NVIDIA is preparing to launch the GeForce RTX 5060 on May 19, 2025, and it looks like a solid upgrade for those building new PCs or refreshing older setups. With an official MSRP of $299, it aims to bring strong performance without reaching premium pricing territory.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming release.
RTX 5060 Specifications: The Core Details
The RTX 5060 is built on NVIDIA’s latest Blackwell architecture and will feature the GB206-250 GPU. While it’s not a flagship card, the improvements are meaningful for performance-focused builds. Key specifications include:
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CUDA Cores: 3,840
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Boost Clock: 2.49 GHz
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Memory: 8GB GDDR7
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Memory Interface: 128-bit
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Memory Bandwidth: 448 GB/s
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TDP: 145W
The shift to GDDR7 memory is particularly important. It brings faster speeds and greater efficiency compared to GDDR6, giving the 5060 a notable edge in bandwidth and responsiveness over the RTX 4060.
Pricing and Availability Expectations
The RTX 5060 is launching at $299, but based on previous GPU releases, the actual retail price could be higher.
Since NVIDIA isn’t releasing a Founders Edition for this model, availability will rely entirely on board partners like ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, and others. Custom cooling solutions and factory overclocked models typically push prices up. Combined with potential launch-day shortages, early buyers may see prices drift above MSRP, at least temporarily.
Planning ahead or grabbing a card early might be smart if you want to avoid paying extra.
Performance Outlook: 1080p and 1440p Gaming
The RTX 5060 is expected to deliver strong results at 1080p and solid performance at 1440p, making it a capable option for midrange PC builds.
It will support DLSS 4, which should boost frame rates even further by leveraging AI upscaling without major sacrifices to visual quality.
With 8GB of VRAM, it strikes a balance between cost and capability. However, some newer games that demand larger memory pools for ultra settings or texture packs could push this configuration to its limits over time. For standard high settings at 1080p or 1440p, though, it should perform reliably.
Ray tracing performance should also see improvements over previous entry-level RTX cards, offering a better experience for titles that use advanced lighting and effects.
RTX 5060 Compared to RTX 4060 and 5060 Ti
The RTX 5060 provides noticeable upgrades compared to the RTX 4060:
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More CUDA Cores
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Higher Memory Bandwidth
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Better Architectural Efficiency
It won’t match the RTX 5060 Ti, especially the 16GB version, which offers extra horsepower for heavier workloads and higher resolutions. However, for those focused primarily on 1080p or light 1440p gaming, the standard 5060 should deliver excellent value.
Choosing between the 5060 and 5060 Ti will come down to individual performance needs and budget flexibility.
Ideal for Small Form Factor PC Builds
One of the more exciting aspects of the RTX 5060 is its suitability for small form factor (SFF) builds.
With a 145W TDP, it operates efficiently, keeping heat output and power requirements modest. This makes it a strong candidate for compact mini-ITX systems where space, airflow, and thermal performance are at a premium.
The card’s expected size and cooling requirements should make integration into tight cases much easier compared to the larger, more power-hungry GPUs seen at the high end of the market.
Final Thoughts: Should You Wait for the RTX 5060?
The RTX 5060 looks set to offer a compelling balance between price, performance, and efficiency. It isn’t designed to be a headline-grabbing powerhouse, but it fills an important role for anyone looking for a strong upgrade without diving into enthusiast-level pricing.
If you’re running an older card like a GTX 1660, RTX 2060, or even an RTX 3060, the 5060 could represent a major step up in performance and features.
As always, keeping an eye on final launch-day reviews and actual retail pricing will be important. But so far, the RTX 5060 looks like it could become one of the best midrange choices of 2025.
Note: All details are accurate as of April 28, 2025. Final specifications and performance numbers may change following launch-day driver updates and third-party testing.