Can a Laptop with a GTX 960M Run Current Games as of 2020?
As of 2020, a laptop equipped with a GTX 960M graphics card can still play many modern games, albeit with some compromises in performance and graphical settings. Whether a GTX 960M is suitable depends on the game's optimization, desired resolution, and graphics settings.
Game Optimization and Settings
Game developers do not always optimize their games for older GPUs like the GTX 960M. Some games are more optimized than others, which influences their performance on this hardware. For less demanding games, the GTX 960M can handle them more smoothly.
Graphics settings play a crucial role. Lowering these settings to medium or even low is often necessary to achieve playable frame rates. Adjusting to lower resolutions, such as 720p instead of 1080p, can also improve performance in more demanding titles.
Game Examples
Less Demanding Games
Example 1: Far Cry Primal - This title is less demanding and can be played smoothly on the GTX 960M with medium settings. Example 2: Bioshock Infinite - Another game that runs well on this graphics card at medium to low settings.Moderately Demanding Games
Example 1: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - This game requires more resources but can still be played with performance adjustments. Example 2: Spec Ops: The Line - This title is more demanding but can be run on a GTX 960M with lower settings.More Demanding Games
New AAA titles with high graphical demands, such as Doom Eternal or Metro Exodus, will struggle to run smoothly on a GTX 960M without significant performance reductions.
Real-World Experiences
A discussion on the capabilities of the GTX 960M in running current games often highlights mixed results. Some users report success in running newer games at lower settings and resolutions, while others face challenges.
Positive Assessment: A user found that Modern Warfare (2019) could be run at 720p and 60fps on a GTX 960M with some anti-aliasing, even though the game is not optimally designed for such hardware.
Negative Assessment: Another user noted that the 1600 MHz DDR3 RAM in their laptop significantly bottlenecked the GTX 960M, limiting their performance even further. They could only achieve around 30-35fps on 1080p, with frequent stutters.
Overall, while the GTX 960M is an older GPU, it can still handle many games released around 2020 with some compromises in graphical fidelity. However, users will need to make adjustments to settings and resolution to achieve a satisfactory experience.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a budget gaming laptop, the GTX 960M can be a worthwhile choice. Investing between $200 and $400 for a laptop with this graphics card can provide a decent experience for less demanding games. However, if budget allows for more, it might be wise to opt for a newer, faster GPU to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.