The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950 is a popular mid-range graphics card that has been a favorite among gamers for several years. Released in 2015, this GPU has managed to hold its own against newer models, offering a great balance of performance and price. But how strong is the GTX 950, really? Can it handle the demands of modern gaming, or is it starting to show its age?
Architecture and Specifications
To understand the strengths and weaknesses of the GTX 950, let’s take a closer look at its architecture and specifications. The GTX 950 is based on the GM206 GPU, a 28nm process that is also used in the GTX 960 and GTX 970. It features 768 CUDA cores, 48 texture units, and 32 ROPs (render outputs). The base clock speed is 1024 MHz, with a boost clock speed of up to 1188 MHz.
The GTX 950 also comes with 2 GB of GDDR5 memory, which is plenty for 1080p gaming and even some 1440p titles. The memory bandwidth is 105.7 GB/s, which is decent considering the price point.
Memory and Bandwidth
One of the areas where the GTX 950 falls short is memory. 2 GB may have been sufficient a few years ago, but modern games are increasingly demanding more VRAM. This can lead to performance issues in games that require large amounts of memory, especially at higher resolutions.
However, the GTX 950’s memory bandwidth is still respectable, and it’s able to keep up with many modern games at lower resolutions. It’s also worth noting that the GTX 950’s memory is clocked at an impressive 7 Gbps, which helps to alleviate some of the memory bandwidth constraints.
Gaming Performance
So, how does the GTX 950 perform in real-world gaming scenarios? The answer is: surprisingly well, considering its age and price point.
1080p Gaming
At 1080p (1920×1080), the GTX 950 is still a very capable GPU. It can handle most modern games at high to very high settings, with frame rates often exceeding 60 FPS. In games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Overwatch, the GTX 950 can deliver frame rates well over 100 FPS, making it an excellent choice for esports enthusiasts.
Example Game Performance at 1080p
| Game | Resolution | Graphics Settings | FPS |
| — | — | — | — |
| The Witcher 3 | 1920×1080 | High | 45-60 FPS |
| Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | 1920×1080 | Medium | 40-50 FPS |
| Fortnite | 1920×1080 | Epic | 60-80 FPS |
1440p Gaming
At 1440p (2560×1440), the GTX 950 starts to show its limitations. While it can still handle many modern games, frame rates often dip below 60 FPS at higher graphics settings. However, it’s still possible to get smooth performance in many games, especially those that are less demanding.
Example Game Performance at 1440p
| Game | Resolution | Graphics Settings | FPS |
| — | — | — | — |
| The Witcher 3 | 2560×1440 | Medium | 30-40 FPS |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 2560×1440 | High | 40-50 FPS |
| CS:GO | 2560×1440 | Low | 60-80 FPS |
Comparison to Other GPUs
To put the GTX 950’s performance into perspective, let’s compare it to other GPUs in its class.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
The GTX 1050 Ti is a more modern GPU from NVIDIA, released in 2016. It features 768 CUDA cores, 48 texture units, and 32 ROPs, similar to the GTX 950. However, the GTX 1050 Ti has a higher base clock speed (1290 MHz) and a higher boost clock speed (1392 MHz). It also comes with 4 GB of GDDR5 memory, which is double the amount of the GTX 950.
In terms of performance, the GTX 1050 Ti is around 10-15% faster than the GTX 950 at 1080p, and around 20-25% faster at 1440p.
AMD Radeon RX 560
The RX 560 is a mid-range GPU from AMD, released in 2017. It features 1024 stream processors, 64 texture units, and 32 ROPs. It comes with 4 GB of GDDR5 memory, similar to the GTX 1050 Ti.
In terms of performance, the RX 560 is around 5-10% slower than the GTX 950 at 1080p, and around 10-15% slower at 1440p. However, the RX 560 has a lower power consumption and is often cheaper than the GTX 950.
Power Consumption and Noise
One of the areas where the GTX 950 excels is power consumption. It has a relatively low TDP (thermal design power) of 90W, which is lower than many modern GPUs. This makes it an excellent choice for small form factor builds or systems with limited power supply.
The GTX 950 is also relatively quiet, with a noise level of around 35-40 dBA under load. This is quieter than many modern GPUs, which can often reach noise levels of 45-50 dBA or higher.
Conclusion
So, how strong is the GTX 950? In conclusion, the GTX 950 is still a very capable GPU, especially at 1080p. It offers excellent performance in many modern games, and its low power consumption and noise level make it an attractive choice for small form factor builds or systems with limited power supply.
