I'm looking for an affordable upgrade from my RX 580, but my budget is really tight. The 9060 XT 8GB and the 5060 8GB are both priced the same in Uruguay, even though I know the 16GB version would be better, it's almost double the cost here. I plan to game in 1080p on low to medium settings until at least 2028, and I'm also interested in emulation, especially with the upcoming Switch 2. Given my situation, which of these cards would be the better choice? Here are my specs: Ryzen 5500, A520 Pro motherboard, and 32GB RAM at 3200MHz.
5 Answers
If you're looking for power efficiency and better features, the 5060 might seem appealing, but keep in mind that it can struggle on PCIe 3.0 because it's limited to 8 lanes. In the long run, the 9060 XT would likely be the better pick, especially considering the performance drop you'll face with the 5060. Personally, I think both cards are a bit lacking for future-proofing, but since you're on a budget, the 9060 XT edges out here.
While I'd usually recommend going for the 16GB version if you can, I get that's not an option for you. If you really have to go with these, I'd suggest waiting and saving up a bit longer. There could be better used options available that could give you more VRAM and future-proofing, like older models at a lower price. In the meantime, keep an eye on the market!
Honestly, neither of these 8GB cards is ideal for 2025 gaming, but if you can't get a 16GB option, I'd lean towards the 9060 XT. You might also want to consider checking out used options like the RX 6700 XT. Just be cautious with VRAM limitations; they could affect your gaming experience sooner than you think.
Considering your interest in emulation, the 9060 XT is a solid choice and tends to perform better in that area. Just remember that buying an 8GB card like either of these might feel limiting in the near future, especially for current games. Still, if the 16GB versions are out of your budget, the 9060 XT will serve you better for now.
I'd recommend the 9060 XT. It's faster overall and it uses x16 PCI lanes, which is definitely better for your system compared to the 5060's x8 lanes. That means you'll have less performance drop when your VRAM is running low, especially since you're on PCIe 3.0. Plus, it should handle 1080p gaming and emulation pretty well.
I totally get what you're saying! The price difference between the 8GB and 16GB versions is brutal in LATAM. In your case, the 9060 XT seems to offer more value.