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MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming Review | 118 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£160
  • Avg. price in US: ~$170
  • VRAM: 2 GB
  • Memory bus width: 128 bit
  • Thermal Design Power (TDP): 90 W

MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming review. Compare 118 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among graphics cards and if it is worth buying.

3.5

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the graphics card's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best graphics cards on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

3.0

Technical Score

10.0%

8.5

User score

Poor
3.0

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the graphics card's technical performance, covering key areas such as gaming and rendering performance, ray tracing, memory configuration, power efficiency, cooling, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare graphics cards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

44.0%

1.9

Performance

24.0%

1.1

Memory

12.0%

5.5

Power & Cooling

11.0%

5.3

Platform & Features

5.0%

6.7

Design

4.0%

7.9

Connectivity & Media

Poor
8.5

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the graphics card.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a graphics card performs in real use and how reliable it is in terms of performance, temperatures, noise, stability, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

8.7

User reviews

30.0%

8.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(121)
amazon
4.2
(41)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(135)
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(48)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Excellent
  • 3.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.0

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    1.0

    VRAM

    20.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 4.1
    Video editing

    Score components:

    35.0%

    7.0

    AV1 encode

    30.0%

    1.0

    VRAM

    20.0%

    1.0

    Floating-point performance

    15.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 2.4
    1080p

    Score components:

    55.0%

    1.0

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    1.0

    VRAM

    10.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 2.4
    1440p

    Score components:

    50.0%

    1.0

    Floating-point performance

    30.0%

    1.0

    VRAM

    15.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 2.7
    4K

    Score components:

    40.0%

    1.0

    Floating-point performance

    35.0%

    1.0

    VRAM

    20.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • msi-geforce-gtx-950-gaming
msi-geforce-gtx-950-gaming

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming is a budget-friendly 1080p graphics card built on NVIDIA's Maxwell architecture, featuring 768 CUDA cores and 2GB of GDDR5 memory on a 128-bit bus. This specific variant is factory-overclocked with a base clock of 1127 MHz and a boost clock reaching up to 1317 MHz in OC Mode. Its primary strengths include its highly efficient Twin Frozr V cooling system that remains silent during light use via ZeroFrozr technology, low 90W power draw requiring only a single 6-pin connector, and extensive connectivity with three DisplayPorts, one HDMI 2.0, and one DVI-I port. However, its main drawbacks are the 2GB VRAM limit, which struggles with modern texture-heavy titles, and a launch price that sat uncomfortably close to the more powerful GTX 960.

Technical Specifications of MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the graphics card's technical performance, covering key areas such as gaming and rendering performance, ray tracing, memory configuration, power efficiency, cooling, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare graphics cards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

44.0%

1.9

Performance

24.0%

1.1

Memory

12.0%

5.5

Power & Cooling

11.0%

5.3

Platform & Features

5.0%

6.7

Design

4.0%

7.9

Connectivity & Media

3.0
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a technical score of 2.98 points, which is lower than that of 97.8% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the graphics card.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a graphics card performs in real use and how reliable it is in terms of performance, temperatures, noise, stability, and long-term ownership.

Score components:

70.0%

8.7

User reviews

30.0%

8.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(121)
amazon
4.2
(41)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(135)
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(48)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.5
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a user score of 8.5 points, which is higher than that of 70.8% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the graphics card.
When it matters: When you prefer a graphics card that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
8.0
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a popularity of 8 points, which is higher than 72.4% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the graphics card's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a graphics card that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

3.5

Overall score

40.0%

9.7

Price

5.4
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.4 points, which is lower than 92.1% of products in this category.
3DMark Time Spy benchmark score
What it is: Benchmark result from 3DMark Time Spy, a synthetic DirectX 12 test often used as a quick gaming-performance reference.
When it matters: When you need a fast rough performance sort before digging into game-specific reviews and frame-rate data.

Importance: LOW

?
3DMark Port Royal score
What it is: Benchmark result from 3DMark Port Royal, a synthetic test focused on ray tracing performance.
When it matters: When ray tracing matters in the games you actually play and you want one quick way to separate stronger and weaker RT cards.

Importance: LOW

N/A
PassMark (G3D) result
What it is: Overall GPU performance score in PassMark G3D benchmark
When it matters: When you need one broad score to sort cards into rough performance tiers.

Importance: LOW

?
PassMark (DirectCompute) result
What it is: PassMark score for DirectCompute performance tests
When it matters: When compute workloads matter alongside gaming performance.

