Nvidia succeeded in delaying evaluations of their 8GB RTX 5060 Ti, however they could not cover them without end. After a few week’s delay, we will present you simply how underwhelming this product actually is.
In case you missed it, Nvidia launched the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti final week, accessible in each 8GB and 16GB configurations. Main as much as this launch, we discovered that Nvidia was actively holding again the 8GB mannequin from evaluations. This meant it would not seem in preliminary protection however would nonetheless be accessible for buy when evaluations went reside – or shortly thereafter – which is strictly what occurred.
We picked up the Asus Prime mannequin for $720 AUD, presently essentially the most inexpensive RTX 5060 Ti in inventory. Essentially the most inexpensive 16GB mannequin on the time was the MSI Ventus 2X for $880, a 22% premium. The difficulty is that each the 8GB and 16GB variations are branded merely as RTX 5060 Ti. Whereas the GPU configuration is equivalent, the distinction in reminiscence capability makes them basically completely different merchandise.
8GB of VRAM in 2025 for a GPU as quick because the RTX 5060 Ti – which, to be honest, is not precisely spectacular by way of efficiency per greenback – remains to be too little reminiscence for what this class of GPU is predicted to deal with. There are numerous real-world situations the place the RTX 5060 Ti will undergo severely, and even change into unusable, because of the restricted 8GB body buffer. We will discover a couple of of these circumstances in the present day.
The core drawback with a product just like the RTX 5060 Ti is that many patrons will base their expectations on the efficiency of the 16GB mannequin, solely to decide on the most cost effective model accessible – which can typically be the 8GB mannequin. That ends in folks unknowingly shopping for a product that’s arguably already out of date.
To be clear, 8GB of VRAM remains to be sufficient for almost all of video games in the present day, and in lots of circumstances the place it is not, decreasing the visible settings can nonetheless present a playable expertise.
Nonetheless, it is not enough for an optimum expertise in most of the newest titles – and this example is simply going to deteriorate over the following few years. Most individuals shopping for a GeForce 50-series graphics card proper now, particularly one thing just like the RTX 5060 Ti, are possible planning to make use of it for at the very least the following three years, if not longer. We do not even need to think about how poorly 8GB playing cards will carry out by then. It will possible mirror what we’re presently seeing with 4GB GPUs.
And let’s be sincere: when spending over $400, do you actually need to be always worrying about VRAM? Tweaking settings simply to squeeze below the reminiscence cap should not be mandatory at this worth level. That is a compromised and irritating expertise. The 8GB mannequin is meant to have an MSRP of $380, however the lowest itemizing we have discovered on Newegg is $420, with most fashions priced at $440 or increased.
In the meantime, 16GB fashions begin at $430, although many go for $480 or extra. Even within the worst-case state of affairs, you are solely a 14% premium for double the reminiscence. That makes the 8GB mannequin a critical entice for patrons unaware that two distinct variations of the identical product exist.
The purpose is, there ought to by no means have been an 8GB model of the RTX 5060 Ti, and Nvidia is aware of it. They know it is a weak product. They know that 8GB of VRAM in 2025 is way from satisfactory. They usually additionally know that lots of you recognize this. However additionally they know they will make some huge cash from it, as a result of many avid gamers aren’t tech-savvy and can simply purchase the most cost effective possibility. They’re additionally relying on the pre-built PC market.
By promoting folks a product that is already outdated, Nvidia ensures they will return earlier than they in any other case would – whether or not for the following technology or perhaps a mid-cycle refresh. We have been saying it for years: that is deliberate obsolescence. And if you cannot see it now, effectively you are Nvidia’s favourite kind of buyer.
Check Notes and System Specs
This evaluation takes a distinct method from our ordinary lineup of blue bar graphs, efficiency summaries, and cost-per-frame evaluations. To spotlight simply how poorly the 8GB RTX 5060 Ti performs in 2025, we bought one and spent a number of days working in depth side-by-side checks.
