The GeForce GTX 950 is a mid-range graphics card from NVIDIA, released in 2015. It was designed to provide a balance between performance and power consumption, making it an attractive option for gamers who want to play the latest games without breaking the bank. But is the GeForce GTX 950 good for gaming? In this article, we will delve into the details of this graphics card, its features, and its performance in various games to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your gaming needs.
Introduction to the GeForce GTX 950
The GeForce GTX 950 is based on the Maxwell architecture, which was a significant improvement over the previous Kepler architecture. It features 768 CUDA cores, 48 texture units, and 32 render outputs. The card has a base clock speed of 1024 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1188 MHz. It also comes with 2 GB of GDDR5 memory, which provides a memory bandwidth of 128 GB/s.
Key Features of the GeForce GTX 950
The GeForce GTX 950 has several key features that make it an attractive option for gamers. Some of the most notable features include:
The GeForce GTX 950 supports DirectX 12, which provides better performance and more efficient use of system resources. It also supports NVIDIA’s proprietary technologies such as PhysX, which provides more realistic physics simulations, and GeForce Experience, which allows for easy driver updates and game optimization. Additionally, the card supports NVIDIA’s DSR (Dynamic Super Resolution) technology, which allows for higher resolution gaming without the need for a 4K monitor.
Power Consumption and Cooling
The GeForce GTX 950 has a relatively low power consumption of 90W, which makes it a great option for those who want to build a gaming PC without breaking the bank. The card is also relatively cool, with a maximum temperature of 95°C. It uses a single fan cooling system, which provides adequate cooling for most gaming applications.
Gaming Performance of the GeForce GTX 950
So, how does the GeForce GTX 950 perform in games? The answer is, it depends on the game. The card is capable of playing most modern games at 1080p resolution, but it may struggle with more demanding games at higher resolutions. In general, the GeForce GTX 950 is best suited for playing games at 1080p resolution with medium to high graphics settings.
Some examples of games that the GeForce GTX 950 can play at 1080p resolution with medium to high graphics settings include:
| Game | Resolution | Graphics Settings | Frame Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | 1080p | Medium | 40-50 FPS |
| Fortnite | 1080p | High | 50-60 FPS |
| PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds | 1080p | Medium | 40-50 FPS |
As you can see, the GeForce GTX 950 is capable of playing most modern games at 1080p resolution with medium to high graphics settings. However, it may struggle with more demanding games at higher resolutions.
Comparison to Other Graphics Cards
So, how does the GeForce GTX 950 compare to other graphics cards on the market? The answer is, it’s a mid-range card that falls behind more powerful cards like the GeForce GTX 1060 and the Radeon RX 580. However, it’s also more affordable than these cards, making it a great option for those on a budget.
In terms of performance, the GeForce GTX 950 is similar to the Radeon R7 370, which is a mid-range card from AMD. However, the GeForce GTX 950 has several advantages over the Radeon R7 370, including better power efficiency and more advanced features like DirectX 12 support.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the GeForce GTX 950 is a good graphics card for gaming, but it’s not the best. It’s a mid-range card that’s capable of playing most modern games at 1080p resolution with medium to high graphics settings. However, it may struggle with more demanding games at higher resolutions. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly graphics card that can play most modern games, the GeForce GTX 950 is a great option. However, if you’re looking for a more powerful card that can play games at higher resolutions, you may want to consider a more powerful card like the GeForce GTX 1060 or the Radeon RX 580.
Upgrading and Overclocking the GeForce GTX 950
If you already own a GeForce GTX 950, you may be wondering if it’s possible to upgrade or overclock the card to improve its performance. The answer is, yes, it is possible to upgrade and overclock the GeForce GTX 950, but it’s not always easy.
One way to upgrade the GeForce GTX 950 is to add more memory to the card. The card comes with 2 GB of GDDR5 memory, but it’s possible to upgrade to 4 GB or more. However, this requires a significant amount of technical expertise and may not always be possible.
