Flagship graphics cards of the new generation always cause lively discussions. It is the most powerful solutions that allow us to assess the overall progress of the next generation of graphics. But usually these are devices for enthusiasts and gaming enthusiasts who are ready for significant financial costs. For users with more modest requirements, who, however, do not refuse modern graphics technologies, NVIDIA has offered the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti series graphics cards. How much more powerful is it than its predecessor, and what place does it deserve in the current range of discrete graphics cards? We answer these questions during a review of the original ASUS PRIME GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC .
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti
The GeForce RTX 5060 Ti series of graphics cards uses the GB206 graphics processor with Blackwell architecture. The chip is manufactured by TSMC using the 5-nanometer process technology. The die area is 181 mm² , and the GPU contains 21.9 billion transistors. As for the technological standards in general, as we have repeatedly noted, the GeForce RTX 50 processors are actually manufactured using the same process technology as the previous generation models – the GeForce RTX 40. The nuances are in the architectural improvements.
| GeForce RTX 5060 Ti | GeForce RTX 4060 Ti | |
| Graphics processor | GB206-300 | AD106-351 |
| Architecture | Blackwell | Ada Lovelace |
| Technology | 5 nm, TSMC | 5 nm, TSMC |
| CUDA computers | 4608 | 4352 |
| TMU/rasterizers | 144/48 | 136/48 |
| Tensor kernels | 144 (5th generation) | 136 (4th generation) |
| RT blocks | 36 (4th generation) | 34 (3rd generation) |
| GPU clock speeds | 2407/2572 MHz | 2310/2535 MHz |
| Memory capacity | 8/16 GB GDDR7 | 8/16 GB GDDR6 |
| Memory bus | 128 bits | 128 bits |
| Effective memory frequency | 28,000 MHz | 18,000 MHz |
| Memory bandwidth | 448 GB/s | 288 GB/s |
| Graphics card power consumption (TGP) | 180 W | 165 W |
| Starting recommended price | $379/439 | $399/499 |
| Release date | April 2025 | May 2023 |
In the case of the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti, a modification of the GB206-300 processor with 4608 active computing units is used. Recall that the predecessor RTX 4060 Ti is equipped with an AD106 GPU with 4352 CUDA cores. So in terms of quantitative indicators, the difference is not very significant (~6%). The number of texture modules, tensor and RT cores has increased proportionally, while the number of rasterizers has remained unchanged. The operating frequencies of the GB206 have been slightly increased. The GPU received a formula of 2407/2572 MHz, instead of 2310/2535 MHz. But here too, the difference is not so significant.
The 128-bit bus and the total memory capacity options – 8 GB and 16 GB – remained unchanged. However, there is a very significant difference from its predecessor. The GeForce RTX 5060 Ti uses new GDDR7 memory chips with an effective frequency of 28,000 MHz, which even with a relatively low bus bit rate allowed for a bandwidth of 448 GB/s. However, the previous generation model is equipped with GDDR6 chips with an effective frequency of 18,000 MHz, which ultimately gives a rather modest 288 GB/s. Even despite the use of improved compression algorithms and a fairly capacious L2 cache, the unimpressive RAM performance somewhat hampered the performance of the video card. So, an increase in memory bandwidth by 56% should obviously improve the performance of the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti.
The GeForce RTX 5060 Ti uses the modern PCI Express 5.0 interface to connect, however, like its predecessors, these models have eight bus lines, so the actual channel will correspond to PCI-E 5.0 x8.
Given the virtually unchanged GPU process, increasing the number of computational units and increasing operating frequencies requires a certain increase in the power limit. The total consumption of the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti is 180 W, instead of 165 W in its predecessor. At the same time, the power requirements for the power supply are from 600 W.
The recommended price of the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti depends on the memory capacity. In the US market, the starting price tags for models with 8 GB are $379, for versions with 16 GB - $429. Thus, the declared price of the new models is even lower than the level of the corresponding Ti versions of the previous generation - $399/$499.
NVIDIA doesn't offer a reference GeForce RTX 5060 Ti, but partners have introduced a variety of their own variants. We got our hands on one of the original graphics adapters for review.
ASUS PRIME GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC
ASUS launched more than a dozen GeForce RTX 5060 Ti models within the TUF Gaming, DUAL, and PRIME series.
