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MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB Review | 118 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£200
  • VRAM: 2 GB
  • Memory bus width: 128 bit
  • Thermal Design Power (TDP): 120 W

MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB review. Compare 118 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among graphics cards and if it is worth buying.

3.1

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%

3.1

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.1

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%

1.9

Memory

12.0%

5.5

Power & Cooling

11.0%

5.3

Platform & Features

5.0%

6.0

Design

4.0%

8.0

Connectivity & Media

Poor
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 6.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    45.0%

    ?

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    1.0

    VRAM

    20.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 5.5
    Video editing

    Score components:

    35.0%

    7.0

    AV1 encode

    30.0%

    1.0

    VRAM

    20.0%

    ?

    Floating-point performance

    15.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 6.2
    1080p

    Score components:

    55.0%

    ?

    Floating-point performance

    25.0%

    1.0

    VRAM

    10.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    10.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 5.9
    1440p

    Score components:

    50.0%

    ?

    Floating-point performance

    30.0%

    1.0

    VRAM

    15.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • 5.5
    4K

    Score components:

    40.0%

    ?

    Floating-point performance

    35.0%

    1.0

    VRAM

    20.0%

    ?

    Ray tracing cores / units

    5.0%

    7.6

    PCI Express (PCIe) version

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £200

Best rankings

?

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 960 Gaming 2GB is a performance-tier graphics card based on NVIDIA's 28nm Maxwell architecture, featuring 1,024 CUDA cores and 2GB of GDDR5 memory on a 128-bit bus. Designed for efficient 1080p gaming, it offers a base clock of 1,127 MHz with a boost clock of up to 1,279 MHz in OC mode, and utilizes a dual-slot Twin Frozr V cooler with Zero Frozr technology for silent operation at low loads. Its main advantages include impressive power efficiency with a 120W TDP, robust cooling performance that keeps the GPU under 70°C during intensive tasks, and a versatile selection of outputs including three DisplayPort 1.2, one HDMI 2.0, and one DL-DVI-I. However, its primary limitations are the relatively low 2GB VRAM capacity and narrow 128-bit memory bus, which significantly hinder performance in modern AAA titles or resolutions above 1080p.

Technical Specifications of MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB

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%

?

Performance

24.0%

?

Memory

12.0%

?

Power & Cooling

11.0%

?

Platform & Features

5.0%

?

Design

4.0%

?

Connectivity & Media

3.1
MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has a technical score of 3.15 points, which is lower than that of 96.3% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 55.9% 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%

3.1

Overall score

40.0%

9.5

Price

5.0
MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has a quality-to-price ratio of 5 points, which is lower than 96.6% 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

2,435 points
MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB scores 2435 points in 3DMark Time Spy, which is lower than 89.7% of graphics cards and equal to 0.9% of graphics cards.
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

2,854 points
MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB scores 2854 points in PassMark DirectCompute, which is lower than 66.7% of graphics cards and equal to 0.5% of graphics cards.
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

?
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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 960 Gaming 2GB 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 960 Gaming 2GB 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 960 Gaming 2GB 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

112.2 GB/s
MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB 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.
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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 960 Gaming 2GB 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

?
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 960 Gaming 2GB 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 960 Gaming 2GB 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 960 Gaming 2GB 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 960 Gaming 2GB 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 960 Gaming 2GB 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 960 Gaming 2GB 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 960 Gaming 2GB 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

120 W
MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has a TDP of 120 W, which is lower than that of 83.2% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2.6% 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

120 W
MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB draws 120 W under peak load, which is lower than 84.4% of graphics cards and equal to 1.5% 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

400 W
MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB recommends a 400 W PSU, which is lower than that of 91.7% of graphics cards and equal to that of 2.5% 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

?
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

?
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

139 mm
MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB is 139 mm tall, which is taller than 75.1% of graphics cards and equal in height to 1.1% 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 960 Gaming 2GB 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

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MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB vs the average graphics card