However, the GTX 950’s 2 GB of memory is starting to show its age, and it may struggle with more demanding games at higher resolutions. If you’re looking for a GPU that can handle 1440p gaming with ease, you may want to consider a more modern option like the GTX 1050 Ti or RX 560.
Overall, the GTX 950 is still a great choice for budget-conscious gamers who want reliable performance and low power consumption. It may not be the most powerful GPU on the market, but it’s a great option for those who want a hassle-free gaming experience without breaking the bank.
What is the GTX 950 and its place in the NVIDIA lineup?
The GTX 950 is a mid-range graphics card from NVIDIA, released in 2015 as part of their 900 series. It is positioned below the high-end GTX 960 and above the entry-level GTX 750 Ti. The GTX 950 is designed to provide a balance between performance and power efficiency, making it a popular choice for 1080p gaming and casual gamers.
In terms of its place in the NVIDIA lineup, the GTX 950 is considered a budget-friendly option for those who want to play modern games at high settings but don’t need the absolute best performance. It’s a step up from the GTX 750 Ti but not quite as powerful as the GTX 960. This makes it an attractive option for those who want to upgrade from an older graphics card or build a new gaming PC on a budget.
What are the key features of the GTX 950?
The GTX 950 is based on the GM206 GPU, which is a 28nm process and has 768 CUDA cores. It has a base clock speed of 1024 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1188 MHz. The card also has 2GB of GDDR5 memory with a 128-bit bus width, providing a bandwidth of 105.7 GB/s. Additionally, the GTX 950 supports DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, and Vulkan.
In terms of its feature set, the GTX 950 supports NVIDIA’s proprietary technologies such as GeForce Experience, ShadowPlay, and GameStream. It also has support for 4K resolution at 60Hz, as well as HDR and Surround technologies. The card also has a low TDP of 90W, making it a great option for those who want a power-efficient graphics card.
How does the GTX 950 perform in modern games?
The GTX 950 is capable of playing modern games at high settings, but its performance may vary depending on the game and resolution. At 1080p, the GTX 950 can handle most games at over 60 FPS, with some games reaching up to 100 FPS. However, at higher resolutions such as 1440p and 4K, the card’s performance may drop to around 30-40 FPS.
In terms of specific game performance, the GTX 950 can handle games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Overwatch at high settings. However, more demanding games like The Witcher 3, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, and Cyberpunk 2077 may require lower settings to achieve smooth performance.
Can the GTX 950 handle 4K gaming?
While the GTX 950 can technically handle 4K resolutions, its performance may not be suitable for smooth gaming at this resolution. At 4K, the GTX 950’s performance may drop to around 20-30 FPS in demanding games, which may not provide a smooth gaming experience.
That being said, if you’re looking to play less demanding games or esports titles at 4K, the GTX 950 may be able to handle it. However, for more demanding games, it’s recommended to consider a more powerful graphics card like the GTX 1060 or higher.
Is the GTX 950 still a good option in 2023?
While the GTX 950 was a great option in its time, its performance has been surpassed by newer graphics cards. In 2023, there are more powerful and efficient options available, such as the GTX 1660 and GTX 1670.
That being said, if you can find a good deal on a used or refurbished GTX 950, it may still be a good option for casual gamers or those on a tight budget. However, if you’re looking for the best performance for your money, it’s recommended to consider newer graphics cards.
How does the GTX 950 compare to AMD’s equivalent graphics cards?
The GTX 950’s main competitor from AMD is the Radeon R9 370. In terms of performance, the GTX 950 generally outperforms the R9 370 in most modern games. However, the R9 370 may have an advantage in certain games that are optimized for AMD graphics cards.
In terms of power efficiency, the GTX 950 has a lower TDP than the R9 370, making it a more attractive option for those who want to build a power-efficient gaming PC. However, the R9 370 may have an advantage in terms of its price, with many models available at a lower cost than the GTX 950.
What are some good alternatives to the GTX 950?
If you’re looking for alternatives to the GTX 950, there are several options available. For those who want a more powerful graphics card, the GTX 1060 or GTX 1660 may be a good option. For those on a tighter budget, the GTX 1650 or GTX 750 Ti may be a good alternative.
In terms of AMD options, the Radeon RX 560 or RX 570 may be a good alternative to the GTX 950. These cards offer similar performance to the GTX 950 at a competitive price point. Ultimately, the best alternative will depend on your specific gaming needs and budget.