The older model of the PRIME line is the ASUS PRIME GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC. A modification with a slightly accelerated GPU, which received a base frequency formula of 2407/2617 MHz instead of the recommended 2407/2572 MHz.
The graphics card has a three-fan cooling system design, while the overall layout corresponds to 2.5-slot models. The developers especially emphasize that this design allows the graphics adapter to be used in small form factor systems, corresponding to the SFF-Ready Enthusiast GeForce concept.
Anyway, despite meeting the "compact" standards, the video card is not that miniature. ASUS PRIME GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC has dimensions of 304x120x50 mm, but the weight is quite small - 900 g.
The design can be summed up as "practical". Black plastic casing with rounded edges, embossed PRIME logo on the surface and a metal protective plate on the back.
The video card is equipped with a cooling system consisting of two cassettes of aluminum plates. Both modules are interconnected by three nickel-plated heat pipes, which have an increased length for more efficient heat distribution. The heat sink plate has an additional surface polishing (Max Contact) for better contact with the graphics processor crystal. The main radiator block is also used to cool the memory chips and power elements of the power stabilization unit.
Despite the considerable overall dimensions of the adapter, the length of the printed circuit board is 170 mm. The power module configuration includes a 5-phase circuit with DrMOS assemblies (uPI uP9646), designed for an operating current of up to 50 A, as well as a uPI uP9512R control controller.
For memory chips, a two-phase circuit with a uPI uP1666Q controller and a combination of QN3106 + QN3104 MOSFETs is provided.
As for the memory chips themselves, four chips with a capacity of 2 GB each are located next to the graphics processor, and four more are located on the back of the printed circuit board.
In the case of the ASUS PRIME GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC, Samsung K4VAF325ZC-SC28 chips are used, which according to the specification support an effective frequency of up to 28,000 MHz.
According to the specification, the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti supports PCI Express 5.0, but uses 8 bus lines. On the interface comb, it is even visually clear that only about half of the available contact group is involved. Of course, there is backward compatibility with interfaces of previous generations, so the video card will work without problems on boards with PCI-E 4.0 slots, while on platforms with a PCI-E 3.0 connector there will certainly be some performance losses due to limited bus bandwidth.
For connecting additional power, there is one 8-pin PCI-E connector. Considering the declared power consumption of 180 W, this configuration is quite enough. The external line will provide up to 150 W, and about 75 W can be directly transferred by the PCI-E x16 slot.
Interestingly, despite NVIDIA's recommendations for a desired power supply of 600 W, ASUS developers consider a 550+ W PSU sufficient for a configuration with the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti. This is the figure indicated in the specification on the manufacturer's website.
To blow the radiator cassette, three 100 mm fans are provided, corresponding to the Axial-tech concept with elongated blades and a connecting ring on the outer radius. Similarly, the design should better accentuate the air flows. Among the features, it is worth noting the use of double ball bearings to increase durability.
Of course, support for "0dB" technology is provided, which involves stopping the fans at low load and, accordingly, low GPU heating.
The video card has two BIOSes, allowing you to switch between normal and quiet modes using a separate toggle switch. The latter involves using a less aggressive cooling algorithm.
As we have already mentioned, there is a metal plate on the back of the video card. The aluminum plate is used both to protect against mechanical damage and for additional cooling of the memory chips and other elements located on this side of the PCB.
The difference between the total length of the graphics card and the printed circuit board allows for through-flow of the heatsink. In this case, a significant part of the plate is occupied by the hole that allows air flow from the fans. More efficient heat dissipation, respectively, allows you to count on better thermal performance of the GPU/memory and VRM elements.
The interface panel is standard for graphics cards in the line - three DisplayPort 2.1b and one full-size HDMI 2.1b. The fixing bracket itself is made of stainless steel. A significant part of the cover is occupied by through holes, which helps to remove heated air outside the system unit.
