Is the GTX 960 Still Sufficient for Gaming in 2018?

Introduction

Since its release, the GTX 960 has been a popular choice for gamers seeking a balance between performance and budget. However, as technology has advanced, newer graphics cards have surpassed its capabilities. To understand if the GTX 960 is still a viable option in 2018 or later, let's delve into its performance, suitability for modern games, and its longevity in the market.

Performance Comparison

The GTX 960, based on the Maxwell architecture, has faced significant competition from more recent graphics cards such as the GTX 1070 and RTX 20 series. Here's a comparative analysis:

Generational Lag: The GTX 960 is a generation or so behind the GTX 1070, roughly half as powerful. The RTX 2060 and RTX 2070, on the other hand, are about a third as powerful as the RTX 2080Ti, which is the top-tier GPU. Modern Games: While the GTX 960 can handle basic to mid-range gaming at 1080p with medium settings, it may fall short at ultra settings on the latest games. For instance, playing Forza Horizon 4 at 1080p with medium settings might yield a stable experience, but pushing to ultra settings will likely result in subpar performance. Ada Lovelace Architecture: The Ada Lovelace architecture of the RTX 20 series provides significant improvements in ray tracing and DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling), making the newer GPUs more efficient and capable for modern games.

Dependability and Reliability

The GTX 960 has shown its reliability in older games and mid-range titles, but as the gaming landscape evolves, certain limitations become more apparent.

Older Games: Games released in 2016-2017, such as Forza Horizon 4 and Far Cry: Blood Dragon, can run smoothly with the GTX 960. However, more recent titles with higher graphical demands may struggle to meet expectations. Modern Games: For CS:GO, Rocket League, and other mid-range titles, the GTX 960 should suffice at medium settings. However, for heavy titles like DOOM 2016, it may only deliver around 40 FPS at high settings, making it less suitable for intense gaming sessions. Longevity: Given that the GTX 960 is based on 5-year-old architecture, it is on the verge of being obsolete. Entry to mid-level GPUs are generally good for 2-3 years, making the GTX 960 a relatively outdated choice by this point.

Recommendations for 2018 and Beyond

While the GTX 960 was a solid choice for a brief period, it is not recommended for serious gaming in 2018 and beyond. Here are some recommendations:

GTX 1050: This GPU is almost the same power but slightly more powerful, produces less heat, and consumes less energy. It is a great choice for those on a tight budget.
GTX 1050 Ti: Recommended for budget-conscious gamers. It offers a better balance between power and cost, making it an ideal choice for most gaming needs at 1080p resolution. GTX 1060: For those looking to future-proof their systems and achieve 60 FPS at 1080p, the GTX 1060 is an excellent choice. It provides more power than the 1050 and 1050 Ti, making it suitable for heavier titles.

Conclusion

The GTX 960, despite its reliability and cost-effectiveness, falls short when it comes to modern gaming demands. For casual to mid-range gamers, it might still suffice, but for those looking for a more robust experience or those in the market for a new system, the newer GPUs offer better performance and longevity.

Recommendations for new buyers should focus on the latest generations of GPUs that provide a better gaming experience and future-proof the system against imminent technological advancements.