Nvidia RTX 5060 Review: A Wake-Up Call For Gamers

Laila Abdi

4 min read

Post on May 25, 2025

4.9

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Performance Benchmarks: Nvidia RTX 5060 vs. the Competition

The true test of any graphics card lies in its performance. We've put the Nvidia RTX 5060 through its paces, testing its mettle against both previous-generation cards and its current competitors.

1080p Gaming Performance

At 1080p, the Nvidia RTX 5060 shines. We tested several popular AAA titles, including Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II.

• Cyberpunk 2077 (High settings): Averaged 85-95 FPS, a significant improvement over the RTX 3060's 65-75 FPS.
• Red Dead Redemption 2 (High settings): Delivered a smooth 70-80 FPS, outperforming the RX 6600 by approximately 15 FPS.
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (Max settings): Consistently achieved 100+ FPS, showcasing excellent performance in fast-paced titles.

Even with ray tracing enabled at 1080p, the Nvidia RTX 5060 maintained playable frame rates, though performance dipped noticeably depending on the game's implementation.

1440p Gaming Performance

Stepping up to 1440p resolution presents a more challenging scenario, but the Nvidia RTX 5060 still holds its own.

• Cyberpunk 2077 (High settings): Frame rates dropped to 60-70 FPS, still a respectable performance.
• Red Dead Redemption 2 (High settings): Averaged 50-60 FPS, a noticeable difference from 1080p but still playable.
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (High settings): Maintained a consistent 75-85 FPS, demonstrating its capability in demanding games even at higher resolutions.

Ray tracing at 1440p had a more significant impact on frame rates, often requiring adjustments to graphical settings to maintain acceptable performance.

Overall Performance Summary

The Nvidia RTX 5060 delivers impressive performance at 1080p, making it an excellent choice for gamers targeting this resolution. At 1440p, performance is still solid, but users may need to tweak settings depending on the game and their desired level of visual fidelity. Its strength lies in its balance of performance and affordability.

Features and Technologies of the Nvidia RTX 5060

Beyond raw performance, the Nvidia RTX 5060 boasts a range of advanced features.

Ray Tracing Capabilities

The Nvidia RTX 5060 incorporates dedicated ray tracing cores, enabling realistic lighting and reflections in supported games. The implementation is noticeably smoother than in previous generations, particularly at 1080p.

• Supports DirectX Raytracing (DXR) and Vulkan ray tracing APIs.
• Benefits from improved ray tracing performance compared to the RTX 3060.

DLSS 3 Performance

DLSS 3, Nvidia's latest frame generation technology, plays a pivotal role in boosting performance on the RTX 5060. In our tests, DLSS 3 significantly increased frame rates in demanding titles without a significant compromise in visual quality. Before-and-after comparisons showed a dramatic improvement, often resulting in a 30-50% performance uplift.

Other Notable Features

The Nvidia RTX 5060 also includes other noteworthy features such as:

• Efficient NVENC encoding for high-quality video streaming and recording.
• Support for DirectX 12 Ultimate and Vulkan APIs for optimal game compatibility.
• Various memory configurations, allowing users to select a card that meets their budget and needs.

Price and Value: Is the Nvidia RTX 5060 Worth It?

The Nvidia RTX 5060 occupies a crucial sweet spot in the market, offering a compelling balance of performance and price.

Price Comparison

The RTX 5060's launch price is competitive with other mid-range GPUs, undercutting some competitors while offering comparable or superior performance. Direct comparisons with the AMD Radeon RX 6650 XT and the previous generation RTX 3060 are crucial for evaluating its value.

Price-to-Performance Ratio Analysis

Considering its performance benchmarks and pricing, the Nvidia RTX 5060 offers a strong price-to-performance ratio, particularly at 1080p. For gamers seeking a significant upgrade from older hardware without breaking the bank, it represents a worthwhile investment.

Target Audience

The Nvidia RTX 5060 is ideally suited for 1080p and 1440p gamers who prioritize a balance of performance and affordability. It's a perfect upgrade for users looking to enhance their gaming experience without needing to invest in a high-end, top-tier graphics card.

Conclusion

The Nvidia RTX 5060 delivers solid performance, especially at 1080p, and offers a range of impressive features including DLSS 3. Its price-to-performance ratio makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers aiming for a significant upgrade. While 1440p performance is good, it may require some graphical setting adjustments in demanding titles. Overall, the Nvidia RTX 5060 lives up to the hype and is a worthwhile purchase for its target audience. Share your thoughts and experiences with the Nvidia RTX 5060 in the comments below! What are your thoughts on the Nvidia RTX 5060's performance compared to other cards? Check out our other articles on best Nvidia RTX 5060 builds and comparisons with competing GPUs for even more information!