Nvidia unveiled the GeForce RTX 5060 and RTX 5060 Ti earlier in April 2025, and the more wallet-friendly RTX 5060 is now available following a reveal at Computex. Priced at a starting point of $299, this graphics card aims to deliver solid 1080p gaming performance, boasting 3,840 CUDA cores across 30 Streaming Multiprocessors. Nvidia claims impressive capabilities, such as achieving 223 fps in Doom: The Dark Ages at 1080p with max settings, though this relies on 4x Multi-Frame Generation.
Powering Up with DLSS 4 Technology
The RTX 5060 stands out as the most affordable option in Nvidia’s latest lineup, yet it fully supports the advanced DLSS 4 suite, including Multi-Frame Generation. This technology is a key focus for Nvidia’s current generation, enhancing frame rates and visual quality. However, with only 30 Streaming Multiprocessors, the card’s performance with DLSS has its limits, making real-world testing crucial to understanding its potential.
Price Variations and Premium Features
While the $299 price tag is appealing, it represents the baseline cost. Some RTX 5060 models will carry higher price tags, often justified by extras like factory overclocking for boosted performance or customizable RGB lighting for aesthetic appeal. Gamers seeking these enhanced versions should weigh the added cost against their needs and budget.
Why Waiting for Reviews Makes Sense
Despite its affordable price and Nvidia’s bold performance claims, caution is advised before purchasing the RTX 5060. The company’s touted metrics, such as significant frame rate boosts, depend heavily on Multi-Frame Generation. Without independent testing, it’s unclear how the card performs in varied scenarios, especially in games without ray tracing or frame generation.
Nvidia indicated that the RTX 5060 could offer up to double the performance of its predecessor, the RTX 4060, when frame generation is active. However, in traditional gaming without these features, the improvement may be closer to 20%, likely under optimal conditions. These claims need validation through hands-on reviews to ensure the card delivers value for its price.
Delayed Reviews Add to the Wait
Unlike other launches in Nvidia’s Blackwell lineup, such as the RTX 5090, the RTX 5060 lacks early driver access for reviewers. This means performance reviews won’t be available immediately after launch, potentially delaying insights for a week or more. While the RTX 5060 shows promise as a capable 1080p gaming card, the broader Blackwell series has faced challenges with generational performance gains, raising questions about how much uplift the 5060 will truly offer.
A Smart Approach to Purchasing
For gamers eyeing the RTX 5060, holding off until reviews are published is a prudent move. Comprehensive testing will clarify whether the card meets expectations and justifies its cost, especially given the mixed performance trends in Nvidia’s latest lineup. Reviews are on the way, but they may take a few days to surface, providing critical guidance for making an informed purchase.