Nvidia's highly anticipated entry-level RTX 50 series graphics cards may finally be making their debut soon, potentially completing the Blackwell consumer lineup. While the high-end models have already launched with the RTX 5090, 5080, 5070 Ti, and 5070, budget-conscious gamers have been eagerly waiting for information about the more affordable xx60 series, which has traditionally been Nvidia's most popular GPU tier.
 |
|---|
| This image showcases Nvidia's graphics cards, which are essential to the upcoming RTX 50 series announcement, including the eagerly awaited RTX 5060 models |
Imminent Announcement Expected
According to reliable leaker Zed__Wang on X (formerly Twitter), the RTX 5060 family could be unveiled in approximately 10 days from March 7, which would place the announcement around March 17, 2025. This timeline aligns with previous expectations of a March release window, though the actual retail availability will reportedly come much later. The leaker, who has a track record of accurate GPU predictions including the 16GB RTX 4060 Ti launch in 2023, stated: The RTX5060 family will be released in about 10 days but will be on the shelf a month later.
Multiple Variants in the Pipeline
The RTX 5060 lineup appears to include several models. Reports suggest we'll see both the standard RTX 5060 and the more powerful RTX 5060 Ti. The Ti variant is rumored to come in two memory configurations: 8GB and 16GB variants. Interestingly, unlike the previous generation where the 16GB model of the 4060 Ti had a slightly higher TGP (165W vs. 160W), both versions of the 5060 Ti are expected to feature the same 180W TGP, representing an increase in power consumption over the previous generation.
Staggered Release Schedule
While the announcement may come in mid-March, actual retail availability is reportedly planned for April 2025. Some sources indicate the 16GB version of the RTX 5060 Ti might launch first, followed by the 8GB model and the standard RTX 5060. This staggered approach could be a strategic move by Nvidia to encourage early adopters to purchase the presumably more expensive 16GB variant. Recent rumors had suggested the non-Ti RTX 5060 might face delays until April due to performance issues, which seems to align with this new information about retail availability.
Stock Concerns Persist
Potential buyers should temper their expectations regarding availability. Every RTX 50 series launch thus far has been plagued by limited stock issues, with Founders Edition and AIB partner cards selling out almost instantly. The RTX 5070, which was the most recent launch in the series, faced similar supply constraints. Given that the xx60 series traditionally attracts the most buyers due to its more accessible price point, stock shortages could be even more pronounced unless Nvidia has significantly ramped up production.
Technical Considerations
On a positive note, the RTX 5060 series is not expected to suffer from the missing ROPs issue that affected higher-end RTX 50 series cards (5070 Ti and above), which resulted in worse-than-advertised performance. Nvidia has already confirmed that the RTX 5070 was not impacted by this problem, suggesting the lower-tier 5060 models should also be free from this particular technical limitation.
Market Positioning
With AMD recently launching its Radeon RX 9070 XT, the timing of Nvidia's RTX 5060 announcement could be strategic. The mid-range GPU market remains highly competitive, and Nvidia's entry-level RTX 50 series cards will need to offer compelling performance at the right price points to attract budget-conscious gamers who might otherwise consider AMD's alternatives.
Pricing Still Unknown
Notably absent from the current rumors is any concrete information about pricing for the RTX 5060 family. Given the general trend of increasing GPU prices with each generation, consumers are understandably concerned about whether these traditionally more affordable options will maintain reasonable price points. This information will likely be revealed closer to the official announcement or retail launch.