NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950A
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950A: Budget GPU for Non-Demanding Tasks
April 2025
Despite the active development of technologies such as ray tracing and neural network upscaling, budget graphics cards remain in high demand. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950A is an example of such a solution, aimed at users who are not willing to overpay for top-tier features but want stable performance for basic scenarios. Let’s examine what makes this model noteworthy and who it is suited for.
Architecture and Key Features
Maxwell Architecture: Tried and True Classic
The GTX 950A is based on the Maxwell architecture (GM206), released back in 2014-2015. Despite its age, NVIDIA continues to utilize it in budget lines, adapting it for modern manufacturing processes. The card is manufactured on a 16-nm TSMC process, ensuring a balance between energy efficiency and performance.
No RTX or DLSS: Focus on Basic Features
The GTX 950A does not support hardware ray tracing (RTX) or neural network technologies such as DLSS. It is a straightforward "workhorse" for DirectX 12 (feature level 11_0) and OpenGL 4.6. Among modern features, it only includes adaptive vertical sync (Adaptive VSync) and support for multi-monitor configurations.
Memory: Modest, But Adequate for Its Tasks
GDDR5: Budget Standard
The card is equipped with 4 GB of GDDR5 memory with a 128-bit bus. Its bandwidth is 112 GB/s, which is half that of modern models with GDDR6. For games in 2025, this may not be sufficient even at medium settings, but it remains acceptable for projects from the 2010s to 2020s.
Limitations and Compromises
The memory capacity is sufficient for:
- Video rendering at resolutions up to 1080p;
- Running less demanding games (CS2, Dota 2, Overwatch 2);
- Working with 2D graphics.
However, in games with highly detailed textures (such as Cyberpunk 2077 or Starfield), there may be stutters due to buffer overflow.
Gaming Performance: Modest Ambitions
1080p — Comfortable Zone
At a resolution of 1920×1080, the GTX 950A shows the following results (with "Medium" settings):
- Fortnite: 45–55 FPS (no Epic effects);
- Apex Legends: 50–60 FPS;
- GTA VI: 25–30 FPS (minimum settings);
- The Witcher 3: 40–50 FPS.
1440p and 4K: Not Recommended
Even with settings lowered to "Low," the card does not provide smooth gameplay at resolutions above 1080p. For example, in Red Dead Redemption 2 at 1440p, the average FPS drops to 20–25.
Ray Tracing: Not Available
The absence of RT cores makes hardware ray tracing impossible. Software emulation via DirectX 12 Ultimate would reduce performance by 3 to 4 times, which is impractical for gaming.
Professional Tasks: Only for Basic Projects
CUDA Cores: 768 Units
With support for CUDA 5.2, the card can handle simple tasks:
- Video editing in Adobe Premiere Pro (videos up to 1080p/30fps);
- Rendering in Blender (Cycles) on low settings;
- Photo processing in Lightroom.
Limitations
For complex 3D scenes (ZBrush, Maya) or scientific calculations (MATLAB), the power is insufficient. OpenCL performance also lags behind modern APUs from AMD and Intel.
Power Consumption and Heat Generation: Easy Integration
TDP 75W: Powered via PCIe Slot
The card does not require additional connectors from the power supply, making installation straightforward in office PCs and low-power builds.
Cooling: Passive or Single-Fan
Models with passive cooling are suitable for HTPC systems, but prolonged loads may lead to throttling. The optimal option is versions with one 90mm fan.
Case Recommendations
- Minimum case volume: 20 liters;
- Required airflow: 1 intake and 1 exhaust fan.
Comparison with Competitors: Who Offers More?
AMD Radeon RX 6500E (4 GB GDDR6)
- Pros: Support for FSR 3.0, higher memory frequency (16 Gbps);
- Cons: No hardware encoding for AV1;
- Price: $160–180.
Intel Arc A310 (6 GB GDDR6)
- Pros: Support for XeSS, AV1 decoding;
- Cons: Driver issues with older games;
- Price: $150–170.
Conclusion: The GTX 950A ($140–160) wins in price but falls short in functionality.
Practical Tips: How to Avoid Problems
Power Supply: 350W is Sufficient
Even for low-power builds, a PSU of 350–400W (e.g., be quiet! System Power 10) is enough.
Compatibility with Platforms
- Motherboards: PCIe 3.0 x16 (backward compatible with 2.0);
- Processors: Any modern CPU (Intel Core i3–12100F, AMD Ryzen 5 5500) will work.
Drivers: Stability Over Newness
Use NVIDIA Studio drivers — they are updated less frequently but are better suited for working with professional software.
Pros and Cons of GTX 950A
Pros:
- Low price ($140–160);
- Energy efficiency;
- Quiet operation in passive modes.
Cons:
- Only 4 GB of GDDR5 memory;
- No support for ray tracing or DLSS/FSR;
- Outdated architecture.
Final Conclusion: Who is GTX 950A Suitable For?
This graphics card is a choice for:
1. Office PCs that require output to 2–3 monitors;
2. Budget gaming systems for running older or less demanding games;
3. HTPC for 4K video playback (with support for VP9 and H.265 decoding).
Alternative: If your budget allows for an extra $30–40, consider the Intel Arc A310 or AMD RX 6500E — they are better prepared for the realities of 2025.
The GTX 950A may not be a gaming champion, but it is a reliable tool for those who value simplicity and economy.