Test system configuration
- Motherboard: ASUS PRIME Z890M-PLUS WIFI
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 245KF (6P+8E; 4.2/5.2 GHz + 3.6/4.6 GHz)
- Cooling: ASUS PRIME LC 360 ARGB LCD
- Memory: Kingston FURY Beast DDR5-6400 RGB 32GB (KF564C32BBAK2-32)
- Video card: ASUS PRIME GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB (PRIME-RTX5060TI-O16G), ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 Ti EVO OC Edition 8GB (DUAL-RTX4060TI-O8G-EVO)
- Drive: KINGSTON NV3 2 TB (SNV3S/2000G)
- BZ: ASUS TUF Gaming 750W Bronze (TUF-750B-GAMING)
- Case: ASUS CASE A31 PLUS
To test the capabilities of the ASUS PRIME GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC, we used an Artline system unit based on the Core Ultra 5 245KF processor and the ASUS PRIME Z890M-PLUS WIFI motherboard. The power of the 14-core chip (6P+8E), which we have reviewed in more detail, will be quite enough to unleash the potential of a GeForce RTX 5060 Ti-level graphics card.
The ASUS PRIME LC 360 ARGB LCD liquid cooling system was used to cool the CPU. A new mid-range model with ARGB lighting and interesting system parameter monitoring capabilities - the pump has an LCD screen on which you can display certain indicators, such as the processor's operating frequencies, temperature, and even the current CPU load.
The platform was complemented by a dual-channel RAM kit Kingston FURY Beast DDR5-6400 RGB 32 GB. DDR5-6400 kits are the base for chips on the LGA1851 platform, so the recommendations are met here, and 32 GB is now actually becoming the minimum required RAM capacity for gaming systems. RGB lighting… Well, in this case it was not superfluous – it was the memory kit that generated spectacular reflections on the back panel of the video card.
The operating system, test applications and games were installed on a Kingston NV3 2 TB. You don't need any extraordinary performance from an SSD here, but 2 TB is 2 TB.
The stability of the system was ensured by the ASUS TUF Gaming 750W Bronze power supply. The 750W model for a system with a GeForce RTX 5060 Ti offers excessive power. But if you later want to install a more powerful video card, an additional reserve will not be superfluous. Especially considering that the PSU is usually purchased for more than one year, and in case of a successful choice, it will survive more than one system upgrade.
The system was assembled in the ASUS A31 PLUS case. A new model with trendy accents - a panoramic view through transparent side and front panels, tempered glass, asymmetric zoning, fans with ARGB backlighting, a Type-C port on the front panel. An unusual feature is the 8-degree tilt of the internal panel behind which is the power supply compartment. This technique allows you to better emphasize the installed elements.
In general, the case looks quite compact from the outside, but as we can see, it allows you to use a liquid cooling system with a 360 mm radiator without any problems and is ready to accept video cards up to 380 mm long.
A separate feature is support for BTF (Back-To-the-Future) motherboards with power/interface connectors on the back of the PCB. An interesting and quite working concept if you need the maximum level of tidiness of the internal space.
To compare the performance of the ASUS PRIME GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC, the original model of the GeForce RTX 4060 Ti line was used - ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 Ti EVO OC 8GB. The graphics processor is slightly accelerated, the frequency formula is 2310/2565 MHz, instead of the recommended 2310/2535 MHz. The additional 30 MHz will minimally affect the final results, so for convenience this model will be marked in the diagrams as "GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 8 GB".
In operation
Traditionally, we begin our research by determining the operating parameters of the video card in different modes. In idle mode, the ASUS PRIME GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC cooling system operates in passive mode. The cooler fans stop, and the graphics adapter remains silent.
In such conditions, the radiator's efficiency is sufficient to keep the GPU temperature at 33C. While the memory chips, which also come into contact with the heat sink through the pads, heat up to 44C. We should also note the suspiciously low level of power consumption - only 3.3 W.
Under gaming load, the GPU temperature peaked at 62C, and the GDDR7 memory chips at 64C. The fan speed increased to ~1560 rpm. The subjective noise level was below average. The GPU was overclocked to almost 2800 MHz.
We also checked the temperature regime by switching to "Q Mode" using the toggle switch on the top panel of the video card. After such manipulations, during a long gaming session, the temperature of the elements increased by an additional 6 degrees Celsius - the graphics processor heated up to 68C, the memory chips - up to 70C. At the same time, the fan speed decreased significantly - a maximum of 920 rpm. For lovers of silence, the conditions are almost ideal.
Productivity
The first results in synthetic and computational tasks are quite promising.
In the 3DMark stages, the ASUS PRIME GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC model turned out to be 20–25% more productive than its predecessor.
The new product confidently outperforms the GeForce RTX 4060 Ti both in stages with classic rendering and in tests with active use of ray tracing.
