- The GTX 960 offers good performance at an affordable price making it a favorite among budget conscious gamers.
- Despite its age the GTX 960 can handle demanding games at medium to high settings.
- The graphics card is power efficient and reliable.
Nvidia has been a producer of graphics cards for years now. In a world where graphics cards such as the RTX 4090 and RTX 3090 dominate discussions it may seem unusual for someone to sing praises for the GeForce GTX 960.
The GTX 960 is a part of Nvidia’s 900 series. Despite its age and the advancements in GPU technology this this mid-range card from 2015 holds a special place in my setup. Let’s go through why I still use the GTX 960 and why it remains to be a good choice for gamers.
A Budget-Friendly Powerhouse
When it was released the GTX 960 was praised for its balance between performance and affordability. Even today it remains a great graphics card on the cheaper end of the spectrum having all drivers needed available on Nvidia’s site.
For gamers looking for a graphics card but lack the budget to buy the latest hardware the 960 is a great option. However, if still wanting to buy a newer model gamers can try buying used cards that are not hefty on the pricing.
Still Capable of Handling Demanding Titles
Having a base clock speed of 1127MHz and a boost clock speed of 1178MHz the GTX 960 is able to run high-demanding titles such as the Witcher 3 which has set bar for open world RPGs. In my experience, this card has help up remarkably against newer games. While I still cat crank every setting to ultra, I can still enjoy a smooth gaming experience.
Even GTA 5 runs smoothly at 1080p with respectable frame rates using this GPU. I have played the Shadow of the Tomb Raider, God of War, Elden Ring and more using the GTX 960 with great results. This proves that the Nvidia GTX 960 still has some fight left in it. The cards 2GB VRAM may seem limiting by today’s standards but it can still deliver an enjoyable experience.
Efficient and Reliable
Another reason why I continue to use the GTX 960 is its efficiency. The cards design has a main focus on power efficiency this means it does not require a high-wattage power supply. This makes the card perfect for those with older low powered hardware not looking to upgrade the entire rig to support a new graphics card.
Despite cards like the GeForce RTX 4070, it’s just not as power efficient and budget friendly as the GTX 960. In all the years I’ve had the GTX 960, I’ve never had any issues with overheating or performance degradation. This kind of reliability is rare and valuable in newer cards hence why I keep using the GTX 960.
Another reason I continue to use the GTX 960 is its efficiency. The card’s design prioritizes power efficiency, meaning it doesn’t require a high-wattage power supply to run effectively. This makes it an excellent choice for those with older or lower-powered systems who might not want to upgrade their entire rig just to support a new graphics card.
A Nostalgic Value
For many gamers including myself, the GTX 960 represents a piece of gaming history. It was a card that provided great performance and reliability during a pivotal time in the industry.
Holding on to it for me feels like keeping a piece of that era alive not to mention it can handle a lot that I throw at it. It strangely reminds me of the countless hours I spent gaming exploring vast open worlds, battling opponents and getting lost in the immersive stories.
A Classic That Still Holds Its Own
While it’s indeed true that the GTX 960 can’t compete with newer models such as the RTX 3060 and GTX 1070 it’s still a great option for those with low budget. Its reliability and performance make it classic that still holds its own even in 2024. I highly recommend this graphics card to anyone out there wanting a low-cost setup.
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[News Editor]
Obaid is pursuing a Law degree while working as a content writer. He has worked as a gaming writer for over three years because of his passion for the medium and reporting the latest updates in the industry. Having played hundreds of games, Obaid finds himself coming back to Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, and Red Dead Redemption 2, with these games being among his favorites. He has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as Wccftech, Metro UK, PS Lifestyle, GamePressure, VGC, and Gamespot.