The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 860M is a mid-range graphics card designed for laptops, released in 2014. It is based on the Maxwell architecture and is known for its power efficiency and performance. For gamers, the question remains: is the GTX 860M good for gaming? In this article, we will delve into the details of the GTX 860M, its features, and its performance in various games to provide a comprehensive answer.
Introduction to GTX 860M
The GTX 860M is a part of NVIDIA’s GeForce 800M series, which was a significant upgrade over the previous 700M series. It features 640 CUDA cores, a base clock speed of 1029 MHz, and a boost clock speed of up to 1098 MHz. The card also comes with 2GB or 4GB of GDDR5 memory, depending on the variant. The GTX 860M is designed to provide a balance between performance and power consumption, making it suitable for gaming laptops.
Architecture and Features
The Maxwell architecture used in the GTX 860M provides several improvements over the previous Kepler architecture. It offers better performance per watt, which means that the card can provide higher frame rates while consuming less power. The GTX 860M also supports various NVIDIA technologies, including CUDA, PhysX, and GeForce Experience. These features enhance the overall gaming experience by providing better graphics quality, physics simulations, and driver updates.
Performance Comparison
To determine if the GTX 860M is good for gaming, we need to compare its performance with other graphics cards in its class. The GTX 860M is generally faster than the GTX 765M and GTX 770M, but slower than the GTX 870M and GTX 880M. In terms of performance, the GTX 860M is comparable to the AMD Radeon R9 M275, which is a mid-range graphics card from AMD.
Gaming Performance
The gaming performance of the GTX 860M varies depending on the game and the resolution. At 1080p (1920×1080) resolution, the GTX 860M can handle most modern games at medium to high settings. However, at higher resolutions such as 1440p (2560×1440) or 4K (3840×2160), the card may struggle to provide smooth frame rates. Here are some examples of gaming performance:
In games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and World of Warcraft, the GTX 860M can provide frame rates above 60 FPS at 1080p resolution. In more demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, The Witcher 3, and Grand Theft Auto V, the card can provide frame rates around 40-50 FPS at 1080p resolution.
Frame Rates and Resolution
The frame rate and resolution are crucial factors in determining the gaming performance of a graphics card. A higher frame rate provides a smoother gaming experience, while a higher resolution provides more detailed graphics. The GTX 860M can handle 1080p resolution with ease, but it may struggle at higher resolutions.
1080p Gaming
At 1080p resolution, the GTX 860M can provide high frame rates in most games. In games like Fortnite, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, and Overwatch, the card can provide frame rates above 60 FPS. However, in more demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, the card may provide frame rates around 40-50 FPS.
1440p and 4K Gaming
At higher resolutions such as 1440p and 4K, the GTX 860M may struggle to provide smooth frame rates. In games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and The Witcher 3, the card can provide frame rates around 20-30 FPS at 1440p resolution. At 4K resolution, the card may provide frame rates below 20 FPS, which can be frustrating for gamers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 860M is a good graphics card for gaming, but its performance depends on the game and the resolution. At 1080p resolution, the card can handle most modern games at medium to high settings. However, at higher resolutions such as 1440p and 4K, the card may struggle to provide smooth frame rates. If you’re looking for a graphics card for gaming at 1080p resolution, the GTX 860M is a good option. However, if you’re looking for a card that can handle higher resolutions, you may want to consider a more powerful graphics card.
Recommendation
Based on our review, we recommend the GTX 860M for gamers who play at 1080p resolution. The card provides good performance and power efficiency, making it suitable for gaming laptops. However, for gamers who play at higher resolutions, we recommend considering a more powerful graphics card such as the GTX 870M or GTX 880M.
| Game | Resolution | Frame Rate |
|---|---|---|
| League of Legends | 1080p | 60-80 FPS |
| Dota 2 | 1080p | 60-80 FPS |
| Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | 1080p | 40-50 FPS |
| The Witcher 3 | 1080p | 40-50 FPS |
In summary, the GTX 860M is a good graphics card for gaming at 1080p resolution, but its performance may vary at higher resolutions. We hope this review has provided you with valuable information to help you make an informed decision when choosing a graphics card for your gaming needs.
What is the GTX 860M and is it suitable for gaming?
The GTX 860M is a mid-range graphics processing unit (GPU) designed by NVIDIA, specifically for laptops. It is based on the Maxwell architecture and was released in 2014. The GTX 860M is considered a popular choice among gamers due to its balance of performance and power consumption. It features 640 CUDA cores, 40 texture mapping units, and 16 render outputs, making it capable of handling demanding games at medium to high settings.
In terms of suitability for gaming, the GTX 860M is a good option for those who want to play modern games at 1080p resolution with decent frame rates. However, it may struggle with more demanding games at higher resolutions or with ultra-high graphics settings. The GTX 860M is also a good choice for those who want to play less demanding games, such as esports titles, at high frame rates. Overall, the GTX 860M is a good GPU for gaming, but its performance may vary depending on the specific game and system configuration.
How does the GTX 860M compare to other GPUs in its class?
