Hey everyone, I'm thinking about upgrading my GPU since I've been using my RX 480 8GB for over a decade now. The last time I checked out graphics card prices, it was pretty outrageous! I came across the RTX 5060 and noticed it's priced a bit more than a few of the higher-end options by $200-$300. It seems like it might be a decent budget choice for replacing my aging card.
However, finding reliable reviews has been tough since many of them begin with lots of criticism aimed at the company's practices instead of focusing on the actual card. Some folks suggest other options, but those seem to be 30%-50% pricier. I'm mainly gaming in 1080p and aside from a few demanding titles, performance hasn't been an issue for me. So, I'm curious if the RTX 5060 is a viable option for gaming, even on average to lower settings?
7 Answers
The GPU market is still a bit overhyped. If you're banking on having a strong processor to match the card's capabilities, make sure your CPU is at least a 12th gen Intel or Zen 3 AMD to avoid bottlenecks. Consider how much you’re planning to play and at what settings.
I wouldn't recommend the RTX 5060 for 2025 gaming as its 8GB VRAM could seriously hinder performance in future games. You might want to save a bit more for a 9060 XT 16GB version instead, which would make more sense down the line.
Absolutely, it’s a solid card with great features for 1080p. The VRAM is manageable, and games are adapting to utilize DLSS more effectively than FSR, which can help with performance issues. While some people criticize it for not being super powerful, at 1080p, it more than handles the current market standards. Don’t let the naysayers deter you; it’s a good buy if you're comfortable with its specs!
Solid points! It seems like the real test will be how these cards perform in the long run as games become more demanding.
The RTX 5060 should serve you well! It’s definitely capable of handling 1080p gaming, and you might even get a decent experience at 1440p with it. You could also look into the 5060 Ti with 16GB if you want to future-proof a bit—it's great for higher resolutions if you choose to upgrade later. I recently built a rig with the 5060 Ti and have been really satisfied with the performance, especially coming from an RX 580! It’s a noticeable upgrade for sure.
Honestly, if you're keen on budget, second-hand cards can offer even better deals. You could find an RTX 3070 or an RX 6700 XT for less than the 5060, which would serve you better. The RX 3060 or even RX 6600 could work too, but they might not hold up for long.
Given that you can snag the RTX 5060 for around $280 now, it really is a decent budget option. While it has 8GB VRAM, that should suffice for 1080p gaming, even with most AAA titles. Sure, some folks are upset it didn’t meet their hopes for a radical performance leap like previous generations did. But trust me, going from an RX 480 to an RTX 5060 will feel like night and day! Just remember some of the gripes about Nvidia’s practices don't reflect the card's true potential.
While the RTX 5060 is decent, I'd personally lean towards the RX 9060 XT with 16GB VRAM. It's definitely a better option if you're looking for a good balance of price and power for the future.
I disagree! The performance drop with the 8GB VRAM is evident even at 1080p, especially when comparing it with the 16GB versions like the 9060 XT. It might struggle more than people think.