Nvidia is gearing up to launch its next generation of graphics cards, the 5000 series, in the first quarter of 2025. Built on the Blackwell architecture, these eagerly awaited GPUs will incorporate cutting-edge GDDR7 memory technology. The flagship model, the RTX 5090, is rumored to boast 32GB of VRAM, but it appears that the entry-level RTX 5060 won’t receive the same level of memory.
Recent leaks and rumors from WCCFTECH suggest that the RTX 5060 will feature a rather underwhelming 8GB of VRAM, which seems inadequate for 2025. On a brighter note, the 5060ti is rumored to offer 16GB of VRAM, making it a more appealing option. For now, this is all the information available, but remember to take any leaks with caution. Meanwhile, Intel’s new Battlemage GPU, the Arc B580, comes with a decent 12GB of VRAM, and AMD’s upcoming models are likely to have similar specs. This raises an interesting question: will the Nvidia RTX 5060 be a competitive choice against its rivals?
Why Is Low VRAM An Issue?
Although the 8GB RTX 5060 can still handle modern triple-A games, players may need to compromise in some situations. When it comes to rendering intricate textures and enabling ray-tracing, the VRAM can be quickly consumed, much like Wimpy devours hamburgers. Additionally, some poorly optimized games tend to blame their performance issues on insufficient VRAM. In general, having less VRAM often means lower graphics quality, which can impact the GPU’s ability to stay relevant in the future.
The upcoming 5060ti is set to debut with 16GB of GDDR7 memory, doubling the 8GB found in the current generation of GPUs. While Nvidia did eventually offer a 16GB version of the 4060ti, this time we won’t have to wait for an upgrade in VRAM. However, both new GPUs will maintain the same 128-bit memory bandwidth, which is a bit disappointing for Team Green.
What Does This Mean For Nvidia?
It’s tough to admit, but die-hard Nvidia enthusiasts are likely to choose this option despite the superior alternatives from AMD and Intel. Many of us who frequent Reddit have noticed this pattern with the 4060 and 4060ti, where users seemed unconcerned about the VRAM issues.
If you’re someone who likes to consider all your choices, it might be a good idea to hold off until the AMD Radeon 8600XT is released in January 2025 during CES. While details about its specifications are still limited, we anticipate it will compete directly with the RTX 5060 and 5060ti.
For just $250, you can grab the Intel Arc B580, which outperforms the RTX 4060 in 1080p gaming and offers fantastic value for its performance. With AMD now concentrating on the entry-level and enthusiast gaming segments, Nvidia really has to step up its game with the upcoming 5060/5060ti.
It’s anticipated that the cards will be released around the end of Q1 2025, although specific dates haven’t been confirmed yet. Aiming at the budget segment, the RTX 5060 is expected to be priced between $300 and $400, while the RTX 5060ti may come in at around $100. With competitive pricing, increased clock speeds, a greater GPU core count, and an optimized thermal design power, Nvidia is set to position the 5060 series to compete effectively against its competitors.