Importance: LOW

?
Floating-point performance
What it is: Theoretical floating-point compute performance of the GPU.
When it matters: When rendering, AI, or heavy compute work needs strong single-precision throughput.

Importance: LOW

1.965 TFLOPS
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming delivers 1.965 TFLOPS floating-point performance, which is lower than that of 96.6% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.1% of graphics cards.
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VRAM
What it is: Total video memory available on the graphics card
When it matters: When you play at high settings, use texture mods, or work with large creative projects.

Importance: HIGH

2 GB
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has 2 GB of VRAM, which is less than 94.5% of graphics cards and equal to 3.9% of graphics cards.
Memory type
What it is: Type of graphics memory used (GDDR6, HBM2e, etc.)
When it matters: When memory technology is part of the buying decision because it affects bandwidth class, power use, and product positioning.

Importance: LOW

GDDR5
GDDR version
What it is: Generation of GDDR memory used by the graphics card.
When it matters: When you want to separate older memory generations from newer ones before comparing bandwidth, power behavior, and market tier.

Importance: LOW

GDDR5
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming uses GDDR5 memory, which is older than on 85% of graphics cards and equal to 13.2% of graphics cards.
Memory bus width
What it is: Width of the memory interface bus in bits
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance at higher resolutions, heavier texture settings, or ray-traced workloads that stress memory traffic.

Importance: HIGH

128 bit
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming uses a 128 bit memory bus, which is narrower than that of 69.8% of graphics cards and equal to that of 26.1% of graphics cards.
Maximum memory bandwidth
What it is: Maximum data transfer rate between GPU and its memory
When it matters: When 4K gaming, ray tracing, or creator work can choke a slower memory subsystem.

Importance: HIGH

106.4 GB/s
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming reaches 106.4 GB/s memory bandwidth, which is lower than that of 96.2% of graphics cards.
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PCI Express (PCIe) version
What it is: Version of PCI Express interface supported
When it matters: When you are pairing the card with an older motherboard and want to avoid leaving bandwidth or future compatibility on the table.

Importance: LOW

3.0
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming supports PCIe 3.0, which is older than on 77.6% of graphics cards and equal to 20.3% of graphics cards.
PCIe lanes
What it is: Number of PCI Express lanes used for communication
When it matters: When limited lane width could bottleneck the card in some systems.

Importance: LOW

x16
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming uses x16 PCIe lanes, which is more than 31.5% of graphics cards and equal to 68.6% of graphics cards.
DirectX version
What it is: Highest supported DirectX API version
When it matters: When you play newer Windows games that depend on the latest graphics features.

Importance: LOW

?
Vulkan version
What it is: Highest supported Vulkan API version
When it matters: When modern games, emulators, or creative apps lean on Vulkan support.

Importance: LOW

1.4
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming supports Vulkan 1.4, which is more advanced than on 26.6% of graphics cards and equal to 73.4% of graphics cards.
OpenGL version
What it is: Highest supported OpenGL API version
When it matters: When older games or pro apps still depend on OpenGL compatibility.

Importance: LOW

4.5
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming supports OpenGL 4.5, which is older than on 95.2% of graphics cards and equal to 3.3% of graphics cards.
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Max displays supported
What it is: Total number of external displays supported simultaneously
When it matters: When you run a multi-monitor desk for sim racing, trading, or editing.

Importance: LOW

4
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming supports up to 4 displays, which is more than 7.8% of graphics cards and equal to 89.2% of graphics cards.
Max digital resolution
What it is: Maximum supported digital display resolution
When it matters: When you plan to drive 4K or 8K panels at their native resolution.

Importance: LOW

4096x2160
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming supports a maximum digital resolution of 4096x2160, which is lower than that of 56.4% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2.4% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort outputs
What it is: Number of DisplayPort video outputs
When it matters: When your setup needs several high-refresh monitors without adapters.

Importance: LOW

3
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming offers 3 DisplayPort outputs, which is more than 20.9% of graphics cards and equal to 77.3% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort version
What it is: Version of DisplayPort standard supported
When it matters: When your monitor setup depends on newer DisplayPort features for higher refresh rates, higher resolution, or better cable flexibility.

Importance: LOW

1.2
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming supports DisplayPort 1.2, which is older than on 93.6% of graphics cards and equal to 4.8% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort link rates
What it is: Supported data link rates for DisplayPort connections
When it matters: When you are pushing high resolution and refresh rate over DisplayPort.

