NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 OEM

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 OEM in 2025: Is It Worth Considering an Obsolete Legend?
Review of capabilities, limitations, and use cases
Introduction
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 OEM is a graphics card released in 2013, yet it still appears in new budget PC builds. Despite its age, it can still be found for sale at prices ranging from $100 to $150 (for OEM versions). In 2025, it seems like an anachronism, but it remains an option for those on an extremely tight budget. Let's explore who might still find this model useful in the era of the RTX 50 series and RDNA 4.
Architecture and Key Features
Kepler Architecture: A Thing of the Past
The GTX 760 OEM is based on the Kepler architecture (GK104 chip), manufactured using a 28nm process. This is an outdated platform that does not support modern technologies:
- RTX features (ray tracing, DLSS) are not available.
- FidelityFX (AMD) is also unsupported.
- There is no hardware acceleration for DirectX 12 Ultimate.
OEM Version Features
The OEM model differs from the retail GTX 760 with a simplified cooling system and potential frequency adjustments (core frequency is 980 MHz, Boost is 1033 MHz). The number of CUDA cores is 1152.
Memory: A Weak Link in 2025
- Type and Size: 2 GB GDDR5 with a 256-bit bus.
- Bandwidth: 192 GB/s.
For modern games and applications, 2 GB of video memory is catastrophically insufficient. Even at 1080p, high-resolution textures and effects will cause FPS drops due to buffer overflow. In professional tasks (such as rendering), the VRAM limit will become critical.
Gaming Performance: Modest Results
1080p (Low/Medium settings):
- CS2: 60–70 FPS.
- Fortnite (without effects): 45–55 FPS.
- GTA V: 50–60 FPS.
- Cyberpunk 2077 (Low): 15–20 FPS (practically unplayable).
1440p and 4K: Not recommended due to insufficient VRAM and processing power.
Ray Tracing: Not supported.
Conclusion: This card is only suitable for undemanding projects and emulating older games (for example, through RetroArch).
Professional Tasks: Minimal Suitability
- CUDA: Supported, but 1152 cores are inadequate for serious rendering.
- Video Editing: Working in Premiere Pro is possible with proxy files, but exporting 4K video will take 3 to 4 times longer than on an RTX 3050.
- 3D Modeling: Blender and AutoCAD will run, but complex scenes will result in lag.
- Scientific Computing: Only basic tasks (e.g., MATLAB for student projects).
Power Consumption and Heat Output
- TDP: 170 W.
- Recommended PSU: 450–500 W (with some headroom).
Cooling:
- Due to the simple cooler in the OEM version, temperatures under load can reach 80–85°C.
- Tip: Install the card in a case with good airflow (2-3 intake fans). Avoid compact cases!
Comparison with Competitors
In 2025, the GTX 760 OEM competes not with modern GPUs, but with the used market and integrated graphics:
- Intel Arc A380: New ($120), 6 GB GDDR6, DX12 Ultimate support — 30-40% faster.
- AMD Radeon RX 6400: 4 GB GDDR6, 75 W TDP — better suited for HTPCs.
- Integrated graphics of Ryzen 5 8600G: Comparable gaming performance, but without the cost of a discrete card.
Verdict: The GTX 760 OEM is justified only under a strict budget of up to $100 and with an available free PCIe slot.
Practical Tips
- Power Supply: Don’t skimp! Even older cards require stable voltage. A Corsair CV450 ($50) will suffice.
- Compatibility:
- PCIe 3.0 x16 (compatible with 4.0/5.0, but without speed gains).
- Drivers: Official support has ended. Use the latest version from 2024 (512.77).
- OS: Windows 10/11 (Linux may have issues with proprietary drivers).
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Price under $150.
- Sufficient for office tasks and older games.
- Low power consumption by 2025 standards (for discrete GPUs).
Cons:
- 2 GB of VRAM is the primary limitation.
- No support for modern APIs and technologies.
- Noisy cooling system.
Final Conclusion: Who Is the GTX 760 OEM For?
This graphics card is a choice for:
1. Budget office PCs, where discrete graphics are needed to connect multiple monitors.
2. Retro gaming enthusiasts, building systems from the 2000s to 2010s.
3. A temporary solution before purchasing a modern GPU.
Alternative: If the budget allows, add $50-70 and get a new Intel Arc A380 or a used GTX 1650 — it will save you headaches in the long run.
Conclusion
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 OEM in 2025 is a niche product. It is not suited for the gaming of the future, but it can serve as a part of history in your system unit. Remember: technology does not stand still, and even $200 today grants access to significantly greater capabilities.