In Geekbench, the advantage decreases to a modest 8%, and even 12% acceleration in Blender looks moderate. But in V-Ray RTX Engine, the model on the GPU with the Blackwell architecture broke away from the pursuer by as much as 34%. So it's hard to generalize here, the difference depends significantly on the application.
Let's take a look at the capabilities of video cards in real games. Initially, we use a mode with a resolution of 1920 × 1080 with maximum quality settings, but without ray tracing and DLSS scaling.
In similar conditions, we record the advantage of the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti over its predecessor by 15–23%. The average indicator with the test results in nine selected projects is 18%. This is quite good, against the background of usually more modest growth in older models. However, here we can also complain about the relatively low starting base of the GeForce RTX 4060 Ti.
In general, we see that the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti is capable of providing a comfortable ~60 frames/s in maximum quality even in such rather heavy games as Alan Wake 2, as well as the new Avowed and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. In Black Myth: Wukong, although the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti model provided an acceleration of 23%, even this turned out to be sufficient only for an average of 48 fps. However, the "wukong" is capable of cutting the sky-high frames/s even with a solution a class higher. Here, there is no way without intelligent scaling. Although we are talking only about Full HD.
How will the situation change with the use of 2560 × 1440 mode? Can it be called working for the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB?
In projects like Dying Light 2 and Forza Motosport, even the GeForce RTX 4060 Ti provided an average of 80–90 fps at maximum settings at 1440p. The games are not particularly resource-intensive, so the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti probably copes with them even better.
In both cases, we have a performance increase of 17%. Not that it is superfluous, but there are no significant changes in perception either. It was 90, it became 100–105 fps. Well, ok.
But in Cyberpunk 2077, the 34% increase in average fps is clearly noticeable. Even the average 59 fps on the GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 8 GB is already a relatively good indicator, but 79 frames/s here significantly improves the overall impression. First of all, because now the minimum indicator exceeds 60 fps, so in dynamics and complex scenes the video sequence is smoother. A very significant increase in memory bandwidth certainly benefited the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti. With an increase in resolution, this advantage of the model on Blackwell becomes more noticeable. The presence of 16 GB of memory is also evident.
In Assassin's Creed Mirage, the situation is similar to that for Dying Light 2 and Forza Motosport - in the case of both video cards, we have a sufficiently high fps for comfortable gameplay. The GeForce RTX 5060 Ti brings an additional 17% to the average fps. But we benefit even more due to the increase in the minimum number of frames/c.
But in the relatively new Avowed with maximum quality settings in 1440p mode, we already have obvious problems. The GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 8 GB in such conditions provides an average of 30 frames/s. In turn, the 23 percent increase from the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB is pleasant, but it does not radically correct the situation. Here, not relative, but absolute indicators matter. And the available 32/37 fps is not the indicator that gives a feeling of comfortable play.
In the following projects, the situation is very similar. We have about a 25% performance increase when switching from a GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 8 GB to a GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB, but average performance of 35–45 fps probably requires abandoning maximum quality settings, or resorting to scaling.
In the case of the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti, 16 GB of local memory is enough for any settings at 1440p, but the GPU capabilities are not enough here. But what if you want to experiment with ray tracing?
Even such resource-lightweight projects as Dying Light 2 slow down significantly when using high-quality RT. If in native mode we get an average of 30–50 fps, this is a reason to think about activating DLSS. If this is not enough, Frame Generation will please with an additional increase in fps.
In initially resource-intensive games, high-quality ray tracing can outclass any video card. When it comes to models of the GeForce RTX 4060/5060 Ti level, in some cases 1440p may not be enough even with a combination of high-quality DLSS + Frame Generation. The new GeForce RTX 50 line models can be helped here by Multi Frame Generation. However, there is always an option with the initial picture settings, perhaps the maximum quality is not always the main thing. At least when it comes to mid-range video cards.
In general, the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB causes quite contradictory feelings. It is 15–20% faster than its predecessor, and this performance increase is higher than that of the older models of the updated line. It fully supports DLSS 4 and Multa Frame Generation, has good energy efficiency and even a lower recommended price than its predecessor. For the 16 GB versions, you will no longer complain about the lack of memory. At first glance, all the components coincided and we have a potential hit in front of us. But it still couldn't do without a "but".