Another way to improve the performance of the GeForce GTX 950 is to overclock the card. Overclocking involves increasing the clock speed of the card to improve its performance. However, this can also increase the power consumption and heat generation of the card, which can be a problem if you don’t have adequate cooling.
To overclock the GeForce GTX 950, you’ll need to use a software tool like MSI Afterburner or EVGA Precision XOC. These tools allow you to adjust the clock speed and voltage of the card to improve its performance. However, be careful when overclocking, as it can damage the card if you’re not careful.
Tips for Overclocking the GeForce GTX 950
If you’re interested in overclocking the GeForce GTX 950, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Make sure you have adequate cooling before attempting to overclock the card. This may involve installing a more powerful fan or a liquid cooling system.
Start with small increments and gradually increase the clock speed and voltage of the card.
Monitor the temperature and power consumption of the card closely to avoid damaging it.
Use a software tool like MSI Afterburner or EVGA Precision XOC to adjust the clock speed and voltage of the card.
By following these tips, you can safely overclock the GeForce GTX 950 and improve its performance. However, be careful, as overclocking can be risky and may void the warranty of the card.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the GeForce GTX 950 is a good graphics card for gaming, but it’s not the best. It’s a mid-range card that’s capable of playing most modern games at 1080p resolution with medium to high graphics settings. However, it may struggle with more demanding games at higher resolutions. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly graphics card that can play most modern games, the GeForce GTX 950 is a great option. However, if you’re looking for a more powerful card that can play games at higher resolutions, you may want to consider a more powerful card like the GeForce GTX 1060 or the Radeon RX 580.
Overall, the GeForce GTX 950 is a good option for those on a budget who want to play modern games at 1080p resolution. However, it’s not the best option for those who want to play games at higher resolutions or with more demanding graphics settings. By considering the pros and cons of the GeForce GTX 950 and weighing your options carefully, you can make an informed decision about whether this card is right for you.
Is the GeForce GTX 950 still a viable option for modern gaming?
The GeForce GTX 950 was released in 2015 and was considered a mid-range graphics card at the time. Although it was a popular choice among gamers, its performance may not be on par with modern graphics cards. However, it can still handle less demanding games and older titles at lower resolutions and graphics settings. If you’re looking to play games at 1080p or lower, the GTX 950 might still be a viable option, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
That being said, the GTX 950 may struggle with more demanding games, especially those that require higher resolutions, frame rates, or advanced graphics features. If you’re looking to play the latest games at high settings, you may want to consider a more modern graphics card. Additionally, the GTX 950 may not be compatible with some of the latest technologies, such as ray tracing or artificial intelligence-enhanced graphics. Overall, while the GTX 950 can still handle some modern games, it’s not the best option for those who want to play the latest titles at high settings.
What are the key specifications of the GeForce GTX 950?
The GeForce GTX 950 is based on the Maxwell GM206 GPU and features 768 CUDA cores, 48 texture units, and 32 render outputs. It has a base clock speed of 1024 MHz and a boost clock speed of up to 1188 MHz. The card also features 2 GB of GDDR5 memory, which is connected to the GPU via a 128-bit memory interface. In terms of power consumption, the GTX 950 has a TDP of 90W, which is relatively low compared to other graphics cards.
In terms of performance, the GTX 950 is capable of handling games at 1080p and lower resolutions, but it may struggle with more demanding games or higher resolutions. The card’s 2 GB of memory can also be a limitation, especially in games that require large amounts of video memory. However, the GTX 950 is still a relatively power-efficient card, which makes it a good option for those who want to build a budget-friendly gaming PC. Additionally, the card’s compact size and low power consumption make it a good option for small form factor PCs or laptops.
How does the GeForce GTX 950 compare to other graphics cards in its class?
The GeForce GTX 950 is a mid-range graphics card that competes with other cards in its class, such as the AMD Radeon R7 370 and the Nvidia GeForce GTX 960. In terms of performance, the GTX 950 is generally faster than the R7 370, but slower than the GTX 960. The card’s 2 GB of memory can also be a limitation, especially compared to other cards that feature 4 GB or more of memory. However, the GTX 950 is still a relatively affordable card, which makes it a good option for those who want to build a budget-friendly gaming PC.
