Key Takeaways
1. Nvidia faced backlash for controlling the coverage and comparisons of the RTX 5060, allowing limited access to select media outlets.
2. Previews were restricted to comparing the RTX 5060 only with the RTX 3060 and RTX 2060 Super, using specific games and settings to showcase its performance.
3. The performance metrics presented may be misleading, as the RTX 5060’s impressive FPS figures were achieved under conditions that older models do not support.
4. Hardware Unboxed warned gamers against rushing to purchase the RTX 5060, highlighting the lack of diverse and independent reviews due to Nvidia’s control.
5. Gamers are advised to wait for more comprehensive reviews or consider alternative GPUs like the RX 9070 or older Nvidia models for better value.
Nvidia’s efforts to manage the coverage of the RTX 5060 have led to intense backlash online. The company allowed certain media outlets to access the GPU ahead of its launch for performance previews, but with strict limitations. Responding to what it considers manipulation of the story, Hardware Unboxed has openly criticized Nvidia’s approach and is urging gamers to hold off on purchasing the RTX 5060 at its release.
Controlled Comparisons
For example, GameStar Tech, a German publication, noted in its preview that Nvidia required the RTX 5060 to be compared solely with the RTX 3060 and the RTX 2060 Super. Additionally, Nvidia instructed the site to limit tests to just five games.
Nvidia even went so far as to mandate that the previews only feature 1080p resolution, showcasing performance metrics that included DLSS, Ray tracing, Ray Reconstruction, and Multi Frame Generation 4X (MFG). By insisting on the inclusion of MFG 4X, Nvidia allowed the RTX 5060 to achieve impressive triple-digit FPS, unlike the older RTX 3060 and RTX 2060 Super that do not support this technology.
Misleading Performance Metrics
For instance, in Game Rant’s testing, the RTX 5060 achieved approximately 223 FPS in Doom: The Dark Ages using the specified graphics settings. In contrast, the RTX 3060 and RTX 2060 Super could only reach around 63 and 52 average FPS, respectively, as per GameStar’s findings.
The mandated settings clearly make the RTX 5060 appear to be a significant advancement in performance. Gamers who might not be very knowledgeable about technology could be tempted to buy the RTX 5060 based on these impressive figures.
Warning Against Hasty Purchases
To caution gamers against making a hasty decision, Hardware Unboxed produced a 32-minute video exposé that discusses Nvidia’s previous attempts to influence and manage its coverage. In this video, HU questions the reliability of the RTX 5060 previews due to their strict control by Nvidia.
It appears that Nvidia only provided review units of the RTX 5060 to those publications that agreed to publish the previews. This tactic seems to reward compliant sites while sidelining those that did not comply. HU was among the latter, as they managed to obtain the RTX 5060 weeks early but were unable to release their reviews on launch day due to Nvidia not supplying them with press drivers.
For the typical gamer looking to get the best GPU for their budget, the pre-launch previews of the RTX 5060 could be quite misleading. The absence of reviews from respected sources like HU and Gamers Nexus suggests that Nvidia may not want consumers to make informed choices based on a variety of reputable reviews.
Consider Other Options
Thus, if you’re a gamer on a tight budget searching for the best value GPU, it’s advisable to wait for a range of RTX 5060 reviews to be released. If you can’t hold off, a wise alternative might be to consider the RX 9070 or older Nvidia models like the RTX 4060 Ti, if they’re available.
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