  • 38.5% lower PSU requirement
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB 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.
    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 960 Gaming 2GB 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
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (120 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 960 Gaming 2GB 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
  • 32x larger L2 cache
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has more L2 cache than the average graphics card (1,024 MB vs 32 MB). The average graphics card has 32 MB L2 cache.
    What it is: Total size of the GPU’s L2 cache memory
    When it matters: When cache size can help the GPU feed data faster in demanding scenes.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has more L2 cache than the average graphics card (1,024 MB vs 32 MB). The average graphics card has 32 MB L2 cache.1024 MB vs 32 MB
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB 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 960 Gaming 2GB has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.1 vs 0
  • 2.65x cheaper
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB is cheaper than the average graphics card (£200 vs £530).
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB is cheaper than the average graphics card (£200 vs £530).£200 vs £530
  • 8 dB quieter under load
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has a lower load noise level than the average graphics card (27 dB vs 35 dB). The average graphics card has a load noise level of 35 dB.
    What it is: Noise level produced by the graphics card while under load.
    When it matters: When the PC sits near you and fan noise matters during play.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has a lower load noise level than the average graphics card (27 dB vs 35 dB). The average graphics card has a load noise level of 35 dB.27 dB vs 35 dB
  • Supports multi-GPU linking
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB 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 960 Gaming 2GB supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • 0.2% faster VRAM clock
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (1,753 MHz vs 1,750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1,750 MHz.
    What it is: Speed at which the GPU memory operates
    When it matters: When you want more context on how quickly the card's VRAM can move data.

    Importance: LOW

    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (1,753 MHz vs 1,750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1,750 MHz.1753 MHz vs 1750 MHz
  • 32x larger L2 cache
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has more L2 cache than the average graphics card (1,024 MB vs 32 MB). The average graphics card has 32 MB L2 cache.
  • 0.2% faster VRAM clock
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has a higher VRAM clock than the average graphics card (1,753 MHz vs 1,750 MHz). The average graphics card runs its VRAM at 1,750 MHz.
  • Supports multi-GPU linking
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB supports multi-GPU linking, the average graphics card does not.
  • 1 more DVI outputs
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has more DVI outputs than the average graphics card (1 vs 0). The average graphics card has 0 DVI outputs.
  • 44.2% lower TDP
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has a lower TDP than the average graphics card (120 W vs 215 W). The average graphics card has a TDP of 215 W.
  • 38.5% lower PSU requirement
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB 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.
  • 8 dB quieter under load
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has a lower load noise level than the average graphics card (27 dB vs 35 dB). The average graphics card has a load noise level of 35 dB.

