IF you're talking gaming @1440p... The GTX 970 walks all over the GTX 960, whether it's the 2GB or 4GB version (just 2 of many examples here):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwKAhj-tBfY
http://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nvidia-GTX-970-vs-Nvidia-GTX-960/2577vs3165
For 1440p, you'd be seriously lowering settings for the GTX 960; best suited for 1080p and lower rez monitors. The GTX 970, has high OC potential/horsepower... BUT, has the 3.5GB VRAM partition issue. So, not sure how "intensive" you are talking about, when it comes to the graphics intensive things.
Perhaps researching a R9 390/390X would be better suited for your needs, with it's 8GB of VRAM... But comes with the cost of higher TDP, regardless of aftermarket cooling, unless under water.