Within the graphs, you will discover knowledge resembling common body fee, 1% low FPS, VRAM utilization, and frametime graphs that spotlight stuttering and body pacing points. These points are simpler to showcase within the video model of this evaluation if you wish to verify that out.
For all of this testing, we’re utilizing a PCIe 5.0-enabled AM5 system with the 9800X3D and 32GB of DDR5-6000 CL30 reminiscence. This setup is actually a best-case state of affairs for working over the VRAM buffer with an RTX 5060 Ti. Efficiency will probably be worse on PCIe 4.0 programs, and drastically worse on PCIe 3.0.
Gaming Benchmarks
The Final of Us Half II
4K DLSS High quality, Very Excessive Preset
We’ll begin with The Final of Us Half II, working at 4K. Now, you would possibly assume 4K is a questionable selection for a product like this, however we might argue in any other case for a couple of causes. Firstly, the RTX 5060 Ti is able to 4K gaming – particularly with upscaling like DLSS set to high quality mode. Secondly, high-quality 4K excessive refresh fee screens now price lower than the RTX 5060 Ti itself and may ship a really beautiful visible expertise.
The important thing takeaway right here is that the 16GB card averaged 68 fps, whereas the 8GB mannequin barely surpassed 30 fps, with frequent frametime spikes. By the top of our take a look at, the 16GB model delivered 120% higher 1% low efficiency – a large distinction. We all know some will dismiss 4K outcomes, so let’s transfer to 1440p.
1440p DLSS High quality, Very Excessive Preset
Efficiency does enhance for the 8GB mannequin at 1440p, nevertheless it nonetheless suffers from extreme frametime points. In the meantime, the 16GB card delivers body charges round 30% increased. We’re utilizing the Asus Prime mannequin for each variations, and whereas the 16GB card clocks about 1% increased, that minor distinction would not clarify the efficiency hole. By the top of testing, the 16GB model was 34% sooner on common and delivered 215% higher 1% lows.
1440p DLSS High quality, Very Excessive Preset + Body Era
Body technology has been a significant promoting level for each the GeForce 40 and 50 collection. However when enabled, the extra VRAM necessities severely have an effect on the 8GB mannequin, dropping 1% lows into the only digits – making for a really poor expertise.
1440p DLSS High quality, Excessive Preset
What if we drop right down to the Excessive preset? At 1440p with DLSS enabled, we encounter occasional stutters on the 8GB card, however total efficiency is appropriate. Nonetheless, the 16GB card maintains a transparent lead – 18% sooner on common, with 35% higher 1% lows.
1440p DLSS High quality, Medium Preset
Switching to the Medium preset cleans up body pacing for the 8GB mannequin, making the expertise smoother. Even then, the 16GB mannequin nonetheless delivers 12% increased common efficiency and 11% higher 1% lows.
1440p DLSS High quality, Low Preset
Even with the Low preset, the 16GB model stays 8% sooner on common. It is not an enormous distinction, however nonetheless shocking to see any achieve contemplating we’re nearing absolutely the restrict of the 8GB card’s functionality.
1080p Native, Very Excessive Preset
At native 1080p utilizing the Very Excessive preset, the sport calls for over 9GB of VRAM. This causes the 8GB mannequin to battle considerably, with horrible frametime efficiency – even at this decrease decision. In consequence, the 16GB card delivered 25% higher common body charges and an astounding 320% enchancment in 1% lows. Let’s transfer on to a different title.
Last Fantasy XVI
1080p Native, Extremely Preset
Right here we’re testing Last Fantasy XVI at native 1080p utilizing the Extremely preset. Whereas the 8GB mannequin presents a playable expertise, the 16GB model nonetheless is available in 14% sooner. That mentioned, 1080p is kind of low by 2025 requirements – so let’s bounce as much as 1440p.
