MSI GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16G GAMING OC graphics card: is 16 GB of memory enough for everyone?
Recently, discussions around the necessary and sufficient memory capacity for a video card have not subsided. Even when it comes to entry-level models, many users no longer agree to consider solutions with only 8 GB on board. Indeed, the requirements of games for the memory capacity of graphics adapters are increasing, so even for Full HD mode with maximum quality settings, more resources may be required. As for 1440p, this is generally the territory exclusively for video cards with 8+ GB of memory. Today we have the MSI GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16G GAMING OC for review. The model can no longer be attributed to the basic class and the most affordable solutions, but 16 GB allows you to close the current issue with a possible lack of memory and concentrate on the gameplay or work tasks.
MSI GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16G GAMING OC
MSI has paid considerable attention to the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti line of graphics cards, offering more than three dozen models in various designs and modifications with 8 GB and 16 GB of memory. Such a variety of versions is evidence of how important the series is for the manufacturer and its expectations for the corresponding user demand.
This time we are dealing with the MSI GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16G GAMING OC – a fairly compact model with a dual-fan cooler and standard GPU overclocking. The graphics processor was initially forced, instead of the recommended values of 2407/2572 MHz, the frequency formula was 2407/2647 MHz.
From the name of the video card it is clear that we are talking about a version equipped with 16 GB of memory. Here, no surprises, the adapter uses GDDR7 with a frequency of 1750 MHz (effective 28,000 MHz). In a similar configuration with a 128-bit bus, we get a memory bandwidth (MBB) of 448 GB/s. Recall that the RTX 4060 Ti with the same bus bandwidth, but with GDDR6 chips (18,000 MHz), offers only 288 GB/s. An increase in MBB by 56% will obviously not go unnoticed during practical testing.
Design and layout
Returning directly to the MSI GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16G GAMING OC, we note that the video card is equipped with a TWIN FROZR 10 dual-fan cooling system.
Despite the relatively compact overall dimensions (247 x 135 x 51 mm), with a thickness of 51 mm, the model cannot be classified as a "skinny" slim modification. Therefore, when installed in the system, the video card will require three free slots. The weight of the video card is 781 g. For models of this "weight category", additional supports or reinforcing brackets are usually not required.
Of course, the developers used a certain increase in size to improve the efficiency of the cooler, namely, by increasing the dimensions of the radiator block.
The current TWIN FROZR 10 features two aluminum plate cassettes connected by three heat pipes. The base uses a copper heat sink, which, like the pipes, is nickel-plated. The heat conductors are square-shaped at the contact point for proper contact density.
The profile of the plates is designed to maximize their dimensions, using all the free space under the protective casing. This accordingly increases the heat dissipation area. As in the coolers of older models, the developers have provided a proprietary wave-shaped formation of the plates (Wave Curved 4.0) and a V-shaped design (Air Antigrade Fin 2.0) to optimize air flows.
A pair of 100mm axial fans are used to blow air through the radiator structure. In this case, the StormForce Fan models feature seven blades of increased length, with specific fins/notches in the profile and joined together on the outer radius by a solid arc.
Despite the overall dimensions of the video card, the length of the printed circuit board is only 145 mm. The GPU power stabilization unit has a 6-phase circuit based on uPI uP9646 DrMOS elements (50A), controlled by the uPI uP9512R controller.
For memory chips, a two-phase VRM is provided, based on a pair of MOSFET PK616B and PKE96B from Niko Semiconductor.
As for the GDDR7 chips themselves, the video card is equipped with Samsung K4VAF325ZC-SC28, which according to the specification should operate at an effective 28,000 MHz.
The GeForce RTX 5060 Ti, which is equipped with 16 GB of memory, despite the 128-bit bus, uses 8 GDDR7 chips. Four of them are arranged in an L-shaped manner next to the GPU. Another four are located on the back of the PCB.
Looking at the PCB layout, let's recall that the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti uses eight PCI Express 5.0 bus lines, so the current PCI-E 5.0 x8 mode is used for connection. Such simplification is visible even visually, by the number of involved connector contact groups. About half of them are not used.
Given the claimed power consumption of the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti (180 W), one 8-pin PCI-E connector would formally be enough to connect the video card's power supply. The latter provides 150 W, another 30 W can be obtained from the PCI-E x16 slot. But here the configuration is chosen by the developers of specific graphics adapter models.
In the case of the MSI GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16G GAMING OC, a 12V-2x6 connector is used. If the power supply does not have a power line with a corresponding connector, an adapter from a pair of 8-pin PCI-E 12V to 12V-2x6 is supplied with the video card. In a similar configuration, a channel with a power of up to 300 W will be provided.
Considering the total length of the video card (247 mm) and the actual dimensions of the printed circuit board, it is not difficult to guess that the developers will probably be tempted to implement a design with a through-flow radiator block for this model. Technologically not very complex, but effective invention is increasingly used, even when it comes to quite compact graphics adapters.
