GeForce GTX 960 vs GeForce RTX 2060 12GB
Performance-wise the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is out front, dramatically faster, roughly 367% up on the GeForce GTX 960.
Maximum Capacity Reached. Remove a model to add another. (2/2)
Comparable or lower specs
GeForce RTX 2060 12GB vs GeForce GTX 960: In-Depth Breakdown
Performance: GeForce RTX 2060 12GB vs GeForce GTX 960
The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is dramatically faster, around 367% ahead of the GeForce GTX 960. That gap is enough to move it up a tier: the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is comfortable at 1080p, while the GeForce GTX 960 is better matched to entry-level 1080p. The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB packs 2,176 CUDA cores versus 1,024 on the GeForce GTX 960.
Power & Efficiency
The GeForce GTX 960 is the lighter draw at 120W against the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB's 184W, making it the easier card to power and cool. The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB draws more in absolute terms but squeezes out more performance per watt, so budget for a beefier PSU if you go that route. Its more modern Turing architecture on a TSMC 12nm process is part of why it does more with each watt.
VRAM & Future-Proofing
The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB's 12GB (vs 2GB on the GeForce GTX 960) gives it more room for 4K textures and memory-hungry creative or AI workloads. The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB's memory is also faster — 336 GB/s versus 112 GB/s (192-bit vs 128-bit bus) — which helps feed the GPU at 4K and with heavy textures.
Generation & Longevity
The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is roughly 6 years newer than the GeForce GTX 960 (Turing vs Maxwell), so it generally benefits from a more modern architecture and longer driver-support runway.
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 960 or GeForce RTX 2060 12GB?
The GeForce RTX 2060 12GB is the faster card by about 367%. With live pricing limited for this pair, base your decision on the spec differences above — particularly VRAM and power draw — and check current stock before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB better than the GeForce GTX 960?
Which is better for 4K gaming, the GeForce GTX 960 or the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB?
Does the GeForce RTX 2060 12GB have enough VRAM advantage to matter?
Which should you buy: GeForce GTX 960 or GeForce RTX 2060 12GB?
Technical Specifications Comparison
Architecture & Cores
| Specification | GeForce GTX 960 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Maxwell | Turing |
| Process Node | TSMC 28nm | TSMC 12nm |
| CUDA Cores (CUDA Cores / CUDA Cores) | 1,024 | 2,176✓ |
Clock Speeds
| Specification | GeForce GTX 960 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Base Clock | 1,127 MHz | 1,470 MHz✓ |
| Boost Clock | 1,178 MHz | 1,650 MHz✓ |
Memory
| Specification | GeForce GTX 960 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM Capacity | 2 GB | 12 GB✓ |
| Memory Type | GDDR5 | GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 128-bit | 192-bit✓ |
| Memory Speed | 7 Gbps | 14 Gbps✓ |
| Bandwidth | 112 GB/s | 336 GB/s✓ |
Connectivity & Power
| Specification | GeForce GTX 960 | GeForce RTX 2060 12GB |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 3.0 x16 |
| TDP | 120 W✓ | 184 W |
| Power Connectors | 1x 6-pin | 1x 8-pin |
| Released | Jan 2015 | Dec 2021 |