GTX 960 vs. RX 580

Attribute	GTX 960	RX 580
Manufacturer	Nvidia	AMD
Release Year	2015	2017
Architecture	Maxwell	Polaris
Core Clock Speed	1127 MHz	1257 MHz
Memory	2GB GDDR5	8GB GDDR5
Memory Bandwidth	112 GB/s	256 GB/s

Introduction

When it comes to choosing a graphics card for your gaming PC, there are a plethora of options available in the market. Two popular choices among gamers are the GTX 960 and RX 580. Both of these cards offer great performance for their price range, but they also have their own unique attributes that set them apart from each other. In this article, we will compare the key features of the GTX 960 and RX 580 to help you make an informed decision.

Performance

The GTX 960 is based on Nvidia's Maxwell architecture and features 1024 CUDA cores. It has a base clock speed of 1127 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1178 MHz. On the other hand, the RX 580 is built on AMD's Polaris architecture and comes with 2304 stream processors. It has a base clock speed of 1257 MHz and a boost clock speed of 1340 MHz. In terms of raw performance, the RX 580 has a clear advantage over the GTX 960 due to its higher number of stream processors and faster clock speeds.

Memory

When it comes to memory, the GTX 960 comes with 2GB or 4GB of GDDR5 memory with a 128-bit memory interface. On the other hand, the RX 580 offers 4GB or 8GB of GDDR5 memory with a 256-bit memory interface. The larger memory capacity and wider memory interface of the RX 580 allow it to handle higher resolution textures and run games at higher settings compared to the GTX 960. This makes the RX 580 a better choice for gamers who play graphically demanding titles.

Power Consumption

One of the key differences between the GTX 960 and RX 580 is their power consumption. The GTX 960 has a TDP of 120W, while the RX 580 has a TDP of 185W. This means that the RX 580 consumes more power than the GTX 960, which can lead to higher electricity bills and require a more robust power supply unit. However, the higher power consumption of the RX 580 is justified by its superior performance and ability to handle more demanding games without compromising on frame rates.

Connectivity

Both the GTX 960 and RX 580 come with a variety of connectivity options to support multiple monitors and VR headsets. The GTX 960 typically features DisplayPort, HDMI, and DVI ports, while the RX 580 offers DisplayPort, HDMI, and even a DVI-D port. Additionally, some models of the RX 580 also come with a USB Type-C port for connecting VR headsets. This makes the RX 580 a more versatile option for users who require multiple display outputs or want to experience virtual reality gaming.

Price

When it comes to pricing, the GTX 960 is generally more affordable than the RX 580. This makes it a great option for budget-conscious gamers who want decent performance without breaking the bank. On the other hand, the RX 580 is priced slightly higher but offers better value for money in terms of performance and features. If you are willing to spend a little extra, the RX 580 is a worthwhile investment that will future-proof your gaming rig for years to come.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the GTX 960 and RX 580 are solid choices for gamers looking to upgrade their graphics card. The GTX 960 is a budget-friendly option that offers decent performance for casual gaming, while the RX 580 is a more powerful card that can handle graphically demanding titles with ease. Ultimately, the choice between the two cards will depend on your budget, performance requirements, and future gaming needs. Whichever card you choose, you can rest assured that both the GTX 960 and RX 580 will provide a great gaming experience for years to come.