OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Graphics cards Methodology v1.0
Graphics cards Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Graphics cards Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Graphics cards Methodology v1.0

MSI GeForce GTX 960 Review | 118 Data compared

Avg. price:~£35VRAM:2 GBMemory bus width:128 bitThermal Design Power (TDP):120 W

MSI GeForce GTX 960 Review: Compare 118 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Graphics cards category and whether it is worth buying.

MSI GeForce GTX 960
4.1/10

Overall score

Score
4.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components

90%

3.7

Technical score

10%

8.1

User score

â–¼Worse than 96% of graphics cards
5.9

Value for money

Value for money
5.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components

70%

4.1

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 93%
3.7

Technical score

Technical score
3.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Graphics cards category across these key areas: Performance, Memory, Platform & Features, Connectivity & Media, Power & Cooling, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare graphics cards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components

44%

1.9

Performance

24%

1.7

Memory

12%

8.9

Power & Cooling

11%

6.3

Platform & Features

5%

7.0

Design

4%

7.9

Connectivity & Media

â–¼Worse than 97%
8.1

User score

User score
8.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 62% of models
Score components

70%

9.6

User ratings

30%

4.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 62%
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Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of graphics card MSI GeForce GTX 960

Technical score
Technical score
3.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Graphics cards category across these key areas: Performance, Memory, Platform & Features, Connectivity & Media, Power & Cooling, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare graphics cards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components:

44%

1.9

Performance

24%

1.7

Memory

12%

8.9

Power & Cooling

11%

6.3

Platform & Features

5%

7.0

Design

4%

7.9

Connectivity & Media

3.7
User score
User score
8.1/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 62% of models
Score components

70%

9.6

User ratings

30%

4.6

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.1
Popularity
Popularity
4.6/ 10
✕
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.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 51% of models
Popularity:
MSI GeForce GTX 960 has a popularity score of 4.6 points, which is higher than that of 51.2% of products in this category.
4.6
Value for money
Value for money
5.9/ 10
✕
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 distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components:

70%

4.1

Overall score

30%

10

Price

5.9
3DMark Time Spy benchmark score
2,400 points
Market range: <4k points – >34k points
This graphics card scores 2,400 points in 3DMark Time Spy, which is lower than 94.4% of graphics cards and equal to 0.1% of graphics cards.
3DMark Port Royal score
0 points
Market range: <0 points – >25k points
This graphics card scores 0 points in 3DMark Port Royal, which is lower than 83.2% of graphics cards and equal to 16.8% of graphics cards.
PassMark (G3D) result
6,023 points
Market range: <7.7k points – >36k points
This graphics card scores 6,023 points in PassMark G3D, which is lower than 92.3% of graphics cards.
PassMark (DirectCompute) result
2,801 points
Market range: <3.1k points – >26.3k points
This graphics card scores 2,801 points in PassMark DirectCompute, which is lower than 92.1% of graphics cards and equal to 0.2% of graphics cards.
Floating-point performance
2.41 TFLOPS
Market range: <4.38 TFLOPS – >57.42 TFLOPS
This graphics card delivers 2.41 TFLOPS floating-point performance, which is lower than that of 94.3% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.1% of graphics cards.
Show more
VRAM
2 GB
Market range: <4 GB – >24 GB
This graphics card has 2 GB of VRAM, which is less than 94.5% of graphics cards and equal to 3.8% of graphics cards.
Memory type
GDDR5
GDDR version
GDDR5
This graphics card uses GDDR5 memory, which is older than on 85.9% of graphics cards and equal to 13.2% of graphics cards.
Memory bus width
128 bit
Market range: <64 bit – >384 bit
This graphics card uses a 128 bit memory bus, which is narrower than that of 69.6% of graphics cards and equal to that of 26% of graphics cards.
Maximum memory bandwidth
112.2 GB/s
Market range: <168 GB/s – >960 GB/s
This graphics card reaches 112.2 GB/s memory bandwidth, which is lower than that of 93.6% of graphics cards and equal to that of 0.2% of graphics cards.
Show more
PCI Express (PCIe) version
3
This graphics card supports PCIe 3, which is older than on 77.7% of graphics cards and equal to 20.3% of graphics cards.
PCIe lanes
x16
This graphics card uses x16 PCIe lanes, which is more than 23.4% of graphics cards and equal to 76.6% of graphics cards.
DirectX version
12
This graphics card supports DirectX 12, which is older than on 81.8% of graphics cards and equal to 16.9% of graphics cards.
Vulkan version
1.4
This graphics card supports Vulkan 1.4, which is more advanced than on 20.7% of graphics cards and equal to 79.3% of graphics cards.
OpenGL version
4.6
This graphics card supports OpenGL 4.6, which is more advanced than on 1.9% of graphics cards and equal to 98.1% of graphics cards.
Show more
Max displays supported
4
Market range: <4 – >4
This graphics card supports up to 4 displays, which is more than 8.3% of graphics cards and equal to 88.9% of graphics cards.
Max digital resolution
4096x2160
This graphics card supports a maximum digital resolution of 4096x2160, which is lower than that of 92.6% of graphics cards and equal to that of 4.4% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort outputs
3
Market range: <1 – >3
This graphics card offers 3 DisplayPort outputs, which is more than 21% of graphics cards and equal to 76.8% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort version
1.2
This graphics card supports DisplayPort 1.2, which is older than on 93.9% of graphics cards and equal to 5.1% of graphics cards.
DisplayPort link rates
5.4 Gbps
Market range: <5.4 Gbps – >80 Gbps
This graphics card supports DisplayPort link rates up to 5.4 Gbps, which is slower than on 87.8% of graphics cards and equal to 6% of graphics cards.
Show more
Thermal Design Power (TDP)
120 W
Market range: <60 W – >360 W
This graphics card has a TDP of 120 W, which is lower than that of 83% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2.3% of graphics cards.
Power consumption while under peak load
120 W
Market range: <100 W – >400 W
This graphics card draws 120 W under peak load, which is lower than 85.5% of graphics cards and equal to 1.5% of graphics cards.
Recommended PSU wattage
400 W
Market range: <450 W – >850 W
This graphics card recommends a 400 W PSU, which is lower than that of 90.5% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2.6% of graphics cards.
Board power limit
141 W
Market range: <100 W – >400 W
This graphics card has a board power limit of 141 W, which is lower than that of 79.8% of graphics cards.
PCIe power spec
120 W
Show more
Size
267x 139x 40 mm
Length
267 mm
Market range: <200 mm – >350 mm
This graphics card is 267 mm long, which is shorter than 59.7% of graphics cards and equal in length to 3.5% of graphics cards.
Height
139 mm
Market range: <109 mm – >146 mm
This graphics card is 139 mm tall, which is taller than 78.2% of graphics cards and equal in height to 1% of graphics cards.
Slot width
2 slot/s
Market range: <2 slot/s – >3.25 slot/s
This graphics card occupies 2 slot/s, which is slimmer than 53.4% of graphics cards and equal in width to 42.5% of graphics cards.
Weight
833 g
Market range: <500 g – >2k g
This graphics card weighs 833 g, which is lighter than 68.8% of graphics cards and equal in weight to 0.1% of graphics cards.
Show more

