The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 is a mid-range graphics processing unit (GPU) that was launched in January 2015. This GPU was designed to cater to the growing demand for affordable and high-performance graphics cards for gaming and professional applications. As we delve into the details of this graphics card, we will explore its features, performance, and how it stands the test of time.
The Release and Specifications of the GTX 960
The GTX 960 was officially announced on January 22, 2015, as a successor to the GTX 760 and GTX 660. This GPU is based on the Maxwell GM206-300-A1 architecture, which offers significant improvements in terms of power efficiency and performance compared to its predecessors. The GTX 960 is equipped with 1024 CUDA cores, 64 ROPs (Render Outputs), and 128-bit memory bus that supports up to 2 GB of GDDR5 memory.
In terms of clock speeds, the GTX 960 features a base clock speed of 1126 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1178 MHz. The memory clock speed is 7012 MHz, which provides a maximum memory bandwidth of 112 GB/s. The GTX 960 also supports technologies like NVIDIA SLI for multi-GPU configurations, NVIDIA Surround for multiple monitor setups, and DirectX 12 for next-generation gaming.
Availability and Pricing
The GTX 960 was launched with a recommended retail price of $199, making it an attractive option for gamers on a budget. However, prices varied depending on the region and vendor. Some variants of the GTX 960, such as those with ACX 2.0 or WindForce cooling systems, may have been priced higher due to their advanced features and build quality.
Over time, the prices of GTX 960 graphics cards have decreased significantly. As of now, you can find GTX 960 graphics cards from various vendors for as low as $100-$150. However, the availability of GTX 960 graphics cards may be limited compared to newer graphics cards.
Performance and Benchmarks
The GTX 960 was known for its impressive performance in various games and applications. In terms of graphics performance, it was on par with the AMD Radeon R9 280X, which was a popular graphics card at that time. The GTX 960 was also optimized for various NVIDIA technologies, including NVIDIA PhysX, NVIDIA HairWorks, and NVIDIA ShadowWorks.
To give you an idea of how the GTX 960 performed in various games, let’s look at some benchmarks:
| Game | Resolution | FPS (With GTX 960) | FPS (With GTX 770) |
| — | — | — | — |
| Assassin’s Creed Unity | 1080p | 43.8 | 36.8 |
| Far Cry 4 | 1080p | 63.8 | 56.6 |
| GTA V | 1080p | 51.6 | 43.4 |
As you can see, the GTX 960 offered better performance than the GTX 770 in these games, despite being a mid-range graphics card.
Power Consumption and Overclocking
One of the most notable features of the GTX 960 is its low power consumption. With a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of just 120W, the GTX 960 was an efficient graphics card for its time. In contrast, many modern graphics cards have TDPs above 300W.
The GTX 960 was also known for its overclocking capabilities. With a good after-market cooling system, you could easily bump up the GPU clock speed to 1300 MHz or more. However, overclocking requires a deep understanding of graphics card architecture and careful monitoring of temperatures and power consumption.
Compatibility and Upgrade Options
The GTX 960 is compatible with a wide range of motherboards and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It also supports various audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and 7.1 channel surround sound.
However, as you consider upgrading your system with a GTX 960 or upgrading from a GTX 960 to a newer graphics card, it’s essential to check compatibility. You should ensure that your motherboard supports the graphics card and that you have enough power supply to handle the power requirements of the graphics card.
If you’re planning to upgrade from a GTX 960 to a newer graphics card, you might want to consider the following options:
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660: A budget-friendly graphics card with improved performance and features like ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060: A mid-range graphics card with next-generation features like real-time ray tracing, variable rate shading, and multi-frame sampled anti-aliasing.
Legacy Support and Driver Updates
NVIDIA has maintained legacy support for the GTX 960 by releasing driver updates for various operating systems. However, the frequency of driver updates has decreased over time.
As of now, the GTX 960 supports the following drivers:
- Windows 10: 442.23 (launched on January 6, 2020)
- Windows 7 and 8.1: 426.09 (launched on March 7, 2019)
- macOS: 346.03.02f03 (launched on September 25, 2017)
Keep in mind that NVIDIA may drop support for the GTX 960 in the future, so it’s essential to check the NVIDIA website for updates and compatibility.
