2GB or 4GB gtx 960?

[theperson671]

I'm looking to upgrade my gpu. At the time of building my computer initially, I had no serious intention to do massive gaming, but the times gave changed. And right now, i'm stuck with a gt 610 (i didn't really know much about graphics cards at the time of buying it). I only plan on playing at 1080p, but there's definitely a chance i may be upgrading from a single monitor to a dual or even triple monitor setup in the future. That being said, would I be better off with a GTX 960 2 or 4GB version? (Both of which are the EVGA sueprSC models)

[Lotus]

Have you checked out either an R9 280 (slightly less performance for less cash) or R9 280x (slighty better performance for a bit more cost than the 2GB 960, still less than 4GB version)? They both have 3GB of VRAM and perform better than the 960 where that becomes relavent (even the R9 280 non-X version), and the X version performs better period, even when the extra memory isn't used. Basically, it eliminates the need to pay extra for VRAM since it comes with it already, and is a better cost to performance anyway.

 

If at any point you would want the 4GB version, the 280x will perform better for less.

[hypnodog]

4 GB all the way. At 1080p, the 2 GB version is fine, but if you're going to be doing a multi-monitor setup, the 4 GB will be a huge benefit.

[Liamcal]

4gb. Save yourself a little time until  it needs an upgrade, y'know?

[kuzimins]

Techoftommorow made a video comparing both on 1080p, no difference at all. Go search it up

[Vexzarium]

If you're set on the GTX960, I'd suggest the 4gb edition. There are quiet a few games that will cap a 2gb GPU at 1080p. The extra VRAM would, in lame men terms, unleash the GTX960 in the games that need it. With only 2gb of VRAM, you may find yourself getting less performance once the VRAM usage gets close to 2048mb.

 

As stated above, the R9-280x has 3gb of VRAM. Which is just enough for 99% of games at 1080p and it out performs the 960.

 

I would not be aiming for multi-monitor with a GTX-960. And the 128bit bus will likely be the downfall of the 4gb edition.

[Vexzarium]

DOUBLE POST

[othertomperson]

My answer hasn't changed from earlier today. 2GB for single, 4GB if you're intending to SLI, bear in mind that the memory bus will probably be your bottleneck in that case.

 

4 GB all the way. At 1080p, the 2 GB version is fine, but if you're going to be doing a multi-monitor setup, the 4 GB will be a huge benefit.

 

On a 960? o.0 No. Recommending a 960 for multi-monitor is beyond ridiculous.

[hypnodog]

 

My answer hasn't changed from earlier today. 2GB for single, 4GB if you're intending to SLI, bear in mind that the memory bus will probably be your bottleneck in that case.

 

 

On a 960? o.0 No. Recommending a 960 for multi-monitor is beyond ridiculous.

 

Well, I don't really know the OP's budget other than it being around the 960's price. As the person above me said, the R9 280(x) is slightly better than the 960. I just didn't know if the OP preferred Nvidia or if he(she) is neutral. I really need to learn to recommend things with very little info lol

[-CLASSIFIED-]

just get a 970 

[othertomperson]

Well, I don't really know the OP's budget other than it being around the 960's price. As the person above me said, the R9 280(x) is slightly better than the 960. I just didn't know if the OP preferred Nvidia or if he(she) is neutral. I really need to learn to recommend things with very little info lol

 

Well I would categorically recommend the 280X instead of any 960 here. Performance is slightly better, the memory has an interface such that you can actually use more than 2GB, and 3GB makes more sense for this class of card than 4. Even the 285, imo, is more compelling than the 960 even though they ought to be straight equivalents.

[Vexzarium]

If you're aiming at 1080p, the 280x is the perfect GPU. If you can afford a 3-4 hundred dollar card, consider the 970 or 290x.

[Vexzarium]

Well I would categorically recommend the 280X instead of any 960 here. Performance is slightly better, the memory has an interface such that you can actually use more than 2GB, and 3GB makes more sense for this class of card than 4. Even the 285, imo, is more compelling than the 960 even though they ought to be straight equivalents.

I'm putting the R9-285 in my GF's rig, the game we play only uses 1.8gb of VRAM. And the 285 supports the latest Radeon features, so I second your comment.

 

OP, if you want to save some cash, go with the R9-285. If you're set on a $250 GPU budget, go with the R9-280x. If your budget is 3-4 hundred, the GTX-970 or 290x are awesome options.

[MLGNOSCOPEHEADSHOTGETREKT]

2GB-

[Vexzarium]

 

Hey, nice video link. I've been looking for a video like this on the 960/4

[Vexzarium]

Yeah, I'd definitely go with the R9-285 or R9-280x.

 

Good luck OP.

[vembutech]

yep i accept Vexzarium suggestion.

[KemoKa]

Grab a 280X, or you could even find a 290 for not a lot more, probably. both are much better for the price, and they beat the 960 handily in absolutely everything.

[SteveGrabowski]

Techoftommorow made a video comparing both on 1080p, no difference at all. Go search it up

 

Does Firestrike Extreme use more than 2GB of VRAM? Because I don't think anything else in that benchmark does.

[AlexWJD]

2GB-

 

That video has already been debunked as bias

[Hero7750]

Have you checked out either an R9 280 (slightly less performance for less cash) or R9 280x (slighty better performance for a bit more cost than the 2GB 960, still less than 4GB version)? They both have 3GB of VRAM and perform better than the 960 where that becomes relavent (even the R9 280 non-X version), and the X version performs better period, even when the extra memory isn't used. Basically, it eliminates the need to pay extra for VRAM since it comes with it already, and is a better cost to performance anyway.

 

If at any point you would want the 4GB version, the 280x will perform better for less.

This^^

[Prolly_dyin]

I apologize, lagged accidental multi-post.  <_<

[Prolly_dyin]

I apologize, lagged accidental multi-post.  <_<

[Prolly_dyin]

If you're stuck on Nvidia for Gamestream or whatever your reason may be. If you're gaming at 1080p It wont matter much depending on the games you play. That being said the 960 doesn't handle resolutions larger than 1080p very well. However, down the road games could possibly utilize the 4gb of vram better given the bus can handle it. But the main reason to get the 4gb version would be if you plan to possibly throw another in for sli a while down the road.

 

In short: If you're playing games like cs:go or dota 2 the 960 will run them fine with a 2gb card, and do it very efficiently at that.