NVIDIA RTX 5060: Limited Previews Spark Controversy and Raise Questions About Performance
The upcoming NVIDIA RTX 5060 is generating buzz, but not all of it is positive. With its launch slated for May 19th, NVIDIA's strategy of selectively granting driver access to media outlets willing to publish 'previews' has ignited debate and raised intriguing questions about the card's real-world performance.
The core issue revolves around NVIDIA's decision to restrict driver access to media outlets that agreed to produce previews. This unusual approach, as reported by VideoCardz.com, deviates from the standard practice of providing drivers to a wide range of reviewers for comprehensive testing prior to launch.
GameStar Tech, one such outlet, emphasized the unusual conditions: "NVIDIA has decided to only make the driver, which is essential for GPU testing, available in advance under certain conditions and to a very limited number of media outlets worldwide. This includes us." They further clarified that they were not given the freedom to choose their own testing parameters, with NVIDIA dictating settings, graphics cards, and measurement methods.
This selective approach has led to concerns that the previews may not accurately represent the card's performance across a broader range of games and settings. Initial reports suggest that the RTX 5060 offers a performance boost over the RTX 4060, potentially up to 25% faster with frame generation enabled, based on benchmarks in titles like Doom: The Dark Ages, Cyberpunk 2077, and Marvel Rivals.
Tom's Hardware reports that the previews primarily focused on frame generation technologies like DLSS, adding another layer of complexity to interpreting the results. Performance was largely tested at 1080p resolution with DLSS in quality mode and ray tracing enabled. Ascii.jp compared the RTX 5060 to several generations of GeForce x060-class GPUs but limited testing to titles like Doom: The Dark Ages, Cyberpunk 2077, and Marvel Rivals.
However, The limited 8GB of VRAM on the RTX 5060 is also generating conversation. Is 8GB enough? Concerns are arising, especially as newer AAA titles demand more video memory for optimal performance.
Some sources have highlighted challenges with DLSS override settings within the NVIDIA app, potentially creating a steeper learning curve for users looking to maximize the card's performance. While impressive frame rates can be achieved with optimized settings, the process may require more tweaking than some gamers anticipate.
The unusual preview situation surrounding the RTX 5060 has raised questions. Some are awaiting independent reviews. While early previews suggest the card is a solid contender for 1080p gaming, the reliance on frame generation and limited testing environments warrant caution. The true potential of the RTX 5060 will become clearer once independent reviews are released.
What are your thoughts on NVIDIA's preview program? Are you concerned about the limited VRAM? Share your opinions and expectations in the comments below!