Yes, the increase is really relatively good, but this is more likely due to the moderate overall performance of its predecessor. Despite some acceleration, the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti still failed to catch up with the GeForce RTX 4070 12 GB, which, according to numerous comparisons, is on average ~15% more productive than the new Ti. Namely, the GeForce RTX 4070 has recently been recommended for mid-range gaming systems. We really don't want to give in to performance here. Of course, the new product may benefit from Multi Frame Generation support, but the fascination with multiple generation does not always bring the expected effect, and the list of games with full MFG support is still limited.
The price remains an important factor in this category of video cards. The promisingly tempting price tag of "$439" can be seen only on American sites, and even then only sporadically. In Ukraine, the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB started at ~25,000 UAH (~$600), while the top versions are generally asked for up to 30,000 UAH (~$720). For the price of the latter, you can already claim the GeForce RTX 5070 12 GB. This model is ~30–40% faster than the RTX 5060 Ti, is quite economical, and also supports MFG. That's only 12 GB... The ideal options would be the RTX 5070 with 16 GB and the RTX 5060 Ti with 12 GB of memory, but such configurations are currently impossible. Unfortunately.
For the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti, the presence of 16 GB in a gaming context partly looks like an excess capacity. For Full HD mode, a conditional 12 GB would be enough, while in 1440p mode with maximum quality settings and RT, when a larger capacity of local RAM may potentially be needed, the video card already lacks computing power. Of course, 16 GB will definitely not be superfluous, especially if, in addition to games, the video card will be used for work needs (video transcoding with filters, ML models, etc.).
Even at ~$600, you will have to think carefully about choosing between the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB and the GeForce RTX 4070 12 GB. However, NVIDIA will make the choice easier here quite quickly, completing the life cycle of models based on Ada Lovelace. The range of RTX 4070 available for sale is rapidly shrinking. Although the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB still has a very powerful opponent - the Radeon RX 7800 XT 16 GB. Plus 15–20% more performance for the same price. The argument? In terms of energy efficiency (180 W vs. 263 W), these are not competitors, but otherwise they are quite similar. Soon the Radeon RX 9070 GRE 12 GB will also enter the game. True, initially on the Chinese market, but this phenomenon is probably temporary.
Overclocking
A separate point of the test program is checking the frequency potential for additional overclocking of the video card. Since the technological process of manufacturing the GPU has practically remained unchanged, no special surprises were expected here. However, there were some pleasant moments. Despite the constancy of technological norms, certain optimizations have obviously taken place. Chips with the Blackwell architecture usually have a better frequency margin than their predecessors. We have seen this again.
ASUS PRIME GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC allows you to increase the power limit of the graphics card to 110%. Using this opportunity, we are looking for the maximum combination of GPU/memory frequencies while maintaining stability.
Experimentally, it was possible to increase the base frequency of the GPU by more than 400 MHz - from 2407 MHz to 2820 MHz (+17%). Memory chips operate stably at 2000 MHz (32,000 MHz effective) instead of the base 1750 MHz (28,000 MHz effective). Here we also have an increase of 14%, and further increase in the DRAM frequency is prevented by software limitations. The artificial limit achieved can certainly be exceeded over time.
What are the practical results of the additional overclocking? For example, in the 3DMark Time Spy Extreme test, the Graphics Score increased from 7556 to 8250 points - an increase of 9.2%.
In real games, we also have a practical benefit - the number of fps increases by +10%. This is a good result, especially if these percentages are not enough for comfortable frames/s in certain modes.
After additional overclocking, under load, the GPU accelerated to 3217 MHz. At the same time, the temperature regime almost did not change. The graphics processor heated up to 63C, the memory chips - to 64C. The fan speed also remained almost unchanged for the P Mode mode - 1600 rpm.
Power consumption
According to the specification, the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti's power consumption is 180 W. This is 15 W more than its predecessor, the GeForce RTX 4060 Ti (165 W). During practical research, we actually got the declared figures. Under load in Cyberpunk 2077, the ASUS PRIME GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC model consumed 182 W, while the ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 4060 Ti EVO OC required 164 W.
The relative difference in performance is 11%. Considering the performance of both models, we can speak of an overall improvement in energy efficiency of the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti. Therefore, the performance indicator per watt of energy consumed is higher in the Blackwell solution.
After additional overclocking with an increase in Power Limit, the peak power consumption of the video card under load increased to 194 W. Still a moderate figure, which actually increased in proportion to the change in performance.