1440p Native, Extremely Preset
At native 1440p, the 16GB card pulls forward by a big margin – 58% increased common body fee and 218% higher 1% lows. Whereas we personally would not play this sport at round 50 fps, we all know some prioritize visible constancy over body charges.
1440p DLSS High quality, Extremely Preset
Utilizing DLSS for upscaling delivers what we might contemplate a extra optimum setup. The 16GB card averaged 74 fps, making it 80% sooner than the 8GB mannequin, which solely managed 41 fps.
1440p DLSS High quality + Body Era, Extremely Preset
Out of curiosity, we enabled body technology. It helped the 8GB mannequin considerably, however the 16GB card was nonetheless 24% sooner on common, with 30% higher 1% lows. Regardless of the seemingly first rate body charges, the expertise on the 8GB mannequin felt noticeably worse.
1440p Native, Excessive Preset
Lastly, working the sport at native 1440p with the Excessive preset allowed the 8GB card to roughly match the 16GB model, trailing by just some %.
Indiana Jones and the Nice Circle
1080p Native, Medium Preset
Getting the 8GB RTX 5060 Ti to run Indiana Jones and the Nice Circle wasn’t straightforward. Solely the Low and Medium presets labored, and even then, we could not take a look at 4K with DLSS enabled utilizing the Medium preset, as the sport would instantly crash to desktop. At native 1080p utilizing simply the Medium preset, the 8GB card averaged 114 fps, whereas the 16GB model was 7% sooner. General, the 8GB card dealt with this state of affairs pretty effectively.
1440p Native, Medium Preset
Nonetheless, transferring to 1440p, the 8GB card begins to battle. Whereas it maintains first rate body time consistency, the 1% lows had been 90% increased on the 16GB mannequin, and common body charges improved by 82%. Below these situations, the 16GB card delivered a far superior expertise.
1080p Native, Extremely Preset
The 16GB model additionally carried out effectively at 1080p utilizing the Extremely preset – and even at 1440p with upscaling. In distinction, the 8GB mannequin crashed to desktop every time we tried something above the Medium preset. On this case, the distinction was evening and day.
Hogwarts Legacy
1440p Native, Extremely Preset
When enjoying Hogwarts Legacy at native 1440p with the Extremely preset, each GPUs carried out equally by way of common body fee. Nonetheless, the 8GB card suffered from texture pop-in points – one thing we have beforehand seen with the 8GB RTX 4060 Ti.
1440p Native, Excessive Preset, Ray Tracing Excessive
Efficiency points for the 8GB card turned way more extreme as soon as ray tracing was enabled. Utilizing the Excessive preset with Excessive ray tracing at 1440p, the 16GB mannequin delivered 62% increased common body charges and a large 483% enchancment to 1% lows. The 8GB model, by comparability, was an unplayable stuttering mess.
1440p Native, Medium Preset, Ray Tracing Medium
We then tried the Medium preset with Medium ray tracing, and the 8GB mannequin nonetheless exhibited frequent body time spikes and poor 1% lows. The 16GB card was as much as 96% sooner on this state of affairs.
Horizon Forbidden West
4K DLSS Efficiency, Very Excessive Preset
Subsequent up is Horizon Forbidden West at 4K utilizing DLSS in Efficiency mode with the Very Excessive preset. These settings had been utterly unplayable on the 8GB card, which delivered 1% lows of simply 9 fps. In distinction, the 16GB card averaged 72 fps and maintained 1% lows above 60 fps, making it 350% sooner on common and 589% sooner in 1% lows.
1440p DLSS High quality, Very Excessive Preset
Dropping to 1440p with DLSS set to High quality helped the 8GB card considerably, however the sport was nonetheless not playable, with 1% lows of solely 18 fps. The 16GB mannequin, in the meantime, was even sooner than it was at 4K, averaging almost 100 fps – 234% sooner total, or 344% sooner based mostly on 1% lows.