The GTX 860M is often compared to other mid-range GPUs, such as the AMD Radeon R9 M275 and the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 850M. In terms of performance, the GTX 860M is generally considered to be faster than the GTX 850M and comparable to the R9 M275. However, the GTX 860M has a lower power consumption than the R9 M275, making it a more efficient option. The GTX 860M also supports NVIDIA’s proprietary technologies, such as Optimus and PhysX, which can enhance gaming performance and provide a more immersive experience.
In terms of specific benchmarks, the GTX 860M is capable of achieving frame rates of around 40-60 FPS in modern games at 1080p resolution with medium to high graphics settings. For example, in games like League of Legends and Dota 2, the GTX 860M can achieve frame rates of over 100 FPS, while in more demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and The Witcher 3, it can achieve frame rates of around 30-40 FPS. Overall, the GTX 860M is a competitive GPU in its class, offering a good balance of performance and power consumption.
What are the system requirements for the GTX 860M?
The system requirements for the GTX 860M vary depending on the specific laptop or system configuration. However, in general, the GTX 860M requires a laptop with a minimum of 4GB of RAM, a dual-core processor, and a 64-bit operating system. The GTX 860M also requires a power supply of at least 60W, although some laptops may require more power depending on their specific configuration. In terms of cooling, the GTX 860M is designed to operate within a temperature range of 0-100°C, and it is recommended that laptops with the GTX 860M have a good cooling system to prevent overheating.
In terms of specific system configurations, the GTX 860M is often paired with Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, 8-16GB of RAM, and a 256-512GB solid-state drive. This configuration provides a good balance of performance and power consumption, and it is suitable for a wide range of gaming and non-gaming applications. However, the specific system requirements may vary depending on the user’s specific needs and preferences, and it is recommended that users check the system requirements for their specific laptop or system configuration before purchasing.
Can the GTX 860M handle 4K gaming?
The GTX 860M is not designed to handle 4K gaming, and it may struggle to achieve decent frame rates at this resolution. While the GTX 860M is capable of outputting 4K resolution, its performance at this resolution is limited by its memory bandwidth and processing power. In general, the GTX 860M is best suited for gaming at 1080p or 1440p resolution, where it can achieve higher frame rates and provide a smoother gaming experience.
In terms of specific 4K gaming performance, the GTX 860M may be able to achieve frame rates of around 10-20 FPS in less demanding games, but it may struggle to achieve frame rates above 10 FPS in more demanding games. For example, in games like Fortnite and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, the GTX 860M may be able to achieve frame rates of around 15-20 FPS at 4K resolution, but in more demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and The Witcher 3, it may struggle to achieve frame rates above 10 FPS. Overall, the GTX 860M is not the best option for 4K gaming, and users who want to play games at this resolution may want to consider a more powerful GPU.
How long will the GTX 860M remain relevant for gaming?
The GTX 860M is an older GPU, and its relevance for gaming will depend on the specific games and system configurations. In general, the GTX 860M will remain relevant for gaming for the next few years, although its performance may decline over time as new games are released with more demanding graphics requirements. The GTX 860M is still capable of playing modern games at medium to high settings, although it may struggle with more demanding games or at higher resolutions.
In terms of specific timeframes, the GTX 860M may remain relevant for gaming for around 2-3 years, although this will depend on the specific games and system configurations. For example, in games like League of Legends and Dota 2, the GTX 860M may remain relevant for gaming for around 5 years, while in more demanding games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and The Witcher 3, it may become less relevant within the next 1-2 years. Overall, the GTX 860M is still a good option for gaming, but users who want to play the latest games at high settings may want to consider a more powerful GPU.
Can the GTX 860M be upgraded or overclocked?
The GTX 860M is a laptop GPU, and it is generally not possible to upgrade or overclock it. The GTX 860M is soldered to the laptop’s motherboard, and it is not designed to be user-upgradeable. Additionally, the GTX 860M is designed to operate within a specific power and thermal envelope, and overclocking it may void the laptop’s warranty or cause damage to the GPU or other system components.
In terms of specific overclocking options, some laptops may allow users to adjust the GPU’s clock speed or voltage using software tools, although this is not common. However, even if overclocking is possible, it is generally not recommended, as it may cause system instability or reduce the lifespan of the GPU. Instead, users who want to improve their gaming performance may want to consider upgrading their laptop’s RAM or storage, or using external graphics solutions like NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 1080 or AMD’s Radeon RX 580. Overall, the GTX 860M is not designed to be upgraded or overclocked, and users should be cautious when attempting to modify their laptop’s hardware or software configuration.
Is the GTX 860M still available for purchase?
The GTX 860M is an older GPU, and it is no longer widely available for purchase. The GTX 860M was discontinued by NVIDIA in 2016, and it has been replaced by newer GPUs like the GeForce GTX 960M and GTX 1060. However, some laptops with the GTX 860M may still be available for purchase from online retailers or second-hand sellers, although these laptops may be older models or refurbished units.
In terms of specific purchasing options, users who want to buy a laptop with the GTX 860M may need to search online marketplaces or second-hand sellers, although they should be cautious when purchasing used or refurbished laptops. Additionally, users who want to buy a new laptop with a more modern GPU may want to consider newer models with GPUs like the GeForce GTX 1660 Ti or AMD’s Radeon RX 560X. Overall, the GTX 860M is no longer widely available for purchase, and users who want to buy a laptop with this GPU may need to consider older or refurbished models.