Choosing between the GTX 950 vs RX 560 can be challenging, especially if you’re building or upgrading a budget gaming PC. Although both graphics cards are several generations old, they remain popular among gamers looking for affordable options for esports titles and older AAA games. Thanks to their availability in the used market, these GPUs continue to attract users who want decent 1080p gaming performance without spending much.
The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950 was launched in 2015 based on the Maxwell architecture, while the AMD Radeon RX 560 arrived in 2017 using the newer Polaris architecture. Despite being newer, the RX 560 competes directly with the GTX 950 in terms of pricing, but it offers several advantages, including more VRAM options, newer multimedia capabilities, and better DirectX 12 optimization.
In this GTX 950 vs RX 560 comparison, we’ll examine their specifications, gaming performance, power consumption, features, and overall value. Whether you’re upgrading an aging office PC, assembling a budget gaming system, or buying a used graphics card, this guide will help you determine which GPU offers the better experience for your needs.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison Table
Before diving into gaming benchmarks and recommendations, here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of the GTX 950 and RX 560.
| Feature | NVIDIA GTX 950 | AMD RX 560 |
| Launch Year | 2015 | 2017 |
| Architecture | Maxwell | Polaris 21 |
| Manufacturing Process | 28nm | 14nm |
| Stream/CUDA Cores | 768 CUDA Cores | 1024 Stream Processors |
| Base Clock | 1024 MHz | 1175 MHz |
| Boost Clock | 1188 MHz | Up to 1275 MHz |
| VRAM | 2GB GDDR5 | 2GB / 4GB GDDR5 |
| Memory Bus | 128-bit | 128-bit |
| Memory Bandwidth | 105.6 GB/s | 112 GB/s |
| DirectX Support | DirectX 12 | DirectX 12 |
| Vulkan Support | Yes | Yes |
| TDP | 90W | 80W |
| Recommended PSU | 350W | 400W |
| PCIe Power Connector | 6-pin | Usually 6-pin |
| Ray Tracing | No | No |
| Encoder | NVENC | AMD VCE |
Quick Highlights Table
If you’re looking for the biggest differences at a glance, the table below summarizes the strengths of each graphics card.
| Category | Winner |
| Overall Gaming Performance | RX 560 |
| Modern API Performance | RX 560 |
| Older DirectX 11 Games | GTX 950 |
| VRAM Capacity | RX 560 (4GB Model) |
| Power Efficiency | RX 560 |
| Driver Support | RX 560 |
| Video Playback Features | RX 560 |
| Content Creation | RX 560 |
| Used Market Availability | Tie |
| Overall Value | RX 560 |
Key Takeaways
The GTX 950 vs RX 560 battle is closer than many people expect, but the RX 560 generally comes out ahead thanks to its newer architecture and larger VRAM options. While the GTX 950 still performs well in older DirectX 11 games, the RX 560 provides a better overall experience for modern titles and everyday use.
- RX 560 delivers around 10–20% higher average gaming performance in many modern games.
- The 4GB RX 560 handles newer games much better than the GTX 950’s typical 2GB configuration.
- GTX 950 remains competitive in older esports and DirectX 11 titles.
- RX 560 consumes slightly less power while offering better efficiency.
- AMD’s Polaris architecture ages better with modern graphics APIs such as Vulkan and DirectX 12.
- The RX 560 is a stronger option for media playback and multi-monitor setups.
- Both GPUs are best suited for budget 1080p gaming with medium or low settings in today’s games.
- If both cards cost about the same on the used market, the RX 560 is usually the smarter purchase.
Gaming Performance Breakdown
When comparing the GTX 950 vs RX 560, gaming performance is the deciding factor for most buyers. Both graphics cards target entry-level 1080p gaming, but the RX 560 generally delivers higher frame rates and smoother gameplay thanks to its newer Polaris architecture and optional 4GB VRAM. The GTX 950 still performs well in older DirectX 11 titles, but it begins to struggle in newer games that require more graphics memory and better API optimization.
The benchmark estimates below represent average FPS at 1080p Medium settings using systems with comparable CPUs and 16GB of RAM. Actual performance may vary depending on the game version, drivers, and system configuration.