MSI GeForce GTX 960 vs the average graphics card

246810TotalPerformanceMemoryPlatform & FeaturesConnectivity & MediaPower & CoolingDesign
  • 4.01x faster VRAM clock
    This graphics card has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (7010 MHz vs 1750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1750 MHz.
    7,010 MHz vs 1,750 MHz
  • 38.5% lower PSU requirement
    This graphics card has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (400 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
    400 W vs 650 W
  • 44.2% lower TDP
    This graphics card has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (120 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
    120 W vs 215 W
  • 0.5 slot/s slimmer design
    This graphics card occupies fewer slots than the average graphics card (2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.
    2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s
  • 15.14x cheaper
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 is cheaper than the average graphics card (£35 vs £530).
    £35 vs £530
  • 2 more GPUs supported
    This graphics card supports more GPUs in multi-GPU mode than the average graphics card (2 vs 0). The average graphics card supports 0 GPUs in multi-GPU mode.
    2 vs 0
  • 37.3% lower board power limit
    This graphics card has a lower board power limit than the average graphics card (141 W vs 225 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 225 W.
    141 W vs 225 W
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    This graphics card has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
    1 vs 0
  • 15.14x cheaper
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 is cheaper than the average graphics card (£35 vs £530).
    £35 vs £530
  • 1.2% higher user score
    User score
    8.1/ 10
    ✕
    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 distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    MSI GeForce GTX 960
    the average graphics card
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 has a higher user score than the average graphics card (8.10 vs 8.000).
    8.1 vs 8
  • 4.01x faster VRAM clock
    This graphics card has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (7010 MHz vs 1750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1750 MHz.
    7,010 MHz vs 1,750 MHz
  • 2 more GPUs supported
    This graphics card supports more GPUs in multi-GPU mode than the average graphics card (2 vs 0). The average graphics card supports 0 GPUs in multi-GPU mode.
    2 vs 0
  • Supports multi-GPU linking
    This graphics card supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    This graphics card has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
    1 vs 0
  • 38.5% lower PSU requirement
    This graphics card has a lower PSU requirement than the average graphics card (400 W vs 650 W). The average graphics card has a PSU requirement of 650 W.
    400 W vs 650 W
  • 44.2% lower TDP
    This graphics card has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (120 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
    120 W vs 215 W
  • 37.3% lower board power limit
    This graphics card has a lower board power limit than the average graphics card (141 W vs 225 W). The average graphics card has a board power limit of 225 W.
    141 W vs 225 W
  • 8.4 dB quieter under load
    This graphics card has a lower load noise level than the average graphics card (27 dB vs 35.4 dB). The average graphics card has a load noise level of 35.4 dB.
    27 dB vs 35.4 dB
  • 0.5 slot/s slimmer design
    This graphics card occupies fewer slots than the average graphics card (2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s). The average graphics card occupies 2.5 slot/s.
    2 slot/s vs 2.5 slot/s
  • 47.9% lower boost clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1304 MHz vs 2505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2505 MHz.
    1,304 MHz vs 2,505 MHz
  • 10 GB less VRAM
    This graphics card 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
  • 128 bit narrower memory bus
    This graphics card 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
    This graphics card 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
  • 40 fewer ray tracing cores
    This graphics card has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.
    0 vs 40
  • 32 fewer compute units
    This graphics card has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (8 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
    8 vs 40
  • 41.3% lower base clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1127 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
    1,127 MHz vs 1,920 MHz
  • 120 fewer TMUs
    This graphics card has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (64 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
    64 vs 184
  • 22.6% worse value for money
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 has worse value for money than the average graphics card (5.87 vs 7.2).
    5.87 vs 7.2
  • 47.9% lower boost clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower boost GPU clock than the average graphics card (1304 MHz vs 2505 MHz). The average graphics card has a boost GPU clock of 2505 MHz.
    1,304 MHz vs 2,505 MHz
  • 40 fewer ray tracing cores
    This graphics card has fewer ray tracing cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 ray tracing cores.
    0 vs 40
  • 32 fewer compute units
    This graphics card has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (8 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
    8 vs 40
  • 41.3% lower base clock speed
    This graphics card has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1127 MHz vs 1920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1920 MHz.
    1,127 MHz vs 1,920 MHz
  • 120 fewer TMUs
    This graphics card has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (64 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
    64 vs 184
  • 80% lower texture rate
    This graphics card has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (76.2 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 381.2 GTexel/s.
    76.2 GTexel/s vs 381.2 GTexel/s
  • 76.7% lower pixel rate
    This graphics card has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (38.1 GPixel/s vs 163.2 GPixel/s). The average graphics card has a pixel rate of 163.2 GPixel/s.
    38.1 GPixel/s vs 163.2 GPixel/s
  • 144 fewer AI cores
    This graphics card has fewer AI cores than the average graphics card (0 vs 144). The average graphics card has 144 AI cores.
    0 vs 144
  • 32 fewer ROPs
    This graphics card has fewer ROPs than the average graphics card (32 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
    32 vs 64
  • 89.3% lower FP32 performance
    This graphics card has a lower FP32 performance than the average graphics card (2.4 TFLOPS vs 22.57 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP32 performance of 22.57 TFLOPS.
    2.41 TFLOPS vs 22.57 TFLOPS
  • 73.4% lower PassMark score
    This graphics card has a lower PassMark score than the average graphics card (6023 points vs 22653 points). The average graphics card has a PassMark score of 22653 points.
    6,023 points vs 22,653 points
  • 83.6% lower gaming score
    This graphics card has a lower gaming score than the average graphics card (2400 points vs 14678.5 points). The average graphics card has a gaming score of 14678.5 points.
    2,400 points vs 14,678.5 points
  • 89.5% lower compute throughput
    This graphics card has a lower compute throughput than the average graphics card (2.4 TFLOPS vs 22.98 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has compute throughput of 22.98 TFLOPS.
    2.41 TFLOPS vs 22.98 TFLOPS
  • 76.8% lower compute score
    This graphics card has a lower compute score than the average graphics card (2801 points vs 12074 points). The average graphics card has a compute score of 12074 points.
    2,801 points vs 12,074 points
  • 85.4% lower FP64 performance
    This graphics card has a lower FP64 performance than the average graphics card (0.1 TFLOPS vs 0.48 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP64 performance of 0.48 TFLOPS.
    0.07 TFLOPS vs 0.48 TFLOPS
  • 3,328 fewer FP32 units
    This graphics card has fewer FP32 units than the average graphics card (1,024 vs 4,352). The average graphics card has 4,352 FP32 units.
    1,024 vs 4,352
  • 10 GB less VRAM
    This graphics card 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
  • 128 bit narrower memory bus
    This graphics card 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
  • 75% lower memory bandwidth
    This graphics card has a lower memory bandwidth than the average graphics card (112.2 GB/s vs 448 GB/s). The average graphics card has a memory bandwidth of 448 GB/s.
    112.2 GB/s vs 448 GB/s
  • 63.1% slower memory speed
    This graphics card has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (7012 MHz vs 19000 MHz). The average graphics card reaches an effective memory speed of 19000 MHz.
    7,012 MHz vs 19,000 MHz
  • 95.8% smaller L2 cache
    This graphics card has fewer L2 cache than the average graphics card (1 MB vs 24 MB). The average graphics card has 24 MB L2 cache.
    1 MB vs 24 MB
  • 62.5% smaller L1 cache
    This graphics card has fewer L1 cache than the average graphics card (48 vs 128). The average graphics card has 128 L1 cache.
    48 vs 128
  • 5.6x larger process node
    This graphics card 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
  • No DLSS support
    This graphics card does not support DLSS, the average graphics card does.
  • No ray tracing
    This graphics card does not support ray tracing, the average graphics card does.
  • 8 older
    This graphics card was released earlier than the average graphics card (2015 vs 2023).
    January 2015
    2,015 vs 2,023
  • Older PCIe version
    This graphics card supports an older PCIe version than the average graphics card (3 vs 4).
    3.0 vs 4.0
  • No AI upscalers
    This graphics card does not support AI upscalers, the average graphics card does.
  • No mesh shaders
    This graphics card does not support mesh shaders, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • No XeSS support
    This graphics card does not support XeSS, the average graphics card does.
  • No DirectStorage support
    This graphics card does not support DirectStorage, the average graphics card does.
  • Worse SAM support
    This graphics card offers worse SAM support than the average graphics card (no vs yes).
  • Older encoder generation
    This graphics card uses an older encoder generation than the average graphics card (5 vs 8). The average graphics card uses encoder generation 8.
    5 vs 8
  • Older DirectX version
    This graphics card supports an older DirectX version than the average graphics card (12 vs 12 Ultimate).
    12 vs 12 Ultimate
  • No sampler feedback
    This graphics card does not support sampler feedback, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • 87.2% fewer transistors
    This graphics card has fewer transistors than the average graphics card (2940 million vs 22900 million). The average graphics card has 22900 million transistors.
    2,940 million vs 22,900 million
  • Older FSR version
    This graphics card supports an older FSR version than the average graphics card (1 vs 3.1).
    1.0 vs 3.1
  • No AV1 encoding
    This graphics card does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
  • No AV1 decoding
    This graphics card does not support AV1 decoding, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • No DSC support
    This graphics card does not support DSC, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • No VRR support
    This graphics card does not support VRR, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • Older DisplayPort version
    This graphics card supports an older DisplayPort version than the average graphics card (1.2 vs 1.4a).
    1.2 vs 1.4a
  • Older HDMI version
    This graphics card supports an older HDMI version than the average graphics card (2 vs 2.1).
    2.0 vs 2.1
  • Narrower decode codec support
    This graphics card supports narrower hardware decode codec support than the average graphics card (H.264/H.265/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1).
    H.264/H.265/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1 vs H.264/H.265/AV1/VP9/MPEG-2/VC-1
  • Older HDCP version
    This graphics card supports an older HDCP version than the average graphics card (2.2 vs 2.3).
    2.2 vs 2.3
  • Lower display resolution
    This graphics card 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.
    4096x2160 vs 7680x4320
  • Not VR ready
    This graphics card is not VR ready, while the average graphics card is.
    No vs yes
  • 2 fewer monitors per output type
    This graphics card supports fewer monitors per output type than the average graphics card (1 vs 3). The average graphics card supports 3 monitors per output type.
    1 vs 3
  • Older NVDEC generation
    This graphics card has a lower NVDEC generation than the average graphics card (2 vs 6). The average graphics card offers NVDEC generation 6.
    2 vs 6
  • 73% lower DisplayPort bandwidth
    This graphics card has a lower DisplayPort bandwidth than the average graphics card (5.4 Gbps vs 20 Gbps). The average graphics card has DisplayPort bandwidth of 20 Gbps.
    5.4 Gbps vs 20 Gbps
  • 1 fewer fans
    This graphics card has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
    2 vs 3
  • No dual BIOS
    This graphics card does not include dual BIOS, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • 8 °C higher idle temperature
    This graphics card has a higher idle temperature than the average graphics card (45 °C vs 37 °C). The average graphics card has an idle temperature of 37 °C.
    45 °C vs 37 °C
  • No backplate
    This graphics card does not include a backplate, the average graphics card does.
    No vs yes
  • No RGB lighting
    This graphics card does not include RGB lighting, the average graphics card does.
  • 14 mm higher card profile
    This graphics card is taller than the average graphics card (139 mm vs 125 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 125 mm.
    139 mm vs 125 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