Importance: LOW

5.4 Gbps
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming supports DisplayPort link rates up to 5.4 Gbps, which is slower than on 90.9% of graphics cards and equal to 8% of graphics cards.
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Thermal Design Power (TDP)
What it is: Typical power consumption under full load (TDP)
When it matters: When you need a realistic idea of power draw before choosing a PSU or case.

Importance: MEDIUM

90 W
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a TDP of 90 W, which is lower than that of 90.1% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.1% of graphics cards.
Power consumption while under peak load
What it is: Peak power draw of the graphics card under maximum load.
When it matters: When transient-heavy gaming loads could stress your power supply.

Importance: LOW

113 W
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming draws 113 W under peak load, which is lower than 88.5% of graphics cards.
Recommended PSU wattage
What it is: Recommended wattage of the system power supply
When it matters: When you are checking whether your current power supply is enough.

Importance: LOW

350 W
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming recommends a 350 W PSU, which is lower than that of 94.2% of graphics cards and equal to that of 1% of graphics cards.
Board power limit
What it is: Maximum configurable power limit for the GPU board
When it matters: When you care about how far the card can be pushed through tuning or factory power settings.

Importance: LOW

?
PCIe power spec
What it is: PCIe power delivery specification followed
When it matters: When you are checking whether the slot and external cables match the card's intended power-delivery standard.

Importance: LOW

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Size
What it is: Physical size of the GPU card
When it matters: When you need the card to fit a compact case without blocking nearby hardware.

Importance: LOW

270 x 137 x 37 mm
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming measures 270x137 x 37 mm, which is more compact than 95.2% of graphics cards.
Length
What it is: Physical length of the GPU card
When it matters: When front radiators or drive cages leave only limited GPU clearance.

Importance: LOW

270 mm
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming is 270 mm long, which is shorter than 57.4% of graphics cards and equal in length to 0.3% of graphics cards.
Height
What it is: Physical height of the GPU card
When it matters: When side panels, brackets, or tight case layouts reduce vertical clearance.

Importance: LOW

137 mm
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming is 137 mm tall, which is taller than 71.3% of graphics cards and equal in height to 1.4% of graphics cards.
Slot width
What it is: Number of PCIe slots occupied by the card
When it matters: When you need room for another PCIe card or better airflow under the GPU.

Importance: LOW

2 slot/s
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming occupies 2 slot/s, which is slimmer than 49.2% of graphics cards and equal in width to 47.3% of graphics cards.
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the graphics card
When it matters: When sag, bracket support, or shipping stress matters in your build.

Importance: LOW

602 g
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming weighs 602 g, which is lighter than 87.2% of graphics cards.
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MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming vs the average graphics card

  • 58.1% lower TDP
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (90 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
    What it is: Typical power consumption under full load (TDP)
    When it matters: When you need a realistic idea of power draw before choosing a PSU or case.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (90 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.90 W vs 215 W
  • 46.2% lower PSU requirement
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (350 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
    What it is: Recommended wattage of the system power supply
    When it matters: When you are checking whether your current power supply is enough.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (350 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.350 W vs 650 W
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
    What it is: Number of DVI display outputs available
    When it matters: When you still use an older monitor that depends on DVI.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.1 vs 0
  • 3.31x cheaper
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming is cheaper than the average graphics card (£160 vs £530).
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming is cheaper than the average graphics card (£160 vs £530).£160 vs £530
  • Supports multi-GPU linking
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
    What it is: Supports NVIDIA SLI or AMD CrossFire multi-GPU setup
    When it matters: When you still run legacy multi-GPU gaming or rendering workflows.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • 48.6% lower peak power draw
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a lower peak power draw than the average graphics card (113 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a peak power draw of 220 W.
    What it is: Peak power draw of the graphics card under maximum load.
    When it matters: When transient-heavy gaming loads could stress your power supply.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a lower peak power draw than the average graphics card (113 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a peak power draw of 220 W.113 W vs 220 W
  • 39.7% lighter card weight
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming is lighter than the average graphics card (602 g vs 998 g). The average graphics card weighs 998 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the graphics card
    When it matters: When sag, bracket support, or shipping stress matters in your build.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming is lighter than the average graphics card (602 g vs 998 g). The average graphics card weighs 998 g.602 g vs 998 g
  • 6.3% higher user score
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a higher user score than the average graphics card (8.50 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the graphics card.
    When it matters: When you want to understand how a graphics card performs in real use and how reliable it is in terms of performance, temperatures, noise, stability, and long-term ownership.
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a higher user score than the average graphics card (8.50 vs 8.000).8.5 vs 8
  • Supports multi-GPU linking
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
  • 58.1% lower TDP
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (90 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
  • 46.2% lower PSU requirement
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (350 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
  • 48.6% lower peak power draw
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a lower peak power draw than the average graphics card (113 W vs 220 W). The average graphics card has a peak power draw of 220 W.
  • 39.7% lighter card weight
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming is lighter than the average graphics card (602 g vs 998 g). The average graphics card weighs 998 g.