| Game | GTX 950 | RX 560 | Winner |
| Counter-Strike 2 | 75 FPS | 88 FPS | RX 560 |
| Valorant | 170 FPS | 190 FPS | RX 560 |
| League of Legends | 180 FPS | 210 FPS | RX 560 |
| Dota 2 | 95 FPS | 110 FPS | RX 560 |
| Rocket League | 120 FPS | 138 FPS | RX 560 |
| Fortnite (Medium) | 48 FPS | 60 FPS | RX 560 |
| GTA V | 52 FPS | 63 FPS | RX 560 |
| Apex Legends | 42 FPS | 52 FPS | RX 560 |
| Rainbow Six Siege | 78 FPS | 94 FPS | RX 560 |
| The Witcher 3 (Classic) | 40 FPS | 49 FPS | RX 560 |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 28 FPS | 36 FPS | RX 560 |
| Cyberpunk 2077 (Low) | 20 FPS | 27 FPS | RX 560 |
Esports Performance
If you mainly play competitive esports games, both GPUs remain capable choices. Popular titles such as Valorant, League of Legends, Dota 2, Rocket League, and Counter-Strike 2 run smoothly at 1080p, often exceeding 60 FPS. The GTX 950 is still a respectable option for these lighter games, but the RX 560 consistently provides higher average frame rates and better minimum FPS, resulting in smoother gameplay during intense matches.
AAA Gaming Performance
Modern AAA games are much more demanding than older esports titles. Here, the RX 560’s newer architecture and available 4GB VRAM give it a noticeable advantage. Games such as Red Dead Redemption 2, Horizon Zero Dawn, Forza Horizon 5, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider are more playable on the RX 560, while the GTX 950 often suffers from VRAM limitations, texture pop-in, and lower frame rates.
Both cards require Low to Medium settings in recent games, but the RX 560 maintains a more consistent gaming experience.
1080p Gaming Experience
For gamers targeting Full HD resolution, the RX 560 is the stronger overall performer. It delivers smoother gameplay, supports higher texture settings on 4GB models, and offers better optimization in DirectX 12 and Vulkan titles. The GTX 950 can still handle older games well, but it is increasingly limited by its 2GB VRAM and aging Maxwell architecture.
Gaming Performance Winner
Winner: AMD Radeon RX 560 🏆
The RX 560 outperforms the GTX 950 in most modern games by approximately 10–20%, while also providing better frame consistency, lower power consumption, and improved support for newer graphics technologies. If both GPUs are available at similar prices, the RX 560 is the clear choice for budget 1080p gaming today.
Pros & Cons
If you’re deciding between the GTX 950 vs RX 560, it’s important to look beyond raw specifications. Each graphics card has its own strengths and weaknesses depending on the types of games you play, your system configuration, and your budget. Here’s a closer look at what each GPU does well—and where it falls short.
GTX 950 Pros
- Reliable 1080p performance in older DirectX 11 games.
- Excellent driver stability with mature NVIDIA software.
- Strong NVENC hardware encoder for basic game streaming and video recording.
- Performs well in esports titles like CS2, League of Legends, Dota 2, Valorant, and Rocket League.
- Widely available on the used market at affordable prices.
- Compatible with older systems and power supplies.
- Lower initial cost in many second-hand markets.
GTX 950 Cons
- Most models include only 2GB of VRAM, which limits performance in newer games.
- Older 28nm Maxwell architecture is less efficient than Polaris.
- Weaker DirectX 12 and Vulkan performance.
- Struggles with modern AAA games at high texture settings.
- Shorter long-term viability due to aging hardware.
- Higher power consumption compared to its performance level.
RX 560 Pros
- Better overall gaming performance than the GTX 950.
- Available in 4GB VRAM versions that significantly improve performance in modern titles.
- More efficient 14nm Polaris architecture.
- Better support for DirectX 12 and Vulkan games.
- Improved multimedia engine for video playback and content consumption.
- Lower power consumption despite offering better performance.
- Better longevity for budget gaming PCs.
RX 560 Cons
- Performance varies depending on whether it’s the 896-core or 1024-core version.
- Driver installation can occasionally require extra configuration on older Windows installations.
- Not powerful enough for high-refresh-rate AAA gaming.
- No hardware ray tracing support.
- Used prices for 4GB models can be noticeably higher than GTX 950 cards.
Buying Recommendations
Choosing between the GTX 950 vs RX 560 ultimately depends on your budget, gaming habits, and future upgrade plans. While both cards target budget-conscious gamers, one offers a noticeably better long-term experience.
Buy the GTX 950 if…
The GTX 950 is still a reasonable choice if you find one at a significantly lower price than the RX 560. It remains capable of running older games and competitive esports titles smoothly at 1080p.
Choose the GTX 950 if you:
- Primarily play older games released before 2018.
- Focus on esports titles like Valorant, League of Legends, Dota 2, CS2, or Team Fortress 2.
- Have a very limited budget.
- Need NVIDIA’s NVENC encoder for occasional streaming or recording.
- Are upgrading an older desktop without spending much money.
- Find a GTX 950 in excellent condition at a bargain price.
For casual gamers who aren’t concerned about maximum graphics settings, the GTX 950 can still provide a satisfying experience.
Buy the RX 560 if…
For most buyers, the RX 560 is the better investment. Its newer architecture, stronger DirectX 12 performance, and optional 4GB VRAM make it a much more capable graphics card in today’s games.
