I recently sold my ROG Ally Z1 Extreme to help fund a small-form-factor PC. The case only supports graphics cards around 200 mm long, and I found an RTX 5060 8GB that fits for about $350. I also found an RX 9060 XT 16GB Reaper that fits, but it costs roughly $500. I can still return the RTX 5060, so I'm trying to decide whether the extra $150 is worthwhile, mainly for the additional VRAM. This will be a secondary, portable-style gaming and streaming PC for working through an older backlog. I don't expect to play many modern AAA games, so I'm wondering whether the 5060 is already sufficient or if the 16GB card would be a better long-term choice.
4 Answers
Both prices seem a little high, so I wouldn’t rush into paying an additional $150 unless you have a clear need for the extra VRAM. The 16GB RX 9060 XT is the better technical choice for demanding future games, but the RTX 5060 offers better value for a compact, lower-power streaming and backlog machine.
I’d generally prefer 16GB for a new purchase because 8GB is becoming limiting in modern AAA games, especially at 1440p. The RX 9060 XT should give you more VRAM headroom and a longer useful lifespan. That said, $500 feels expensive for this class of card, and the extra cost may not make sense for the games you described.
For a secondary system focused on older or lighter games, the RTX 5060 should be perfectly adequate. It uses less power and has Nvidia’s encoder and software features, which can be useful for streaming. I’d only spend the extra money on the 9060 XT if you specifically want higher performance or plan to play newer, more demanding games.
That’s where I’m leaning. I’ll test the 5060 once the rest of the parts arrive, and I can still return it if it doesn’t meet my expectations. Either way, it should be a big jump over the Z1 Extreme.
The RTX 5060 has been a good fit for light gaming at 1080p and can also handle plenty of 1440p gaming with sensible settings. If you mostly play games from a few years ago rather than new AAA releases, 8GB shouldn’t automatically be a dealbreaker. Try the card first and judge it based on your actual games instead of upgrading purely out of buyer’s remorse.
The VRAM concern is real, but it matters much more for current demanding games than for an older backlog. For lighter games, an 8GB card can still provide a good experience.