T
totallydubbed.net
01/02/2015
Summary of the review
Review of the MSI Nvidia GTX 960 2G Graphics CardGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. Please let me know if you would like to find more review...
T
tomshardware.com
15/07/2015
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2G Review
B
bit-tech.net
26/01/2015
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review
P
pcper.com
30/01/2015
Summary of the review
The GTX 960 at 2560×1440
T
techteamgb.co.uk
04/02/2015
Summary of the review
MSI GTX 960 Gaming 2GGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review
O
overclockers.com
09/02/2015
Summary of the review
MSI GTX 960 Gaming 2G Video Card Review - Overclockers
G
guru3d.com
22/01/2015
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming OCGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. review
T
techpowerup.com
22/01/2015
Summary of the review
MSI GTX 960 Gaming OC 2 GB Review - TechPowerUp
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tomshardware.com
15/07/2015
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2G Review - Tom's Hardware
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uk.pcmag.com
27/02/2015
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2G - PCMag UK
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tweaktown.com
09/02/2015
Summary of the review
MSI GeForce GTX 960 GAMING 2G OC Edition Video Card Review - TweakTown
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multiplayer.it
22/01/2015
Summary of the review
MSI GTX 960 Gaming - Recensione - Schede Video
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tomshw.it
07/08/2015
Summary of the review
Recensione MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2G - Tom's Hardware
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tweakers.net
22/01/2015
Summary of the review
Nvidia GTX 960Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. Round-up
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Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: June 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about MSI GeForce GTX 960