1080p Native, Very Excessive Preset
At 1080p native decision with the Very Excessive preset, the 8GB mannequin was lastly playable, though body pacing points remained. The 16GB card, then again, delivered a flawless expertise, averaging 100 fps with 1% lows above 80 fps – making it almost 80% sooner on common, with 131% higher 1% lows.
1440p DLSS High quality, Excessive Preset
At 1440p with DLSS set to High quality and utilizing the Excessive preset (not even the best), the 16GB card nonetheless pulled considerably forward. A fast word: we mistakenly scaled the overlay stats in RivaTuner throughout testing, as we needed to revisit the 16GB mannequin to make sure each GPUs had been examined below the identical lighting and time-of-day situations. Regardless of this minor discrepancy, each playing cards had been examined below equivalent settings.
Below these situations, the 16GB model was 148% sooner in common body fee and 193% sooner in 1% lows. The 8GB mannequin additionally struggled with body pacing, leading to a noticeably jittery expertise.
1440p DLSS High quality, Medium Preset
Lastly, at 1440p with DLSS High quality and the Medium preset, we discovered a configuration the place the 8GB mannequin was usable – not nice, however purposeful. Nonetheless, body time points persevered, and the 16GB card nonetheless delivered 47% increased 1% lows.
Area Marine 2
4K DLSS Q, Extremely Preset, 4K Textures
Area Marine 2 presents an fascinating take a look at the 8GB vs. 16GB comparability, and a key reminder of why benchmark graphs alone do not at all times inform the complete story. Utilizing the Extremely preset with the 4K texture pack enabled at 4K with DLSS set to High quality, each GPUs delivered body charges comfortably above 60 fps. Oddly sufficient, the 8GB card appeared barely sooner – till you notice it is not totally rendering the sport.
Taking a look at static picture comparisons, it is instantly apparent how poor the 8GB presentation is in comparison with the 16GB mannequin. The variations are hanging. The low-resolution, muddy textures on the 8GB card are worsened by frequent pop-in as the sport makes an attempt to load higher-resolution property – leading to a flickery mess.
Below these settings, only a few textures render accurately with the 8GB card, whereas the 16GB mannequin delivers each wonderful visuals and efficiency. We have seen this concern earlier than – video games like Halo Infinite and Forspoken come to thoughts – the place efficiency might look positive on paper, however the precise presentation is severely degraded as a consequence of restricted VRAM.
A Plague Story: Requiem
4K DLSS High quality, Extremely Preset
Subsequent, in A Plague Story: Requiem, we examined at 4K utilizing DLSS High quality with the Extremely preset. Whereas the 16GB mannequin did not break efficiency data, it nonetheless averaged 52 fps – 33% sooner than the 8GB card – and delivered 51% higher 1% lows.
4K DLSS Efficiency, Extremely Preset
Utilizing DLSS Efficiency mode at 4K yields extra reasonable outcomes for this title. Right here, each playing cards averaged over 60 fps, however the 16GB mannequin nonetheless managed 23% higher 1% lows.
4K DLSS Efficiency, Excessive Preset + Ray Tracing On
For over 80 fps, we enabled ray tracing at 4K with DLSS Efficiency and the Excessive preset. The 16GB card averaged 86 fps with 1% lows of 72 fps. The 8GB card, nevertheless, was unable to take care of playable efficiency and really crashed throughout this take a look at.
Murderer’s Creed Shadows
1440p DLSS Balanced, Very Excessive Preset
Testing Murderer’s Creed Shadows at 1440p with DLSS set to Balanced and the Very Excessive preset, the 8GB card struggled with poor body pacing. The 16GB card was 52% sooner in 1% lows and 50% sooner on common. Most significantly, the sport was pleasing at 66 fps – however not at 44 fps with erratic body occasions on the 8GB mannequin.