Despite the two-fan design, the significant difference in the lengths of the graphics card and PCB simplified the task for engineers. A protective aluminum panel with holes is attached to the back. The photo shows that almost two-thirds of one of the fans fall into the through-flow zone, so of course a significant airflow will be created in this segment, which will help cool the elements that come into contact with it.
The designers couldn't resist decorating the ventilation area with the logo of the game series - the silhouette of the dragon will be clearly visible through the transparent wall of the case (usually they are like that now).
Returning to the protective panel, we note another decorative element that the developers obviously wanted to draw attention to. Almost half of the plate area has an accented directional grinding, which creates a visual diagonal that partially diversifies the exterior design. Well, the huge "GeForce RTX" signature will not let you forget which graphics card line is installed in the system.
It is also worth noting the practical feature of the plate. In this case, it comes into contact with the GDDR7 memory chips located on the back of the printed circuit board through thermal pads. So for them it is an additional cooler with a considerable dissipation area.
When additional lighting of the video card is offered in a dosed and unobtrusive way, it can really improve the overall visual perception of the device. Dark gloomy "bars" sometimes really lack some zest or certain expressiveness. In the case of the MSI GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16G GAMING OC, even when turned off, through the translucent inserts of the casing, you can pay attention to individual light guides hidden behind the panels. The assumptions were confirmed after turning on the video card.
The additional illumination on the front panel is of course better observed when the video card is placed vertically in the case. In the classic version, the light segments on the top panel will only be partially visible.
However, in this version, the illuminated gaming logo located on the side of the video card will be clearly visible.
Of course, the proprietary MSI Center package allows you to customize the backlight algorithm and synchronize the backlight of all devices with additional RGB/ARGB.
As for the switching capabilities of the video card, there are no surprises here. The model is equipped with a standard set of video outputs - three DisplayPort 2.1 and one full-size HDMI 2.1. A significant part of the panel is occupied by a ventilation grille for exhausting heated air outside the system unit.
Test bench configuration
- Motherboard: MSI MAG Z890 TOMAHAWK WiFi
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 265K (8+12; 3.9/5.5 GHz + 3.3/4.6 GHz)
- Cooling: MSI MAG CORELIQUID A15 240
- Memory: Kingston FURY Renegade DDR5-7200 2×16GB (KF572C38RWK2-32)
- Drive: Kingston KC3000 1 GB (SKC3000S/1024G)
In operation
Initially, we check the temperature regimes of the video card. The model supports Zero Frozr technology, so in the idle state the cooling system fans stop. In this case, the GPU temperature on an open stand without additional ventilation was ~35–38C, at 26C indoors.
Under heavy gaming load, the GPU heated up to 67C, the memory chips to 64C. The fan speed increased to ~1650–1700 rpm. At the same time, the actual noise level was lower than one might expect, considering the indicators. The liquid cooling system in the test configuration with fans at 1500 rpm was a more noticeable noise generator for the platform.
For MSI GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16G GAMING OC, there is no provision for changing modes (Performance/Silent), but if necessary, there is always the opportunity for independent experiments with setting the cooling system operation algorithm.
Productivity
We begin our assessment of the MSI GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16G GAMING OC capabilities with a set of 3DMark benchmarks. To compare performance, we use the performance of the younger models – GeForce RTX 4060 Ti/4060/5060, which we previously received.
For clarity, we have also added to the 3DMark charts the averaged performance of models one class higher – the very popular GeForce RTX 4070 12 GB, which is a representative of the previous generation, and the GeForce RTX 5070 12 GB – the "next step" in NVIDIA's current graphics lineup.
The advantage of the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti over its predecessors is beyond question. As for the power ratio with the GeForce RTX 5060 8 GB, the "titanium" version is usually ~15% more productive. It is worth noting that in the 3DMark test stages, the presence of 8 GB of memory is not a limiter.
An interesting confrontation between the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti and the GeForce RTX 4070. The difference in performance at all stages was on average 7–11% in favor of the older representative Ada Lovelace. So, the difference is generally insignificant, given that the RTX 4070 belongs to the category of mid-range solutions.
As for the competition with the new "seventy" RTX 5070, here the difference in performance is quite significant - 35-40%. Apparently, when forming the line, NVIDIA left room for the future appearance of the imaginary version of the RTX 5060 Ti SUPER. Such a handicap will not be compensated for by overclocking alone, but getting close to the performance of the GeForce RTX 4070 is a completely realistic task.
In computational tasks, we also expect the RTX 5060 Ti to have an advantage over the younger RTX 5060 model, and even more significantly over the previous generation solutions.
Gaming in 1080p mode
Even despite the moderate number of pixels that the video card needs to "move" during games in Full HD (1920 × 1080) mode, we are increasingly encountering situations where projects may not have enough 8 GB of graphics adapter memory. And this is not always the case only with maximum quality modes. Certain "heavyweights" even with medium quality picture settings require more.