Total
Overall
Memory
Platform & Features
Connectivity & Media
Power & Cooling
  • 32 fewer compute units
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (8 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.
  • 41.3% lower base clock speed
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,127 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.
  • 120 fewer TMUs
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (64 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.
  • 79.8% lower texture rate
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (76.2 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 376.8 GTexel/s.
  • 76.9% lower pixel rate
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has a lower pixel rate than the average graphics card (38.1 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 960 Gaming 2GB has fewer ROPs than the average graphics card (32 vs 64). The average graphics card has 64 ROPs.
  • 88.8% lower FP32 performance
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has a lower FP32 performance than the average graphics card (2.6 TFLOPS vs 22.86 TFLOPS). The average graphics card has FP32 performance of 22.86 TFLOPS.
  • 78.5% lower gaming score
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has a lower gaming score than the average graphics card (2,435 points vs 11,337 points). The average graphics card has a gaming score of 11,337 points.
  • 3,328 fewer FP32 units
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has fewer FP32 units than the average graphics card (1,024 vs 4,352). The average graphics card has 4,352 FP32 units.
  • 128 bit narrower memory bus
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB 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 960 Gaming 2GB has fewer VRAM than the average graphics card (2 GB vs 12 GB). The average graphics card has 12 GB VRAM.
  • 75% lower memory bandwidth
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB 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.
  • 63.1% slower memory speed
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has a lower effective memory speed than the average graphics card (7,012 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 960 Gaming 2GB 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 960 Gaming 2GB 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.
  • No ray tracing
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB does not support ray tracing, the average graphics card does.
  • 8 older
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB was released earlier than the average graphics card (2,015 vs 2,023).
  • Older PCIe version
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB supports an older PCIe version than the average graphics card (3 vs 4.0).
  • No XeSS support
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB does not support XeSS, the average graphics card does.
  • No mesh shaders
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB does not support mesh shaders, the average graphics card does.
  • No DirectStorage support
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB does not support DirectStorage, the average graphics card does.
  • Worse SAM support
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB offers worse SAM support than the average graphics card (no vs yes).
  • No sampler feedback
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB does not support sampler feedback, the average graphics card does.
  • Older OpenGL version
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB supports an older OpenGL version than the average graphics card (4.5 vs 4.6).
  • 86.6% fewer transistors
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB 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 960 Gaming 2GB does not support AV1 encoding, the average graphics card does.
  • No AV1 decoding
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB does not support AV1 decoding, the average graphics card does.
  • No DSC support
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB does not support DSC, the average graphics card does.
  • Older DisplayPort version
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB supports an older DisplayPort version than the average graphics card (1.2 vs 1.4a).
  • Older HDMI version
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB supports an older HDMI version than the average graphics card (2 vs 2.1).
  • Older HDCP version
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB supports an older HDCP version than the average graphics card (2.2 vs 2.3).
  • Not VR ready
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB is not VR ready, while the average graphics card is.
  • Older NVDEC generation
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB 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 960 Gaming 2GB 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 960 Gaming 2GB has fewer fans than the average graphics card (2 vs 3).
  • 7 °C higher idle temperature
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has a higher idle temperature than the average graphics card (45 °C vs 38 °C). The average graphics card has an idle temperature of 38 °C.
  • 5 °C lower thermal ceiling
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has a lower thermal ceiling than the average graphics card (98 °C vs 93 °C). The average graphics card has a thermal ceiling of 93 °C.
  • No backplate
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB does not include a backplate, the average graphics card does.
  • 12 mm higher card profile
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB is taller than the average graphics card (139 mm vs 127 mm). The average graphics card has a height of 127 mm.
  • 128 bit narrower memory bus
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB 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 960 Gaming 2GB 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 960 Gaming 2GB 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 960 Gaming 2GB 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
  • 32 fewer compute units
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (8 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 960 Gaming 2GB has fewer compute units than the average graphics card (8 vs 40). The average graphics card has 40 compute units.8 vs 40
  • 10 GB less VRAM
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB 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 960 Gaming 2GB 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
  • 41.3% lower base clock speed
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,127 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 960 Gaming 2GB has a lower base GPU clock than the average graphics card (1,127 MHz vs 1,920 MHz). The average graphics card has a base GPU clock of 1,920 MHz.1127 MHz vs 1920 MHz
  • 120 fewer TMUs
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (64 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 960 Gaming 2GB has fewer TMUs than the average graphics card (64 vs 184). The average graphics card has 184 TMUs.64 vs 184
  • 79.8% lower texture rate
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (76.2 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 376.8 GTexel/s.
    What it is: Number of textured pixels the GPU can process per second
    When it matters: When fast texture handling matters in high-refresh gaming workloads.

    Importance: HIGH

    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB has a lower texture rate than the average graphics card (76.2 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s). The average graphics card has a texture rate of 376.8 GTexel/s.76.2 GTexel/s vs 376.8 GTexel/s
  • 1 fewer fans
    MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB 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 960 Gaming 2GB 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 960 Gaming 2GB and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB?

  • Excellent Twin Frozr V cooling system that keeps the card exceptionally quiet and cool
  • Fans completely stop spinning during low-load tasks (Zero Frozr technology) for silent operation
  • High power efficiency with low wattage requirements, often running well on a 400W PSU
  • Strong 1080p gaming performance for titles like League of Legends, CS:GO, and Skyrim
  • Substantial overclocking headroom with stable performance boosts using MSI Afterburner
  • Attractive aesthetic design featuring a customizable white illuminated dragon logo
  • Support for modern features like HDMI 2.0 (4K @ 60Hz) and multiple DisplayPorts

What customers dislike about MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2GB?