1440p DLSS Balanced + Body Era, Very Excessive Preset
Enabling body technology did not repair the stuttering points on the 8GB mannequin. On this configuration, the 16GB model was 62% sooner in common body fee.
Cyberpunk 2077
1440p DLSS High quality, Ray Tracing: Medium
At 1440p with DLSS High quality and ray tracing set to Medium, the 8GB card struggled badly. Whereas the 16GB mannequin averaged 54 fps – a 26% uplift – the actual distinction was in 1% lows, which had been 73% increased, making gameplay on the 8GB card noticeably worse.
4K DLSS Efficiency, Ray Tracing: Low
Should you’re hoping to get pleasure from ray tracing at 4K with DLSS Efficiency and the Low RT preset, the 8GB card falls aside – delivering simply 29 fps on common with 1% lows of 16 fps. The 16GB card was as much as 206% sooner.
Marvel Rivals
4K DLSS Efficiency, Extremely Preset
In Marvel Rivals at 4K with DLSS Efficiency and the Extremely preset, the 16GB mannequin averaged 69 fps with 1% lows of 53 fps. Whereas not best for a aggressive shooter, it is at the very least playable. In comparison with the 8GB model, the 16GB card delivered 30% higher common body charges and an 89% enchancment in 1% lows.
Spider-Man 2
4K DLSS Efficiency, Very Excessive Preset
At 4K with DLSS Efficiency and the Very Excessive preset, the sport was unplayable on the 8GB card, with horrible body pacing and a median body fee under 20 fps. In distinction, the 16GB model averaged simply over 60 fps, with a 533% enchancment in 1% lows.
1440p DLSS High quality, Very Excessive Preset
Dropping to 1440p with DLSS High quality, the 8GB mannequin remained damaged and unusable, whereas the 16GB card averaged over 80 fps with 1% lows of 47 fps – leading to clean and pleasing gameplay.
1440p DLSS High quality, Excessive Preset
Switching to the Excessive preset at 1440p, the 8GB card was nonetheless insufficient. The 16GB model averaged over 90 fps, providing a 221% enhance in common body fee and a 358% enhance in 1% lows.
1080p Native, Very Excessive Preset
We then dropped to native 1080p, the place upscaling is not best, utilizing the Very Excessive preset. Even right here, the 8GB card averaged simply 49 fps. The 16GB card was almost 60% sooner, averaging 78 fps.
1080p Native, Excessive Preset
Lastly, utilizing the Excessive preset at 1080p, the 8GB mannequin nonetheless carried out poorly with erratic body occasions and subpar total efficiency. The 16GB model was 35% sooner in common body fee and 58% sooner in 1% lows. Merely put, 8GB of VRAM is a horrible selection for Spider-Man 2.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
4K DLSS P, Epic Preset
Shifting on to Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, we did not even allow ray tracing right here. At 4K utilizing DLSS Efficiency with the Epic preset, the 16GB mannequin averaged 68 fps, whereas the 8GB model was restricted to only 32 fps. That is a 113% efficiency benefit in favor of the 16GB card and a 104% enchancment in 1% lows. Moreover, the 8GB card rendered the sport incorrectly, with lacking textures and visible artifacts.
Alan Wake 2
1440p DLSS Q, Excessive Preset
A sport the place the 8GB mannequin carried out effectively was Alan Wake 2. Right here, we noticed very related efficiency between each variations of the RTX 5060 Ti. As we talked about initially of this evaluation, that is what you will see within the majority of video games.
God of Warfare Ragnarök
4K DLSS P, Extremely Preset
God of Warfare Ragnarök is one other instance the place 8GB of VRAM was principally satisfactory. There was a small efficiency hit, however at 4K with DLSS set to Efficiency and the Extremely preset enabled, the 8GB card managed positive – at the very least in our take a look at space. It is attainable different sections of the sport might expose limitations.
