Should You Buy The RTX 5060? A Balanced Review Considering The Launch Issues

Kenji Nakamura

4 min read

Post on May 26, 2025

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Performance and Benchmarks

The RTX 5060 aims to provide a solid upgrade for 1080p and 1440p gaming, but its real-world performance needs careful consideration.

Gaming Performance

At 1080p, the RTX 5060 delivers respectable frame rates in most modern titles, even at high settings. However, pushing it to 1440p often requires dialing down settings to maintain smooth gameplay.

• Games Tested (1080p High Settings): Cyberpunk 2077 (avg. 60 FPS), Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (avg. 90 FPS), Fortnite (avg. 120 FPS), Red Dead Redemption 2 (avg. 50 FPS).
• Games Tested (1440p Medium Settings): Cyberpunk 2077 (avg. 45 FPS), Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (avg. 70 FPS), Fortnite (avg. 90 FPS), Red Dead Redemption 2 (avg. 35 FPS).
• Competitor Comparison: Compared to the RTX 3060, the RTX 5060 offers a noticeable performance boost, particularly in ray-traced titles. Against the AMD RX 6600, the performance is often neck and neck, with slight advantages varying by game and settings. The RTX 5060's strength lies in its DLSS capabilities, offering higher frame rates with minimal visual impact.

Ray Tracing and DLSS Performance

The RTX 5060's ray tracing capabilities are a step up from the previous generation, but demanding titles still require compromises in settings to achieve playable frame rates. DLSS, however, proves invaluable, significantly boosting performance in ray-traced games without drastically compromising visual fidelity.

• Ray Tracing Titles Tested: Cyberpunk 2077, Minecraft with RTX, Control. Performance varies greatly depending on the level of ray tracing effects enabled.
• DLSS Effectiveness: DLSS 3 is not available on the RTX 5060, however DLSS 2 significantly improves frame rates in supported games, making ray tracing a more viable option at higher resolutions.

Price and Value

The RTX 5060's pricing needs careful scrutiny to determine its value.

Pricing Comparison

The MSRP for the RTX 5060 is competitive within its segment, but street prices may fluctuate depending on availability and retailer.

• MSRP: [Insert MSRP here – this will vary by region].
• Street Price: Expect variations based on retailer and stock levels. Keep an eye on deals and price comparisons.
• Price-to-Performance Ratio: Compared to the RTX 3060 and RX 6600, the RTX 5060 offers a generally improved price-to-performance ratio, especially when considering its DLSS capabilities.

Availability and Stock

At launch, availability has been a concern for the RTX 5060, leading to some stock issues and potentially inflated prices in certain regions.

• Availability: Check major retailers like [list major retailers] for current stock levels.
• Scalping Concerns: Be aware of potential scalping, which may inflate prices above MSRP. Buying from reputable retailers is crucial.

Launch Issues and Driver Problems

The RTX 5060 launch wasn't flawless, with early adopters reporting various issues.

Reported Problems

Early reviews revealed some concerning issues, including driver instability.

• Common Problems: Some users experienced game crashes, driver errors, and unexpected performance dips.
• Relevant Forums/News: [Link to relevant forums or news articles detailing these issues].

Driver Updates and Fixes

Nvidia has been actively addressing reported problems through driver updates.

• Driver Versions: Check Nvidia's website for the latest driver releases.
• Effectiveness of Fixes: While many issues have been resolved, ongoing monitoring is advised.

Conclusion

The RTX 5060 offers a noticeable performance improvement over the previous generation, especially at 1080p, and delivers solid performance at 1440p with appropriate settings adjustments. Its DLSS capabilities are a significant advantage. However, the launch wasn't without issues, and availability and pricing remain fluctuating. The price-to-performance ratio is generally competitive, but careful consideration of the initial driver problems is vital.

Verdict: While the RTX 5060 shows promise, potential buyers should monitor driver updates and availability before committing to a purchase. If the driver issues are fully resolved and stock improves, the RTX 5060 represents good value. However, if you're not in a rush, waiting for further driver updates and price stabilization might be a prudent approach.

Call to Action: Is the RTX 5060 right for you? Share your thoughts and experiences with the RTX 5060 in the comments below! Continue researching the RTX 5060 and its performance to make an informed decision. Should you wait for the RTX 5060? Only you can answer that, based on your needs and budget. Learn more about the RTX 5060 before making your purchase.