The Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 is a mid-range graphics card that was released in 2015. Although it’s been several years since its launch, the GTX 950 remains a popular choice among gamers and PC enthusiasts who are looking for a budget-friendly option to upgrade their graphics capabilities. But is the Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 still a good choice in today’s gaming landscape?
Overview of the Nvidia GeForce GTX 950
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 is a Maxwell-based graphics card that was designed to provide a balance between performance and power efficiency. It features 768 CUDA cores, 48 ROPs, and 2GB of GDDR5 memory. The GTX 950 has a base clock speed of 1024 MHz and a boost clock speed of up to 1188 MHz. It also supports DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, and Vulkan.
Key Features of the Nvidia GeForce GTX 950
Some of the key features of the Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 include:
- Maxwell Architecture: The GTX 950 is based on Nvidia’s Maxwell architecture, which provides improved performance and power efficiency compared to the previous Kepler architecture.
- DirectX 12 Support: The GTX 950 supports DirectX 12, which provides improved performance and reduced power consumption in games that support the API.
- 4K Resolution Support: The GTX 950 can handle 4K resolutions at 30Hz, making it a good choice for users who want to play games at high resolutions.
- Multi-Monitor Support: The GTX 950 supports up to four monitors, making it a good choice for users who want to set up a multi-monitor gaming rig.
Performance of the Nvidia GeForce GTX 950
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 is a mid-range graphics card, and its performance reflects that. In games that support DirectX 12, the GTX 950 can provide smooth performance at high resolutions. However, in games that do not support DirectX 12, the GTX 950’s performance can be limited.
Benchmark Results
Here are some benchmark results for the Nvidia GeForce GTX 950:
| Game | Resolution | Frame Rate |
| — | — | — |
| Assassin’s Creed Odyssey | 1080p | 40-50 FPS |
| The Witcher 3 | 1080p | 30-40 FPS |
| Fortnite | 1080p | 60-70 FPS |
As you can see, the GTX 950 can provide smooth performance in games that support DirectX 12. However, in games that do not support DirectX 12, the GTX 950’s performance can be limited.
Power Consumption of the Nvidia GeForce GTX 950
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 has a TDP of 90W, which is relatively low compared to other graphics cards in its class. This makes it a good choice for users who want to build a gaming PC that is energy-efficient.
Power Consumption Comparison
Here is a comparison of the power consumption of the Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 and other graphics cards in its class:
| Graphics Card | TDP |
| — | — |
| Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 | 90W |
| AMD Radeon R9 380 | 190W |
| Nvidia GeForce GTX 960 | 120W |
As you can see, the GTX 950 has a lower TDP than other graphics cards in its class, making it a good choice for users who want to build an energy-efficient gaming PC.
Conclusion
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 is a mid-range graphics card that provides a balance between performance and power efficiency. While it may not be the best choice for users who want to play games at 4K resolutions or with high-end graphics settings, it is a good choice for users who want to play games at 1080p or 1440p resolutions with medium to high graphics settings.
Who Should Buy the Nvidia GeForce GTX 950?
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 is a good choice for:
- Users who want to play games at 1080p or 1440p resolutions: The GTX 950 can provide smooth performance in games that support DirectX 12 at these resolutions.
- Users who want to build an energy-efficient gaming PC: The GTX 950 has a low TDP, making it a good choice for users who want to build a gaming PC that is energy-efficient.
- Users who are on a budget: The GTX 950 is a budget-friendly option that can provide good performance in games that support DirectX 12.
Who Should Not Buy the Nvidia GeForce GTX 950?
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 is not a good choice for:
- Users who want to play games at 4K resolutions: The GTX 950 may not be able to handle 4K resolutions smoothly, especially in games that do not support DirectX 12.
- Users who want to play games with high-end graphics settings: The GTX 950 may not be able to handle high-end graphics settings smoothly, especially in games that do not support DirectX 12.
- Users who want the latest and greatest technology: The GTX 950 is an older graphics card, and it may not have the latest features and technologies.