Total
Overall
Platform & Features
Connectivity & Media
Power & Cooling
Design
  • 47.4% lower boost clock speed
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,316 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.
  • 34 fewer compute units
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (6 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
  • 42.6% lower base clock speed
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,102 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.
  • 136 fewer TMUs
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (48 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
  • 78.2% lower pixel rate
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (36 GPixel/s vs 165.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 165.2 GPixel/s.
  • 32 fewer ROPs
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has fewer ROPs than the average graphics card (32 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
  • 91.5% lower compute throughput
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a lower compute throughput than the average graphics card (2 TFLOPS vs 23.105 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has compute throughput of 23.105 TFLOPS.
  • 3,584 fewer FP32 units
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has fewer FP32 units than the average graphics card (768 vs 4,352). The average graphics card has 4,352 FP32 units.
  • 128 bit narrower memory bus
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a narrower memory bus than the average graphics card (128 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.
  • 10 GB less VRAM
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (2 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
  • 76.3% lower memory bandwidth
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a lower memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (106.4 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
  • 65.2% slower memory speed
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (6,610 MHz vs 19,000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19,000 MHz.
  • 62.5% smaller L1 cache
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has fewer L1 cache than the average graphics card (48 vs 128). The average graphics card has 128 L1 cache.
  • 5.6x larger process node
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a higher process node than the average graphics card (28 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.
  • 8 older
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming was released earlier than the average graphics card (2,015 vs 2,023).
  • Older PCIe version
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming supports an older PCIe version than the average graphics card (3 vs 4.0).
  • No XeSS support
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming does not support XeSS, the average graphics card does.
  • No mesh shaders
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming does not support mesh shaders, the average graphics card does.
  • No sampler feedback
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming does not support sampler feedback, the average graphics card does.
  • Older OpenGL version
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming supports an older OpenGL version than the average graphics card (4.5 vs 4.6).
  • 86.6% fewer transistors
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has fewer transistors than the average graphics card (2,940 million vs 21,900 million). The average graphics card has 21,900 million transistors.
  • No AV1 encoding
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
  • No AV1 decoding
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming does not support AV1 decoding, the average graphics card does.
  • No DSC support
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming does not support DSC, the average graphics card does.
  • Older DisplayPort version
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming supports an older DisplayPort version than the average graphics card (1.2 vs 1.4a).
  • Older HDMI version
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming supports an older HDMI version than the average graphics card (2 vs 2.1).
  • 3 fewer monitors per output type
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming supports fewer monitors per output type than the average graphics card (1 vs 4). The average graphics card supports 4 monitors per output type.
  • Older HDCP version
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming supports an older HDCP version than the average graphics card (2.2 vs 2.3).
  • Not VR ready
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming is not VR ready, while the average graphics card is.
  • Older NVDEC generation
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a lower NVDEC generation than the average graphics card (2 vs 6). The average graphics card offers NVDEC generation 6.
  • Lower display resolution
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming supports a lower maximum digital resolution than the average graphics card (4096x2160 vs 7680x4320). The average graphics card supports a maximum digital resolution of 7680x4320.
  • 1 fewer fans
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
  • No backplate
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming does not include a backplate, the average graphics card does.
  • 10 mm higher card profile
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming is taller than the average graphics card (137 mm vs 127 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 127 mm.
  • 47.4% lower boost clock speed
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,316 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.
    What it is: Maximum boost frequency the GPU can reach under load
    When it matters: When you want a rough idea of peak advertised frequency, while knowing real sustained clocks still depend on cooling and power limits.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,316 MHz vs 2,500 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2,500 MHz.1316 MHz vs 2500 MHz
  • 128 bit narrower memory bus
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a narrower memory bus than the average graphics card (128 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.
    What it is: Width of the memory interface bus in bits
    When it matters: When you care about steadier performance at higher resolutions, heavier texture settings, or ray-traced workloads that stress memory traffic.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a narrower memory bus than the average graphics card (128 bit vs 256 bit). The average graphics card has a memory bus width of 256 bit.128 bit vs 256 bit
  • 5.6x larger process node
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a higher process node than the average graphics card (28 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.
    What it is: Size of the manufacturing process in nanometers
    When it matters: When process node differences may affect power, heat, and overall efficiency.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a higher process node than the average graphics card (28 nm vs 5 nm). The average graphics card uses a process node of 5 nm.28 nm vs 5 nm
  • 34 fewer compute units
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (6 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
    What it is: Total number of shader multiprocessors or compute units
    When it matters: When you want a better sense of the GPU's overall parallel hardware resources before relying on game benchmarks alone.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (6 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.6 vs 40
  • 10 GB less VRAM
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (2 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
    What it is: Total video memory available on the graphics card
    When it matters: When you play at high settings, use texture mods, or work with large creative projects.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (2 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.2 GB vs 12 GB
  • 42.6% lower base clock speed
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,102 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.
    What it is: Base operating frequency of the GPU core under standard conditions
    When it matters: When you want to understand the card's guaranteed starting frequency instead of looking only at optimistic boost figures.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,102 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.1102 MHz vs 1920 MHz
  • 136 fewer TMUs
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (48 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
    What it is: Total count of texture mapping units on the GPU
    When it matters: When texture-heavy gaming performance matters and you want extra hardware context behind texture-rate claims.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (48 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.48 vs 184
  • 1 fewer fans
    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
    What it is: Total number of cooling fans
    When it matters: When you compare cooler designs and want one more clue about thermal potential.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).2 vs 3
Total
Overall
Performance
Memory
Platform & Features
Connectivity & Media
Power & Cooling
Design