Black Fable: Wukong
1440p DLSS Q, Very Excessive Preset
Black Fable: Wukong additionally ran moderately effectively on the 8GB mannequin, although the 16GB card did ship barely higher efficiency. This might change in additional demanding areas or throughout longer gameplay classes. The essential level is that even in video games the place efficiency appears positive, we’re working proper on the sting of the 8GB VRAM buffer.
What We Discovered
We simply checked out 15 video games, every with quite a few examples the place the 8GB model of the RTX 5060 Ti is clearly held again by its reminiscence buffer. In every case, the 16GB mannequin delivered a constantly superior expertise below the identical situations.
It is painfully apparent that an 8GB body buffer is not passable for PC gaming past essentially the most entry-level merchandise, which might’t price greater than about $150. Since such merchandise not exist within the present market, neither ought to 8GB VRAM configurations. Realistically, 12GB needs to be the brand new minimal. However should you’re aiming for an uncompromised expertise, particularly over the everyday lifespan of a GPU, then 16GB is what you want – and we’re assured that this can change into more and more apparent within the coming years.
With that in thoughts, do not let anybody persuade you that the RTX 5060 Ti is not appropriate for 4K gaming. As we have proven, with sufficient VRAM, it completely is. And 1440p gaming with upscaling is strictly what a $400 GPU needs to be able to – and it’s, supplied it comes with 16GB of VRAM.
We have seen folks argue that the RTX 5060 Ti is supposed for 1080p gaming, however that is merely not true. That line of reasoning does a disservice to shoppers. As clearly demonstrated right here, the RTX 5060 Ti may be very succesful at each 1440p and 4K with upscaling – supplied it has 16GB of VRAM.
Our take is easy: should you’re shopping for a brand new graphics card in 2025 and spending round $300, it ought to include at the very least 12GB of VRAM. Should you’re spending $400 or extra, it must have 16GB. And something past that – like a future RTX 5080 – ought to supply at the very least 24GB, particularly with next-gen consoles anticipated to launch inside the lifespan of those GPUs.
Sadly, we suspect this can flip into one other RTX 3080 10GB state of affairs – besides at a a lot increased worth. And as soon as once more, this advantages Nvidia, as their deliberate obsolescence technique will push RTX 5080 house owners to improve earlier than mandatory.
As for the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti, our largest concern is that the 8GB and 16GB variations share the identical title. Realistically, there ought to solely be one configuration. The efficiency hole between them is just too substantial to disregard. Ideally, the RTX 5060 Ti ought to include 16GB, and a non-Ti model might supply 12GB – or higher but, 16GB as effectively. There is not any justification for an 8GB mannequin on this product tier.
One other issue price contemplating is resale worth. Primarily based on offered listings on eBay, the 16GB model of the RTX 4060 Ti is fetching 42% greater than the 8GB model, regardless of solely costing as much as 25% extra at launch. Anticipate that disparity to develop even wider for the RTX 5060 Ti. Two years from now, the 8GB variations will possible be almost nugatory compared.
To wrap issues up: the 8GB model of the RTX 5060 Ti is presumably the worst entice we have ever seen laid for mainstream avid gamers. Nvidia has actually outdone themselves right here. Their efforts to suppress early evaluations and exploit uninformed patrons are unacceptable. They usually’re planning on doing the identical with the RTX 5060 – however relaxation assured, we’ll be there to cowl that as effectively.
That is but another excuse why the GeForce 50 collection might go down as Nvidia’s worst technology ever. And essentially the most irritating half? It did not should be this manner. For now, we’re performed with the 8GB RTX 5060 Ti. However on the brilliant facet, Nvidia has inadvertently supplied us with the proper case research for inspecting VRAM limitations transferring ahead.
Procuring Shortcuts:
- Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti 16GB on Amazon
- Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti 8GB on Amazon
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 on Amazon
- AMD Radeon RX 9070 on Amazon
- AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT on Amazon
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 on Amazon
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 on Amazon