In conclusion, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 is a good choice for users who want to play games at 1080p or 1440p resolutions with medium to high graphics settings. However, it may not be the best choice for users who want to play games at 4K resolutions or with high-end graphics settings.
What is the Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 and what are its key features?
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 is a mid-range graphics card released in 2015, based on the Maxwell architecture. It features 768 CUDA cores, 2GB of GDDR5 memory, and a 128-bit memory bus. The GTX 950 is designed to provide smooth performance for 1080p gaming and entry-level 1440p gaming.
The GTX 950 also supports various Nvidia technologies, including DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, and Vulkan. Additionally, it features Nvidia’s proprietary technologies such as PhysX, TXAA, and DSR. The card requires a 6-pin power connector and has a TDP of 90W, making it a relatively power-efficient option.
Is the Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 still a good choice for gaming in 2023?
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 can still be a good choice for gaming in 2023, but it largely depends on the type of games you play and the level of performance you expect. For 1080p gaming, the GTX 950 can still provide smooth performance in many modern games, especially if you’re willing to turn down some graphics settings.
However, for more demanding games or higher resolutions, the GTX 950 may struggle to keep up. Additionally, the GTX 950 is an older card, and it may not support some of the latest graphics technologies, such as ray tracing or artificial intelligence-enhanced graphics. If you’re looking for a more future-proof option, you may want to consider a more modern graphics card.
How does the Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 compare to other graphics cards in its class?
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 is generally comparable to other mid-range graphics cards from the same era, such as the AMD Radeon R9 370. However, the GTX 950 tends to perform slightly better in most games, thanks to its more efficient Maxwell architecture.
In terms of modern graphics cards, the GTX 950 is significantly outperformed by more recent mid-range options, such as the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 or the AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT. These newer cards offer significantly better performance, power efficiency, and feature sets, making them more attractive options for gamers.
Can the Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 handle 4K gaming?
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 is not well-suited for 4K gaming. With only 2GB of GDDR5 memory and a relatively low CUDA core count, the GTX 950 struggles to handle the demands of 4K resolutions. You may be able to play some less demanding games at 4K, but you’ll likely need to turn down graphics settings significantly to achieve smooth performance.
For more demanding games, the GTX 950 may not be able to handle 4K resolutions at all. If you’re looking to play games at 4K, you’ll want to consider a more powerful graphics card, such as the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 or the AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT.
Is the Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 compatible with my system?
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 is a relatively old graphics card, but it’s still compatible with most modern systems. It requires a PCIe 3.0 x16 slot, a 6-pin power connector, and a 300W power supply. The GTX 950 also supports Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7, as well as Linux and other operating systems.
However, if you have a very old system or a laptop, you may need to check compatibility before purchasing a GTX 950. Additionally, if you’re planning to use the GTX 950 with a very high-resolution monitor or a VR headset, you may want to ensure that your system meets the recommended specifications.
Can I overclock the Nvidia GeForce GTX 950?
Yes, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 can be overclocked, but the results may vary depending on the specific card and cooling system. The GTX 950 has a relatively high overclocking headroom, thanks to its Maxwell architecture and 28nm manufacturing process.
However, overclocking the GTX 950 requires careful tweaking of the GPU clock speed, memory clock speed, and voltage. You’ll also need to ensure that your cooling system can handle the increased heat generated by overclocking. If you’re not experienced with overclocking, it’s recommended to use software tools like EVGA Precision XOC or MSI Afterburner to help you achieve stable and safe overclocks.
Is the Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 worth buying in 2023?
The Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 can still be a good value option in 2023, but it depends on the price and your specific needs. If you can find a GTX 950 at a very low price, it may be a good option for entry-level gaming or general computing.
However, if you’re looking for a more powerful graphics card or a more future-proof option, you may want to consider a more modern card. Additionally, if you’re planning to play demanding games or use graphics-intensive applications, the GTX 950 may not be the best choice. Be sure to weigh your options carefully and consider your specific needs before making a purchase.