Conclusion
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 was an impressive mid-range graphics card in its time, offering high-performance capabilities and advanced features for gaming and professional applications. While it’s been almost eight years since its release, the GTX 960 remains a viable option for those on a budget or for those looking for a compatible graphics card for specific systems.
However, the graphics landscape has evolved significantly since the GTX 960, with newer graphics cards offering improved performance, power efficiency, and features. If you’re planning to upgrade or build a new system, it’s essential to consider your options carefully and choose a graphics card that meets your needs and budget.
As we wrap up this article, remember that the GTX 960 is a relic of the past, but its legacy lives on as an affordable and reliable graphics card for those who remember the graphics wars of yesteryear.
How Old is a GTX 960?
The GTX 960 is a relatively old graphics card, released on January 22, 2015. It was part of the 9-series from Nvidia, which was based on the second-generation Maxwell architecture. This architecture brought significant improvements in performance and power efficiency compared to its predecessors.
Despite being released several years ago, the GTX 960 is still capable of handling modern games, albeit at lower resolutions and settings. However, it may struggle to provide smooth performance in more demanding titles, especially those that utilize advanced technologies like ray tracing and artificial intelligence.
What Kind of Performance Can You Expect from a GTX 960?
The GTX 960 offers performance that is somewhat comparable to modern integrated graphics, but it still outperforms most integrated solutions in many cases. It features 1024 CUDA cores, a base clock speed of 1126 MHz, and 2 GB of GDDR5 memory. This hardware configuration allows it to handle a wide range of tasks, including gaming, video playback, and graphics editing.
However, the GTX 960 is no longer suitable for 4K gaming or high-refresh-rate gaming. It can handle 1080p gaming at high frame rates, but you may need to reduce the graphics settings to achieve smooth performance. The card also lacks support for more advanced technologies like DirectX Raytracing and artificial intelligence.
Is the GTX 960 Still Worth Using Today?
The GTX 960 can still be a viable option for users who do not require the latest and greatest graphics technology. It can handle everyday tasks like browsing, video playback, and office work with ease. Additionally, it can still provide a smooth gaming experience in less demanding titles.
However, if you want to play the latest games at high resolutions and frame rates, you may want to consider upgrading to a more modern graphics card. The GTX 960’s limited VRAM and lack of advanced features like ray tracing and artificial intelligence make it less suitable for demanding applications.
Can You Still Find GTX 960 Graphics Cards for Sale?
Yes, you can still find GTX 960 graphics cards for sale from various retailers and online marketplaces. However, availability may be limited, and prices can vary widely depending on the seller, condition, and specifications of the card.
It’s worth noting that buying a used or refurbished GTX 960 may not be the best option, as the card may have already served its lifespan. Additionally, the warranty may have expired, and support for the card may be limited.
What Are Some Alternatives to the GTX 960?
If you’re looking for a more modern graphics card, there are several alternatives to consider. The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 or GTX 1660 Super offer significant performance upgrades over the GTX 960, while the AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT or RX 6700 XT provide a more affordable alternative.
These cards offer better performance, more advanced features, and support for the latest graphics technologies. However, they also require a more powerful power supply and may not be compatible with older systems.
Can I Upgrade My GTX 960 to a More Modern Graphics Card?
In most cases, yes, you can upgrade your GTX 960 to a more modern graphics card. However, you’ll need to ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements for the new card, including a compatible power supply, motherboard, and operating system.
Before upgrading, it’s essential to check the compatibility of the new card with your system, as well as the installation requirements. You may need to update your drivers, BIOS, or firmware to ensure smooth operation.
What Happens to the GTX 960 in the Future?
As time goes on, the GTX 960 will continue to become less relevant in the world of computer hardware. Driver support will eventually cease, and the card will no longer receive updates or security patches.
However, the GTX 960 will still be usable for many years to come, albeit with limited compatibility and performance. As newer graphics cards become available, the GTX 960 will likely be relegated to legacy systems or repurposed for tasks that do not require intense graphics processing.