In terms of power consumption, the GTX 950 is relatively efficient, with a TDP of 90W. This makes it a good option for those who want to build a compact gaming PC or laptop. Additionally, the card’s compact size and low power consumption make it a good option for small form factor PCs or laptops. Overall, the GTX 950 is a good option for those who want a budget-friendly graphics card that can handle less demanding games, but it may not be the best option for those who want to play the latest games at high settings.
Can the GeForce GTX 950 handle 4K gaming?
The GeForce GTX 950 is not designed to handle 4K gaming, and it may struggle to play games at high resolutions. The card’s 2 GB of memory can be a limitation, especially in games that require large amounts of video memory. Additionally, the card’s GPU may not have enough processing power to handle the demands of 4K gaming. While it may be possible to play some games at 4K resolutions, the frame rates and graphics quality may not be optimal.
In general, 4K gaming requires a more powerful graphics card, such as the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 or the AMD Radeon RX 580. These cards feature more powerful GPUs and larger amounts of memory, which make them better suited for handling the demands of 4K gaming. If you’re looking to play games at 4K resolutions, it’s recommended to consider a more powerful graphics card. However, if you’re looking to play games at lower resolutions, such as 1080p or 1440p, the GTX 950 may still be a viable option.
Is the GeForce GTX 950 compatible with modern gaming technologies?
The GeForce GTX 950 is an older graphics card, and it may not be compatible with some of the latest gaming technologies. For example, the card does not support ray tracing, artificial intelligence-enhanced graphics, or other advanced features that are available on more modern graphics cards. However, the card does support some older technologies, such as DirectX 12 and OpenGL 4.5. Additionally, the card may still be compatible with some of the latest games, especially those that do not require advanced graphics features.
That being said, the GTX 950 may not be the best option for those who want to take advantage of the latest gaming technologies. If you’re looking to play games that require advanced graphics features, such as ray tracing or artificial intelligence-enhanced graphics, you may want to consider a more modern graphics card. Additionally, the GTX 950 may not be compatible with some of the latest operating systems or software, which could be a limitation for some users. Overall, while the GTX 950 can still handle some modern games, it’s not the best option for those who want to take advantage of the latest gaming technologies.
Can the GeForce GTX 950 be overclocked for better performance?
The GeForce GTX 950 can be overclocked for better performance, but the amount of overclocking headroom may be limited. The card’s GPU and memory can be overclocked using software tools, such as EVGA’s Precision XOC or MSI’s Afterburner. However, the amount of overclocking headroom will depend on the specific card and the system it’s installed in. Some users may be able to achieve significant overclocks, while others may not see as much of an improvement.
In general, overclocking the GTX 950 can help to improve its performance in games and other applications. However, it’s also important to be careful when overclocking, as it can increase the card’s power consumption and heat output. Additionally, overclocking can also void the card’s warranty, so it’s important to be aware of the risks before attempting to overclock the card. If you’re looking to overclock the GTX 950, it’s recommended to do plenty of research and to use caution when adjusting the card’s settings.
Is the GeForce GTX 950 still worth buying in today’s market?
The GeForce GTX 950 is an older graphics card, and it may not be the best option for those who want to build a new gaming PC. While the card can still handle some modern games, it may not be compatible with the latest gaming technologies, and it may not be as efficient as more modern graphics cards. Additionally, the card’s 2 GB of memory can be a limitation, especially in games that require large amounts of video memory.
That being said, the GTX 950 can still be a good option for those who are looking to build a budget-friendly gaming PC or who want to upgrade an older system. The card is relatively affordable, and it can still handle less demanding games and older titles. Additionally, the card’s compact size and low power consumption make it a good option for small form factor PCs or laptops. If you’re looking to buy a GTX 950, it’s recommended to do plenty of research and to compare prices from different retailers. You may also want to consider other options, such as more modern graphics cards or refurbished or used GTX 950s.