NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950 in 2025: Is It Worth Considering an Outdated Graphics Card?
Introduction
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950 is a budget graphics card released in 2015. Despite its age, some users still consider it as an option for basic tasks. However, in 2025, its relevance raises questions. Let’s explore who might find this model suitable today.
1. Architecture and Key Features
Maxwell Architecture and 28nm Process
The GTX 950 is built on the Maxwell architecture (GM206), created using a 28nm process. This is the second generation of Maxwell, optimized for energy efficiency. The card supports DirectX 12 (Feature Level 12_1), OpenGL 4.6, and Vulkan 1.3, but lacks hardware support for ray tracing (RTX) or DLSS — these technologies appeared in later RTX series GPUs.
Unique Features
Notable features include:
- ShadowPlay for recording gameplay;
- MFAA (Multi-Frame Anti-Aliasing) — a resource-efficient anti-aliasing method;
- VXGI (Voxel Global Illumination) — improved lighting in a limited number of games (e.g., Project Cars).
However, in 2025, these features seem outdated compared to AMD's FidelityFX Super Resolution or DLSS 4.0.
2. Memory: Size and Bandwidth
GDDR5 and Modest Specs
The GTX 950 is equipped with 2 GB of GDDR5 memory with a 128-bit bus. The bandwidth is 105.6 GB/s (memory clock at 6.6 GHz). This is sufficient for games from 2015-2018, but for modern projects (e.g., Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty or Starfield), the memory capacity is inadequate even at low settings. During heavy loads, FPS drops occur due to buffer overflow.
3. Gaming Performance
1080p — Limits of Possibility
In 2025, the GTX 950 is suitable only for undemanding games:
- CS:GO — 80-120 FPS on medium settings;
- Fortnite — 40-50 FPS on low settings (without DLSS or FSR support);
- GTA V — 50-60 FPS (medium settings).
In open-world games (Horizon Forbidden West, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla), the card delivers 20-30 FPS even at minimum settings. 4K and 1440p are unattainable — there isn’t enough power or memory. Hardware support for ray tracing is absent, and emulation through drivers leads to FPS drops to 5-10 frames.
4. Professional Tasks
CUDA and Basic Tasks
The card has 768 CUDA cores, making it suitable for:
- Basic editing in DaVinci Resolve (rendering in H.264);
- Working in Blender on simple scenes (but rendering complex models will take hours);
- Training beginner-level neural networks (with limitations on data volume).
For serious tasks (e.g., 8K video or 3D animations), the GTX 950 is inadequate. Competitors like the RTX 3050 (2048 CUDA cores) or AMD RX 6500 XT (1024 stream processors) outperform it considerably.
5. Power Consumption and Thermal Output
TDP 90W and Modest Cooling
The card consumes up to 90W, making it one of the most energy-efficient in its class. A 400W power supply (e.g., Be Quiet! System Power 10) is suitable for a build with this card. The cooling system typically includes one fan, with noise levels around 32–35 dB. It is recommended to use a case with good ventilation (e.g., Fractal Design Core 1100) to avoid overheating in hot weather.
6. Comparison with Competitors
Outdated vs. Modern Budget Models
In 2025, there are no direct analogs to the GTX 950, as the market has shifted towards more powerful GPUs. However, for comparison:
- AMD Radeon RX 6400 (price $150): 4 GB GDDR6, support for FSR 3.0, 60 FPS in Apex Legends on medium settings;
- Intel Arc A380 ($130): 6 GB GDDR6, support for XeSS, better performance with new APIs.
Even budget newcomers outperform the GTX 950 by 100-200% in performance.
7. Practical Tips
Who Should Consider the GTX 950 in 2025?
- For an office PC with occasional launches of old games;
- As a temporary card until an upgrade;
- For an HTPC (playing 4K video via HEVC decoding).
Notes:
- Power Supply: 400W + one 6-pin PCIe cable;
- Compatibility: PCIe 3.0 x16 (works in PCIe 4.0/5.0 but without a speed boost);
- Drivers: NVIDIA's support ended in 2023 — there may be issues in new OS and games.
8. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low power consumption;
- Quiet operation;
- Support for basic NVIDIA technologies (PhysX, G-Sync on compatible monitors).
Cons:
- Only 2 GB of video memory;
- No support for ray tracing or DLSS;
- Outdated drivers.
9. Final Conclusion: Who is the GTX 950 Suitable For?
In 2025, the GTX 950 is a choice for extremely limited scenarios:
- Budget builds: if you are willing to buy it for $50-70 (new units are rare, more often used);
- Upgrading an old PC: replacing even older GPUs like the GTX 650;
- Energy-efficient systems: for example, home servers.
For gaming and professional tasks, it’s better to consider modern alternatives — even the NVIDIA GTX 1650 ($150) or AMD RX 6500 XT ($130) will offer three times the performance and support for new technologies. The GTX 950 remains a niche solution, relevant only under strict budget constraints.