQUIVALENTS
If you’re looking for a more affordable option or want to upgrade from an older GPU, let’s explore previous generation equivalents.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti is a mid-range GPU, released in 2016. It’s based on the GP107 GPU architecture and features 768 CUDA cores, 48 ROPs, and 48 TMUs. The GTX 1050 Ti has a base clock speed of 1,290 MHz, which can be boosted up to 1,392 MHz. It also features 4GB of GDDR5 memory, with a memory bandwidth of 112 GB/s.
In terms of performance, the GTX 1050 Ti is around 10-20% faster than the GTX 960M, making it a suitable upgrade for those who want improved gaming performance. However, it may struggle with more demanding games at higher resolutions.
AMD Radeon RX 460M
The AMD Radeon RX 460M is a mid-range GPU, released in 2016. It’s based on the Polaris 11 GPU architecture and features 896 stream processors, 48 ROPs, and 56 TMUs. The RX 460M has a base clock speed of 1,090 MHz, which can be boosted up to 1,220 MHz. It also features 2GB or 4GB of GDDR5 memory, with a memory bandwidth of 64 GB/s or 128 GB/s.
In terms of performance, the RX 460M is around 5-15% faster than the GTX 960M, making it a viable alternative for those who want to play games at lower resolutions and graphics settings.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M is equivalent to the current generation NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 and AMD Radeon RX 5500M. These GPUs offer improved performance, power efficiency, and features like GDDR6 memory and higher clock speeds. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the previous generation NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti and AMD Radeon RX 460M are suitable alternatives.
Before making a purchase, consider your gaming needs, budget, and laptop specifications. Remember to check the laptop’s power supply, cooling system, and memory configuration to ensure the GPU can run at its full potential.
By understanding the GTX 960M’s performance capabilities and its equivalents, you can make an informed decision when upgrading or purchasing a new laptop. Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or just want improved graphics performance, there’s a GPU out there that’s right for you.
| GPU | CUDA Cores/Stream Processors | Memory | Memory Bandwidth | Base Clock Speed | Boost Clock Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M | 640 | 4GB GDDR5 | 128 GB/s | 1,096 MHz | 1,152 MHz |
| NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 | 1280 | 4GB GDDR6 | 128 GB/s | 1,485 MHz | 1,665 MHz |
| AMD Radeon RX 5500M | 1280 | 4GB GDDR6 | 128 GB/s | 1,447 MHz | 1,664 MHz |
| NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti | 768 | 4GB GDDR5 | 112 GB/s | 1,290 MHz | 1,392 MHz |
| AMD Radeon RX 460M | 896 | 2GB/4GB GDDR5 | 64 GB/s/128 GB/s | 1,090 MHz | 1,220 MHz |
By comparing the specifications and performance of these GPUs, you can make a more informed decision when choosing a laptop or upgrading your existing GPU.
What is the GTX 960M?
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M is a high-performance graphics processing unit (GPU) designed for laptops. It is a mid-range to high-end GPU, offering excellent gaming performance and power efficiency. The GTX 960M is based on the Maxwell GM206 architecture and features 640 CUDA cores, 128-bit memory bus, and 2GB or 4GB of GDDR5 memory.
With a TDP of 60W, the GTX 960M is suitable for slim and lightweight laptops, making it an ideal choice for gamers and professionals who require high-performance graphics on-the-go. The GTX 960M supports advanced technologies like DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, and Vulkan, ensuring a smooth gaming experience and compatibility with a wide range of games and applications.
What is the equivalent of GTX 960M in the AMD lineup?
The AMD equivalent of the GTX 960M is the Radeon R9 M380. Like the GTX 960M, the R9 M380 is a mid-range to high-end GPU designed for laptops, offering excellent gaming performance and power efficiency. The R9 M380 features 640 stream processors, 128-bit memory bus, and 2GB or 4GB of GDDR5 memory.
While the R9 M380 is a strong competitor to the GTX 960M, it generally lags behind in terms of performance and power efficiency. However, the R9 M380 offers better performance at lower resolutions and is a more affordable option, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious gamers and professionals.
Can I play modern games on a GTX 960M?
Yes, the GTX 960M is capable of playing modern games at medium to high settings. With its 640 CUDA cores and 2GB or 4GB of GDDR5 memory, the GTX 960M can handle demanding games like Fortnite, Overwatch, and League of Legends at 1080p resolution with frame rates above 60 FPS.
However, more demanding games like The Witcher 3, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, and Cyberpunk 2077 may require lower settings or reduced resolution to achieve smooth performance. Additionally, the GTX 960M may struggle with ray tracing and other advanced graphics features, which are now common in modern games.
Is the GTX 960M still a good graphics card?
While the GTX 960M is an older GPU, it is still a good graphics card for casual gaming and general use. It offers excellent performance for 1080p gaming and can handle most modern games at medium settings.
However, if you’re a serious gamer or require high-performance graphics for professional applications, the GTX 960M may not be the best choice. The GPU is several generations old, and more modern GPUs like the RTX 3060 and RX 6700M offer significantly better performance, power efficiency, and features.
Can I upgrade a laptop with a GTX 960M?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to upgrade a laptop with a GTX 960M to a newer or more powerful GPU. The GTX 960M is soldered to the motherboard, making it impossible to replace or upgrade.
However, you can consider upgrading other components like the RAM, storage, or processor to improve overall system performance. Additionally, you can explore external graphics card solutions like eGPUs, which can provide a significant performance boost for gaming and graphics-intensive applications.
What are the advantages of GTX 960M over integrated graphics?
The GTX 960M offers several advantages over integrated graphics like Intel Iris or UHD Graphics. Firstly, the GTX 960M provides dedicated video memory, which is not shared with system RAM, ensuring better performance and reduced memory bottleneck.
Additionally, the GTX 960M offers significantly better gaming performance, supports more advanced graphics features, and is more power-efficient than integrated graphics. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers, professionals, and anyone who requires high-performance graphics on-the-go.
Is GTX 960M compatible with modern operating systems?
Yes, the GTX 960M is compatible with modern operating systems like Windows 10, macOS High Sierra, and Linux. NVIDIA provides regular driver updates for the GTX 960M, ensuring compatibility with the latest operating systems and applications.
However, it’s essential to note that the GTX 960M may not support the latest graphics features and APIs, which may require more modern GPUs. Additionally, some older games or applications may not be optimized for the GTX 960M, leading to compatibility issues or performance problems.