  • Extremely quiet operation due to Twin Frozr V cooler and Zero Frozr technology that stops fans under low load
  • Excellent thermal management, maintaining low temperatures even during heavy gaming
  • High power efficiency with a low 120W TDP, suitable for builds with 400W power supplies
  • Solid 1080p gaming performance, especially in popular MOBA and esports titles
  • Attractive design featuring an illuminated LED dragon logo and a high-quality build
  • Good overclocking headroom for users looking to squeeze out extra performance

What we don't like about MSI GeForce GTX 960

  • Limited 2GB VRAM can be a bottleneck in modern AAA titles or when using high-resolution textures
  • Narrow 128-bit memory bus restricts overall memory bandwidth compared to competitors
  • Performance at 1440p and 4K is inconsistent, often struggling to maintain playable frame rates
  • Stock performance can be slightly lower than some rival factory-overclocked versions from other brands
  • Physical size (over 10 inches) may be too long for some smaller mini-ITX cases

Verdict

The MSI GeForce GTX 960 is a Maxwell-based graphics card featuring 1,024 CUDA cores and options for 2GB or 4GB of GDDR5 VRAM on a 128-bit memory bus with a bandwidth of approximately 112.2 GB/s. Built on a 28nm process, it typically operates at a base clock of around 1127 MHz and can reach boost speeds up to 1304 MHz in OC mode, supporting DirectX 12 and requiring a 400W minimum power supply via a single 8-pin connector. Its primary advantages include high efficiency with a low 120W TDP, exceptionally quiet operation thanks to Twin Frozr V cooling with Zero Frozr technology that stops fans at low loads, and reliable 1080p gaming performance. However, the card is held back by its narrow 128-bit memory interface and limited VRAM in the 2GB model, which significantly hinders performance in modern AAA titles or resolutions above 1080p.

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