The RX 560 is ideal if you:
- Want the best gaming performance under a tight budget.
- Play newer games released in recent years.
- Plan to keep the GPU for several more years.
- Prefer smoother gameplay at medium settings.
- Need more VRAM for higher-resolution textures.
- Watch high-resolution video content or use multiple monitors.
- Want better performance per watt.
If possible, prioritize the 4GB RX 560 (1024 Stream Processor version), as it offers the best balance of performance and longevity.
Which Card Offers Better Value?
When comparing used prices, the RX 560 typically provides the better price-to-performance ratio.
If the GTX 950 costs 30–40% less, it can still be worth considering for budget esports gaming. However, if both cards are similarly priced, the RX 560 is the clear winner thanks to its:
- Better average FPS
- Larger VRAM capacity
- Lower power consumption
- Better modern game compatibility
- Longer useful lifespan
Spending a little extra on the RX 560 today can save you from needing another upgrade sooner.
Final Verdict
In the GTX 950 vs RX 560 comparison, the AMD Radeon RX 560 earns the overall victory. While the GTX 950 was an impressive mid-range graphics card in its day, the RX 560 benefits from a newer architecture, better efficiency, improved DirectX 12 performance, and the availability of 4GB VRAM models that handle modern games much more effectively.
The GTX 950 remains a viable option for users on an extremely tight budget or those who primarily play older DirectX 11 and esports titles. It still delivers dependable performance in games like League of Legends, Valorant, Rocket League, and Dota 2. However, its limited VRAM and aging architecture make it less suitable for newer AAA releases.
For anyone building or upgrading a budget gaming PC in 2026, the RX 560 is the stronger all-around choice. It offers smoother gameplay in modern titles, better future-proofing, lower power consumption, and greater overall value—especially if you can find the 4GB, 1024-stream processor version at a reasonable price.
Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or simply extending the life of an older system, the RX 560 provides the more balanced and worthwhile investment.
FAQ Section
Q1: Is the RX 560 better than the GTX 950 for gaming?
Ans: Yes. In most games, the RX 560 outperforms the GTX 950 by around 10–20%, especially in DirectX 12 and Vulkan titles. The 4GB RX 560 also handles higher texture settings and newer games much better thanks to its additional VRAM.
Q2: Can the GTX 950 still run modern games in 2026?
Ans: Yes, but with limitations. The GTX 950 can still run many modern games at 1080p using low settings, although demanding AAA titles may struggle due to its 2GB VRAM and older Maxwell architecture. It performs best in esports and older games.
Q3: Which graphics card is better for 1080p gaming?
Ans: The RX 560 is the better choice for 1080p gaming. It delivers higher average frame rates, supports newer graphics APIs more effectively, and offers smoother gameplay in both competitive and modern games, particularly the 4GB version.
Q4: Does the RX 560 consume less power than the GTX 950?
Ans: Yes. The RX 560 has a typical board power of around 80W compared to the GTX 950’s 90W. Despite using slightly less power, the RX 560 generally provides better gaming performance and improved power efficiency.
Q5: Which GPU is better for streaming and content creation?
Ans: Both cards can handle basic streaming and video editing, but they excel in different areas. The GTX 950 features NVIDIA’s reliable NVENC encoder for game streaming, while the RX 560 offers stronger overall GPU performance and more VRAM, making it better suited for light content creation and multitasking.
Q6: Is 2GB VRAM enough for gaming today?
Ans: For older games and most esports titles, 2GB VRAM is still usable. However, many modern games require more memory for smooth gameplay at 1080p. A 4GB RX 560 provides a much better experience in newer titles and is the recommended option whenever possible.
Q7: Which graphics card offers better value in the used market?
Ans: If both GPUs are similarly priced, the RX 560 offers significantly better value. It provides higher gaming performance, lower power consumption, improved DirectX 12 support, and greater longevity. The GTX 950 is only the better buy if it is available at a substantially lower price.
Short Conclusion
The GTX 950 vs RX 560 comparison makes one thing clear: while both graphics cards remain capable budget options for entry-level gaming, the AMD Radeon RX 560 is the stronger overall choice today. Its newer Polaris architecture, better DirectX 12 and Vulkan performance, lower power consumption, and available 4GB VRAM models make it more suitable for today’s games and future upgrades.
The GTX 950 still deserves consideration if you’re on a very tight budget or mainly play older DirectX 11 and esports titles. It continues to deliver solid performance in games like Valorant, League of Legends, Dota 2, and Rocket League. However, its limited VRAM and aging architecture reduce its appeal for newer AAA games.
For most gamers looking to maximize performance without overspending, the RX 560 is the better investment. It offers a superior balance of speed, efficiency, and long-term value, making it the recommended choice for anyone upgrading a budget gaming PC.
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