While these are rather isolated cases, developers still have to take into account the platforms available to users. If the vast majority cannot comfortably play a new project, then this is the path to commercial failure. More than 50% of Steam users have video cards with 8 GB or less of video card memory. But some developers take risks and raise the bar of system requirements. Let's not forget about frankly unsuccessful ports and poor optimization, there are also enough such examples.
To protect yourself from such cases, and not to think about a possible lack of video card memory at all, it makes sense to choose models with 12–16 GB, even if you do not plan to migrate to 1440p/4K in the near future (and it is worth it).
Gaming in 1440p mode
What did owners of 2560 × 1440 screens expect from the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB? This model can certainly be considered a starting option for such a mode. Undoubtedly, many relatively undemanding projects can be played comfortably on less productive video cards with 8 GB of memory, but this is a situation with no exceptions.
We tested the system at 1440p with maximum settings. As you can see from the charts, despite the obvious improvement in performance compared to its predecessors, in a significant number of projects the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti cannot provide comfortable gameplay at maximum quality settings. And we didn't even enable ray tracing.
The presence of 16 GB of memory is a big advantage for such conditions, in certain games the minimum performance of the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16 GB is even higher than the average for video cards with 8 GB. But the overall computing capabilities of models of this level are still insufficient for uncompromising settings at 1440p. It is in such cases that the greatest benefit from scaling and frame generation technologies is felt.
DLSS and frame generation
When all available settings have been tested, and the fps counter still causes longing with too modest indicators, DLSS and Frame Generation come in handy.
With high-quality implementation, the combination with DLSS smart scaling and frame generation allows you to radically "pull out" seemingly hopeless cases. Multiple frame generation (Multi Frame Generation), which appeared in models based on the Blackwell architecture, generally increases performance many times over, but here it is important to refrain from the temptation of maximum fps in time and choose the most balanced settings that correspond to your idea of the beautiful.
Overclocking
Of course, we can't ignore the issue of additional overclocking of the video card. In this regard, the GeForce RTX 5060/5060 Ti models are still quite impressive, allowing not only to significantly increase the frequency, but also to get a real increase in performance.
MSI GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16G GAMING OC initially confused me a bit because it allows you to increase the power limit by as much as 22%. I checked it several times - there is no error. The video card really allows you to move the Power Limit from 180 W to 220 W. We take this opportunity and try to get stable operation with maximum GPU/memory operating frequencies.
Experimentally, it was possible to increase the base frequency of the graphics processor by 363 MHz - from 2407 to 2770 MHz. At the same time, the average acceleration value increased from 2647 MHz to 3010 MHz.
The memory chips operated at 2100 MHz (33,600 MHz) instead of 1750 MHz (28,000 MHz), which allowed to increase the memory bandwidth by 20% - from 448 GB/s to 538 GB/s. And this is even more than in the GeForce RTX 4070 with a 192-bit bus (504 GB/s). How do you like such a bad, bad 128-bit bus? This is an occasion to note once again that it is not the bus bit width that is fundamentally important, but the final result (PSP). And how exactly it is achieved is rather a secondary issue. The use of high-speed GDDR7 chips came in handy for the RTX 5060/5060 Ti, significantly improving the overall memory bandwidth.
Additional forcing with an increase in Power Limit affected the temperature regime of the video card. The GPU temperature after the Cyberpunk 2077 session rose to 71C, the memory chips warmed up to 66C. At the same time, the fan speed increased to 2200 rpm. The GPU accelerated to 3210 MHz at the peak, although the average values in games were slightly lower. The actual power consumption of the video card increased to 198 W.
What about the practical performance results after overclocking? Everything is quite optimistic here. For example, in the 3DMark Time Spy Extreme test stage, the Graphics Score increased from 7415 to 8354 points (+12.6%).
In this case, the accelerated GeForce RTX 5060 Ti actually already demonstrates the performance of the GeForce RTX 4070.
The situation in real games is also similar. For example, in Cyberpunk 2077 and Black Myth: Wukong, after additional overclocking of the video card, the number of frames/s increased by 11–13%.
Power consumption
The GeForce RTX 5060 Ti line of video cards has a declared total power consumption (Total Graphics Power) of 180 W. During testing of the MSI GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16G GAMING OC in games, the actual consumption figures, depending on the project, fluctuated at the level of 160–178 W. The maximum values were observed in the game Cyberpunk 2077. In general, this is a fairly moderate figure, considering the performance of the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti. Without changing the GPU manufacturing process, no striking improvements can be expected here, however, the overall energy efficiency of Blackwell has still increased relative to the performance/watt indicators of its predecessors with the Ada Lovelace architecture.
As noted, after additional overclocking with a 22% increase in the power limit, the graphics card's power consumption increased to 198 W.
During our experiments, we also checked the overall power consumption of the test rig with the MSI GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16G GAMING OC graphics card while gaming. Depending on the project, the PC required 265–340 W of power.