  • Limited 2GB VRAM can cause stuttering or require lower settings in modern, texture-heavy games
  • 128-bit memory bus is relatively narrow compared to competing cards of its time
  • Physical size is quite large (approx. 10.5 inches), which may not fit in smaller micro-ATX or ITX cases
  • Performance does not significantly improve over older cards like the GTX 760 in some benchmarks
  • Launch price was slightly higher than reference models and some competing AMD alternatives
  • Lacks a protective backplate, which was common on other premium 'Gaming' series cards

Expert reviews

T
tweaktown.com
09/02/2015
MSI GeForce GTX 960 GAMING 2G OC Edition Video Card Review

Summary The MSI GeForce GTX 960 GAMING 2G OC Edition is a highly capable mid-range graphics card designed primarily for 1080p gaming, earning an overall 92% rating from TweakTown. Featuring NVIDIA's Maxwell architecture, the card ships with 2GB of GDDR5 VRAM on a 128-bit memory bus and relies on a single 8-pin PCIe power connector. In raw performance benchmarks, the card excels at...Read more

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bit-tech.net
26/01/2015
MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2G Review

The MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2G is a mid-range graphics card featuring the power-efficient Maxwell GM206 GPU, an 8% factory overclock (1,216MHz base / 1,279MHz boost), and a 4 phase power delivery system. Built with high-quality Super Ferrite Chokes, the card upgrades the standard reference 6-pin power connector to an 8-pin connector to grant additional overclocking headroom,...Read more

P
pcmag.com
22/01/2015
MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2G Review

The MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2G offers a solid 1080p midrange gaming experience, featuring Nvidia's efficient Maxwell architecture, advanced rendering technologies like VXGI and DSR, and a near-silent Twin Frozr cooler. It provides excellent power efficiency but is restricted to 2GB of VRAM and struggles to outperform slightly cheaper, older AMD alternatives, making its $219.99...Read more

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guru3d.com
22/01/2015
MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming OCGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. review

The Guru3D review profiles the MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming OC, highlighting its position as an efficient, factory-overclocked mainstream graphics card designed primarily for affordable 1080p gaming. Built on Nvidia’s 28nm Maxwell GM206 architecture, the card features a base clock speed of 1216 MHz and a dynamic boost frequency of 1279 MHz. The reviewer praises the newly revised...Read more

T
techpowerup.com
22/01/2015
MSI GTX 960 Gaming OC 2 GBGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review

The TechPowerUp review of the MSI GTX 960 Gaming highlights a highly efficient, factory-overclocked, and exceptionally quiet card for 1080p gaming, powered by the Maxwell architecture. Key pros include a competitive $200 launch price, the Twin Frozr V cooler with a fan-stop mechanism for silent idle, and high power efficiency, though it only offers modest performance gains over the...Read more

D
digitalfoundry.net
18/10/2015
Nvidia GeForce GTX 960Go to product viewer dialogue for this item. review - Digital Foundry

The Digital Foundry review highlights the Nvidia GeForce GTX 960 as a capable, mid-range graphics card designed for the 1080p "sweet spot," though it lacks the revolutionary price-to-performance ratio of its bigger sibling, the GTX 970. Built on the Maxwell architecture, its biggest selling points are its incredible power efficiency and cool, quiet operation. It benchmarks with a...Read more

T
tomshardware.com
15/07/2015
MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2G Review - Tom's Hardware

The MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2G offers an impressively engineered take on Nvidia's GM206 GPU, distinctively defined by its cooling and acoustic design. Equipped with a massive heat sink and exceptionally large fans, the graphics card delivers unprecedented silence. The fans remain completely inactive until the GPU hits a 65-degree Celsius threshold, making the card virtually...Read more

T
techteamgb.co.uk
04/02/2015
MSI GTX 960 Gaming 2GGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. Review - TechteamGB

The MSI GTX 960 Gaming 2G is positioned as an exceptional choice for 1080p gaming, balancing performance with a highly efficient thermal design. A standout feature is the "Zero Frozr" cooler, which uses independent 10cm "Torx" fans that remain completely stationary during idle tasks for silent operation, only spinning up during intensive gaming. The card also features a clever...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
27/02/2015
MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2G - PCMag UK Would you like to see benchmarks comparing this card's performance against newer models?

The MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2G is a midrange graphics card built on Nvidia’s Maxwell architecture, specifically designed to deliver reliable 1080p single-monitor gaming at a more accessible price point. Tested at $299.99 (with a retail target of around $200), the GPU brings high-end features like DirectX 12 support, Voxel Global Illumination (VXGI), Dynamic Super Resolution...Read more

T
totallydubbed.net
01/02/2015
Review of the MSI Nvidia GTX 960 2G Graphics Card - TotallyDubbed

The MSI Nvidia GTX 960 2G is an affordable, power-efficient, and exceptionally quiet graphics card tailored for the budget 1080p gaming market. In real-world testing like Battlefield 4, its performance closely matches the older GTX 680, showcasing the efficiency of its newer architecture by maintaining vastly superior minimum frame rates and eliminating steep performance dips. The...Read more

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guru3d.com
22/01/2015
MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming OC review - Guru3D

The MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming OC, a 28nm Maxwell-based card, features a 27 cm dual-slot design with 1,024 shader processors and a factory-overclocked core up to 1279 MHz, boasting the highly effective TwinFrozr V cooler that maintains temperatures around 65°C under load. While the card excels in cooling and design, limitations include a constrained 2 GB GDDR5 memory on a 128-bit...Read more

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gamestar.de
22/01/2015
Nvidia Geforce GTX 960 - Schnell und flüsterleise ab 200 Euro (Technische Daten MSI Geforce GTX 960 Gaming 2G Testsystem)

The GameStar review characterizes the Nvidia GeForce GTX 960 as a highly efficient "sweet spot" graphics card designed for reliable 1080p gaming at a competitive price point, utilizing the "Maxwell" architecture to deliver roughly a 10% to 20% performance boost over the GTX 760. Key pros include an extremely low 120W TDP and, for many partner models, a completely silent operation...Read more

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hardwareluxx.de
22/01/2015
5x NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 im Test

The Hardwareluxx review evaluates five custom-cooled models of the mid-range NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 from EVGA, Inno3D, MSI, Palit, and Zotac to see how well the 2nd-generation "Maxwell" architecture targets the market's "sweet spot". Built on the highly efficient GM206 GPU with 2.94 billion transistors and 1,024 shader units, the GTX 960 features an enhanced L2 cache (1,024 kB) and...Read more

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C
comptoir-hardware.com
22/01/2015
Test • GeForce GTX 960 - Le comptoir du hardware

The Comptoir du Hardware review evaluates the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960, which marks the third act of the Maxwell architecture utilizing the fresh GM206 graphics processor. Positioned as an accessible mid-range card to succeed older models, the GM206 silicon is physically designed as exactly half of the higher-end GM204 found in the GTX 980 and 970, maintaining the exact same...Read more

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elchapuzasinformatico.com
22/01/2015
MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2G [Review] - El Chapuzas Informático

The MSI GeForce GTX 960 Gaming 2G is highlighted as a highly efficient, silent, and capable 1080p graphics card, featuring the impressive Twin Frozr V cooler with Zero Frozr technology, resulting in a maximum power draw of just 112.1W and excellent overclocking capabilities. While praised for its performance in its class, the review notes downsides including an needlessly oversized...Read more

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multiplayer.it
22/01/2015
MSI GTX 960 Gaming - Recensione - Schede Video

This review by Multiplayer.it highlights the MSI GTX 960 Gaming as an exceptional mid-range graphics card designed for 1080p gaming, balancing price and performance. Built on NVIDIA's 28nm Maxwell architecture (GM206 chip), the card features a factory overclock with clock speeds reaching between 1216 MHz and 1279 MHz, compared to the reference card's 1126 MHz. It is equipped with 2...Read more

(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

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