Maxed-Out Dark Souls 3: GTX 970 vs R9 390, GTX 960 vs R9 380 - Which Delivers the Smoothest Gameplay?

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Benchmarking Dark Souls 3
3. The Popular NVIDIA GTX 970 and AMD r9 390
4. Performance Enhancements in Patch 1.08
5. The GTX 960 and r9 380
6. Memory Bandwidth and Maxed Out Settings
7. Console Settings for 1080p 60 FPS
8. Sacrificing Visual Quality for Performance
9. Conclusion

Benchmarking Dark Souls 3

Dark Souls 3 is a highly immersive and challenging Game that demands optimal performance from your graphics card. In this article, we will explore the performance of various graphics cards to determine which ones can achieve a smooth 60 frames per Second (FPS) at 1080p resolution with all settings maxed out. So, sit back, grab your controller, and let's dive into the world of Dark Souls 3 benchmarking.

Introduction

When it comes to gaming, achieving a steady 60 FPS is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable experience. Dark Souls 3 is no exception. To ensure accurate results, we conducted our benchmark tests using the popular NVIDIA GTX 970 and AMD r9 390 graphics cards. These cards have been widely praised for their performance and affordability, making them excellent choices for gamers on a budget.

The Popular NVIDIA GTX 970 and AMD r9 390

Our benchmark tests revealed that both the GTX 970 and r9 390 perform admirably in Dark Souls 3, consistently maintaining a solid 60 FPS. This is particularly impressive considering the demanding nature of the game, which features intricate details and complex lighting effects. Whether exploring dark dungeons or engaging in intense battles, these cards deliver a seamless experience.

Performance Enhancements in Patch 1.08

It's worth noting that we conducted our tests using Dark Souls 3's latest patch, version 1.08, which includes numerous performance enhancements. This ensures that players can enjoy the game with all the latest updates and optimizations.

The GTX 960 and r9 380

If you're on a tighter budget, you might consider the GTX 960 or r9 380 as alternatives. However, our tests revealed that running Dark Souls 3 at maxed out settings is simply not feasible with these cards. Both the GTX 960 and r9 380 experienced noticeable drops in FPS, with the GTX 960 sometimes struggling to maintain 40 FPS. While four gigabyte models of these cards may offer slight improvements, they still fall short of delivering a consistent 60 FPS experience.

Memory Bandwidth and Maxed Out Settings

One of the major factors affecting the performance of weaker GPUs, such as the GTX 960 and r9 380, is their limited memory bandwidth. When running Dark Souls 3 at maxed out settings, these cards struggle to sustain 1080p resolution efficiently. This results in frequent frame drops, impacting the overall gameplay experience.

Console Settings for 1080p 60 FPS

To achieve a smoother experience with these weaker GPUs, players can adjust the settings to prioritize frame rate over visual quality. By reducing motion blur, shadows, and other effects to medium or lower, it is possible to reach the desired 60 FPS target in certain sections of the game. However, this approach falls short of delivering a consistently smooth experience throughout the entire game.

Sacrificing Visual Quality for Performance

For gamers seeking the ultimate Dark Souls 3 experience with all the bells and whistles, the GTX 970 or r9 390 are the recommended choices. These cards deliver a full 60 FPS experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the game's stunning visuals without compromise. While weaker GPUs can achieve a similar level of smoothness at 1080p, it comes at the cost of sacrificing overall visual quality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dark Souls 3 is a demanding game that requires a capable graphics card for optimal performance. The GTX 970 and r9 390 excel in delivering a smooth 60 FPS experience with all settings maxed out. However, for gamers on a budget, the GTX 960 and r9 380 offer viable alternatives, albeit with compromises in visual quality. Ultimately, the choice of graphics card depends on your budget and personal preferences. So, equip yourself accordingly and embark on an epic adventure in the world of Dark Souls 3.

Highlights

• Achieving a smooth 60 FPS in Dark Souls 3 is crucial for an immersive gaming experience.
• The NVIDIA GTX 970 and AMD r9 390 are the top choices for maintaining a solid 60 FPS with maxed out settings.
• Patch 1.08 introduces performance enhancements, ensuring players can enjoy the latest optimizations.
• The GTX 960 and r9 380 struggle to deliver satisfactory performance at maxed out settings, with noticeable frame drops.
• Weaker GPUs can achieve 60 FPS by adjusting settings, but this compromises visual quality.
• The GTX 970 and r9 390 offer the ultimate Dark Souls 3 experience, providing a seamless 60 FPS with stunning visuals.

FAQ

Q: Can I achieve 60 FPS in Dark Souls 3 with a GTX 960 or r9 380? A: While it is possible to reach 60 FPS with these cards by adjusting settings, the overall visual quality may be compromised, and frame drops can still occur during intense gameplay moments.

Q: Are there any other affordable graphics cards that can handle Dark Souls 3 with maxed out settings? A: The recommended options for achieving a solid 60 FPS with maxed out settings are the GTX 970 and r9 390. These cards offer excellent performance and affordability for gamers.

Q: How important is memory bandwidth in determining Dark Souls 3 performance? A: Memory bandwidth plays a significant role in sustaining 1080p resolution at maxed out settings. Weaker GPUs with limited memory bandwidth, like the GTX 960 and r9 380, struggle to maintain a smooth gameplay experience.

Q: Can I prioritize frame rate over visual quality to improve performance on weaker GPUs? A: Yes, by adjusting settings such as motion blur, shadows, and effects to medium or lower, you can improve frame rate performance on weaker GPUs. However, this may result in a reduction in overall visual quality.

Q: Which graphics cards deliver the best Dark Souls 3 experience without compromising on visual quality? A: The GTX 970 and r9 390 are the recommended choices for a full 60 FPS experience with stunning visuals in Dark Souls 3. These cards provide the optimal balance between performance and visual fidelity.