MSI recently announced their line of the GeForce GTX 960 graphics card. They announced four different models namely: MSI GTX 960 100 Million Edition, MSI GTX 960 Gaming 2G, MSI GTX 960 Overclocked (White) and the MSI GTX 960 2GD5 OC (Vanilla). Each model differs in clock speeds and cooler design. The Gaming and 100 Million Edition features the new Twin Frozr V with Zero Frozr technology and Torx Fan design, while the GTX 960 2GD5T OC features the Armor 2X cooler. All model features 1024 CUDA cores with 2GB of GDDR5 memory running on a 128-bit memory interface. Check out their features, respective specifications, prices and availability below.
MSI GTX 960 Features
Twin Frozr V Thermal Design
The new MSI twin Frozr V Thermal Design is the pinnacle of graphics card air cooling. With a smaller than 2-slot design the new Twin Frozr V is able to surpass previous generation’s by a large margin. The new 10cm Torx fans ensure huge amounts of silent airflow and visually complete the bold new look of the Twin Frozr V. The heatsink itself is re-organized through the SuperSU design which increases heatpipe efficiency, especially when combined with Airflow Control Technology. Hybrid Frozr is a throwback to 2008 when MSI was the first to market high-end, zero noise graphics cards thanks to fans that stop spinning in low-temperature situations.
This feature is present on the MSI GTX 960 Gaming 2G and GTX 960 100 Million Edition
Armor 2X Thermal Design
Meanwhile the MSI GTX 960 2GD5T OC, or Overclocked edition, features the Armor 2X thermal design – an all new Black & White cooler design to fit the design of MSI’s Krait series motherboards. Its propeller blade technology produce 20% more airflow compared to traditional fan design, as well as less noise. It also features airflow control technology that deflects more airflow to heatpipes and improves airflow efficiency. It also increases the heatsink area to enhance dissipation efficiency.
Military Class 4 Components
All models, except for the reference MSI GTX 960, feature Military Class 4 components. MSI only uses MIL-STD-810G certified components for its Gaming cards because only these components have proven to be able to withstand the torturous circumstances of extreme gaming and overclocking. The three models are built with Hi-c CAP, Solid CAP, and New SFC components.
MSI GAMING APP
With the addition of the GTX 960 GAMING 2G to the next generation of MSI GAMING graphics cards, MSI is leveling-up the PC gaming experience. The MSI GAMING App allows gamers to quickly switch between OC, Gaming and Silent modes, depending on their needs. Now featuring the EyeRest tab, this offers quick access to specific monitor color profiles for games, movies and a special EyeRest mode which reduces blue light for less strain during nightly gaming sessions. It also features the LED control tab, allowing gamers to choose from 5 unique lighting modes to set the right ambiance for their gaming moments with just one click.
MSI GTX 960 Specifications
| Model | MSI GTX 960 GAMING 2G | MSI GTX 960 GAMING 100ME | MSI GTX 960 2GD5T OC | MSI GTX 960 2GD5 OC |
| GPU | GeForce GTX 960 | GeForce GTX 960 | GeForce GTX 960 | GeForce GTX 960 |
| Bus Type | PCI Express 3.0 x16 | PCI Express 3.0 x16 | PCI Express 3.0 x16 | PCI Express 3.0 x16 |
| Memory | 2 GB GDDR5 | 2 GB GDDR5 | 2 GB GDDR5 | 2 GB GDDR5 |
| Memory Interface | 128-bit | 128-bit | 128-bit | 128-bit |
| Clock Speed | 1127 MHz to 1279 MHz (boost) | 1216 MHz to 1279 MHz (boost) | 1178 MHz to 1241 MHz (boost) | 1127 MHz to 1178 MHz (boost) |
| CUDA Cores | 1024 | 1024 | 1024 | 1024 |
| Memory Speed | 1752 MHz 7010 MHz effective at QDR (quad data rate) | 1752 MHz 7010 MHz effective at QDR (quad data rate) | 1752 MHz 7010 MHz effective at QDR (quad data rate) | 1752 MHz 7010 MHz effective at QDR (quad data rate) |
| DisplayPort | 3 x DisplayPort 1 x HDMI 1 x DVI-I | 3 x DisplayPort 1 x HDMI 1 x DVI-I | 3 x DisplayPort 1 x HDMI 1 x DVI-I | 3 x DisplayPort 1 x HDMI 1 x DVI-I |
| Power Consumption | 120 W | 120 W | 120 W | 120 W |
| Power Input | 1 x 8-pin PCI power input | 1 x 8-pin PCI power input | 1 x 6-pin PCI power input | 1 x 6-pin PCI power input |
| DirectX Version Support | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| OpenGL Version Support | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.4 |
| Dimensions | 10.5 x 5.5 x 1.4" / 267 x 139 x 36 mm | 10.5 x 5.5 x 1.9" / 267 x 139 x 48 mm | 10.7 x 5.1 x 1.5" / 273 x 130 x 37 mm | 242mm x 111mm x 35mm |
| Form Factor | Dual Slot | Dual Slot | Dual Slot | Dual Slot |
| Weight | 1.8 lb / 812g | 1.8 lb / 860 g | 593 g | 586 g |
Prices and Availability
All for models of the MSI GTX 960 are now available to order. Some like the Gaming 2G are already on stock, while others are available for pre order (at the time I posted this article). Below are their respective retail prices and links where you can buy one.
MSI GTX 960 GAMING 2G – $219.99 (less -$10 rebate until Jan. 31, 2015)
MSI GTX 960 GAMING 100ME – $239.99 (less -$10 rebate until Jan. 31, 2015)
MSI GTX 960 2GD5T OC – $209.99
MSI GTX 960 2GD5 OC – $199.99
Seem to by useful for GTX780/780Ti/970 rigs needing a PhysX boost. Any confirmation out there?