Graphic comparison of MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
121 Reviews
amazon
4.2
41 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
135 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
48 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming?

  • Exceptionally quiet operation, even under load, thanks to the Twin Frozr V cooler.
  • Zero Frozr technology allows fans to stay completely off during idle or light tasks for silent computing.
  • Great power efficiency with low power draw (~90W), making it suitable for systems with smaller power supplies.
  • Excellent thermal management, consistently maintaining low operating temperatures around 55°C–64°C during gaming.
  • Solid performance for 1080p gaming, particularly optimized for MOBAs like DOTA 2 and League of Legends.
  • Comes with a factory overclock for a noticeable performance boost over reference models.
  • Support for modern features like HDMI 2.0 and DirectX 12.

What customers dislike about MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming?

  • The 2GB of VRAM is a major bottleneck for modern, more demanding AAA titles.
  • Physical size is larger than competing GTX 950 models due to the dual-fan cooler, which may be an issue for small-form-factor cases.
  • Struggles at resolutions higher than 1080p, with 1440p often resulting in unplayable frame rates.
  • Lacks a backplate, which some users feel affects the aesthetic and structural rigidity.
  • Launch pricing was often considered too close to the more powerful GTX 960, reducing its relative value.
  • Limited long-term relevance for modern games as newer architecture has largely superseded its performance.

Expert reviews

G
guru3d.com
20/08/2015
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming + 2-way SLI review | Guru3D

The MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming graphics card is a capable and highly competitive choice for budget-conscious users gaming at a maximum resolution of 1920x1080. Equipped with the TwinFrozr dual-slot, dual-fan cooler, the card remains whisper-silent under load, producing sound levels around 37 dBA while maintaining GPU temperatures between 65°C and 70°C. It features an impressive...Read more

T
techporn.ph
11/09/2015
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming 2G Review TechPowerUp

Review Overview The MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming 2G is a solid, factory-overclocked mainstream graphics card designed primarily for budget-conscious MOBA and 1080p gamers. Built on Nvidia’s Maxwell architecture, it features 768 CUDA cores, 2GB of GDDR5 memory, and a core clock speed of 1127 MHz (boosting up to 1317 MHz). It serves as a highly capable upgrade for older entry-level...Read more

O
overclockers.com
27/08/2015
MSI GTX 950 Gaming 2G Video Card Review | Overclockers

