NVIDIA GTX 960 2GB Graphics Card (Pre Owned)

NVIDIA's GTX 960 2GB card launched in January 2015 and is another strong member of the GeForce 900 series. This card offers more CUDA cores and better overall performance than the GTX 950, making it a very popular choice in the 1080p gaming segment at the time. Even today, this card remains a reliable option for esports titles, older AAA games, and a smooth 1080p experience at medium settings.

This card's special feature is its support for NVIDIA G-Sync technology, which reduces screen tearing and makes gameplay smoother with compatible monitors. Furthermore, this card is VR-ready, meaning it could be used for basic VR experiences.

Performance and Architecture

The GTX 960 is built on the Maxwell 2.0 architecture and a 28nm process. It features 1024 CUDA Cores, 64 texture units, and 32 ROPs. The base clock is around 1127 MHz, and the boost clock ranges from 1178 to 1304 MHz, varying depending on the brand and model (MSI, ZOTAC, EVGA, ASUS). Some factory-overclocked variants even offer boost clocks of up to 1300+ MHz.

NVIDIA GPU Boost 2.0 technology allows this card to dynamically adjust its clock speed based on gaming load, delivering both optimal performance and efficiency. Support for DirectX 12, OpenGL 4.5, and Vulkan 1.0 makes this card highly compatible with modern gaming APIs.

In terms of power consumption, this card operates at approximately 120W of power and requires a 6-pin or 8-pin power connector (varies depending on the model). The recommended power supply is 400W.

Memory and memory bandwidth

This card features 2GB of GDDR5 video memory, running at an effective speed of 7000-7010 MHz over a 128-bit memory interface. This provides memory bandwidth of up to 112 GB/s, which is even better than the GTX 950. This allows this card to deliver more stable frame rates even in games with heavy textures.

Display Output and Connectivity

The GTX 960 features Dual-Link DVI-I, Dual-Link DVI-D, HDMI 2.0, and DisplayPort 1.2 outputs. This makes multi-monitor setups and NVIDIA Surround Technology (multi-display gaming) easy to use. The card supports a maximum output resolution of 5120x3200. Thanks to its PCI Express 3.0 x16 interface, it fits comfortably on any modern motherboard.

This card is also SLI Ready, which means there is an option to increase performance by connecting two cards.

Cooling and Build

Most variants feature dual-fan cooling solutions, such as ZOTAC's FREEZE technology design, which shuts off the fan during idle to reduce noise and extend fan life. Variants with MSI's Twin Frozr V cooler have also been quite popular, keeping the card cool and silent even under heavy gaming loads. Card lengths range from 24cm to 27cm, depending on the model.

Things to keep in mind during installation

Ensure the card is properly seated in the PCIe x16 slot and the power connector (6-pin or 8-pin, depending on the model) is connected. The PSU must be at least 400W. Since this is an older card, download the correct driver from NVIDIA's legacy driver list, as the latest driver versions no longer support this card.

Who is this graphics card for?

The GTX 960 2GB is an excellent choice for users looking for a 1080p esports and medium-setting AAA gaming experience on a budget. This card delivers an even smoother gaming experience with a monitor that supports G-Sync. It's also a reliable choice for upgrading older systems, provided you have a 400W PSU.

GTX 960 2GB Specifications Table

GTX 960 2GB Price (New vs Second-Hand)

Note: This card was launched in 2015 and is no longer officially in production, so finding a "new" unit is difficult. The second-hand market is the most common way to find this card. Be sure to check the card's condition, fan noise, and benchmark testing before purchasing.