The Overclockers review of the MSI GTX 950 Gaming 2G highlights the card as a strong, efficient entry-level option, featuring the Twin Frozr V cooling system with silent Zero Fan technology, and a solid factory overclock. With a low 90W TDP requiring only a single 6-pin connector, this Maxwell-based card is well-suited for 1080p gaming with versatile output options. However, the 2GB...Read more

G
guru3d.com
20/08/2015
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming + 2-way SLI review

The Guru3D review evaluates the MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming edition, a mainstream budget graphics card utilizing Nvidia's 28 nm Maxwell GM206 architecture with 768 CUDA cores, a 128-bit memory bus, and 2 GB of GDDR5 VRAM. Tested individually and in a 2-way SLI dual-card configuration, the MSI model stands out by shifting reference speeds up to a 1140 MHz core clock and 1329 MHz boost...Read more

T
tweaktown.com
20/08/2015
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming 2G Video Card Review | TweakTown

The MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming 2G is positioned as a highly efficient, budget-friendly upgrade for casual and MOBA gamers, specifically those moving up from older hardware like the GTX 650. Built on the Maxwell architecture, it features 768 CUDA cores and 2GB of GDDR5 RAM, offering a significant performance leap—up to 3x the speed of the GTX 650 in various titles. During testing,...Read more

T
techpowerup.com
25/08/2015
MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming 2 GBGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review

The TechPowerUp review highlights the MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming 2 GB as a highly efficient, factory-overclocked, and quiet card that beats the R7 370 by 18%, offering an excellent, silent experience for 900p/1080p gaming with its TwinFrozr V cooler and ZeroFrozr technology. It boasts low power consumption, native HDMI 2.0, and superior performance, though it faces a high price...Read more

L
lanoc.org
27/08/2015
MSI GTX 950 Gaming 2G - LanOC Reviews | LanOC Reviews

The MSI GTX 950 Gaming 2G is a budget-focused Maxwell graphics card featuring 2GB of GDDR5 memory on a 128-bit interface. Designed with a striking black and red theme, it features an oversized Zero Frozr cooler with two giant Torx fans that automatically shut off during light loads to maintain total silence. In terms of clock speeds, it offers three software modes: OC Mode (1127 MHz...Read more

C
computerbase.de
20/08/2015
GeForce GTX 950 im Test: Asus, EVGA und MSI verleihen Nvidias Einsteiger-GPU Flügel

The ComputerBase review positions the Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 as a targeted mid-range solution designed to plug a glaring portfolio gap and directly counter AMD's Radeon R7 370. Built on a scaled-down version of the 28 nm GM206 Maxwell architecture (featuring 768 shader units, 48 TMUs, and 32 ROPs), the graphics card targets budget-conscious gamers looking for fluid Full HD (1080p)...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
comptoir-hardware.com
20/08/2015
Test • GeForce GTX 950 - Le comptoir du hardware HardWare.fr

summary of the GeForce GTX 950: The review evaluates NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 950 graphics card, which utilizes a scaled-down version of the Maxwell v2 architecture (specifically the GM206 GPU, minus two streaming multiprocessors). Originally launched at an official public retail price of €179, this entry-level desktop card was designed to bring Maxwell's highly praised energy...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
comptoir-hardware.com
20/08/2015
Test • GeForce GTX 950 - Le comptoir du hardware

The review covers the launch of the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950, a graphics card built on the Maxwell v2 architecture (specifically using a cut-down version of the GM206 GPU with 2 SMs disabled). Released with an official public price of €179, it aimed to make Maxwell technology more accessible to budget-conscious desktop users. The testing protocol evaluated its real-world capabilities...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
lesnumeriques.com
21/08/2015
Test MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming 2G, très silencieuse, bien finie

The MSI GeForce GTX 950 Gaming 2G is an incredibly quiet, factory-overclocked graphics card that shares the same PCB layout as its older sibling, the GTX 960 Gaming 2G, but utilizes a slightly stripped-down Twin Frozr V cooling system with two direct-contact heat pipes. In terms of out-of-the-box performance, its substantial factory overclock increases the base GPU clock from 1,024...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
tech.everyeye.it
07/10/2015
Recensione MSI GTX 950 Gaming 2G - Everyeye Tech

The Everyeye Tech review highlights the MSI GTX 950 Gaming 2G as a highly capable, entry-level graphics card priced at approximately €190, specifically engineered to deliver low-latency performance in MOBA games and decent Full HD (1080p) gaming. Built on Nvidia’s power-efficient Maxwell architecture, this custom-designed card features a cut-down GM206 chip with 768 CUDA cores and...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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