Tag: Hardware Unboxed

  • Hold Off on RTX 5060: Hardware Unboxed Critiques Nvidia’s Control

    Hold Off on RTX 5060: Hardware Unboxed Critiques Nvidia’s Control

    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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  • Nvidia Stops AIBs from Sending RTX 5060 Ti 8GB to Reviewers

    Nvidia Stops AIBs from Sending RTX 5060 Ti 8GB to Reviewers

    Key Takeaways

    1. The RTX 5060 Ti series has faced delays, limited stock, and high prices, causing significant debate among consumers.
    2. Only the RTX 5060 Ti 16GB version is being sent to reviewers, while the 8GB version is reportedly withheld by Nvidia.
    3. The RTX 5060 Ti 8GB model is expected to be released later, despite sharing the same advertised launch date as the 16GB version.
    4. Confusion exists around the review process, with some AIB partners claiming the 8GB variant isn’t ready for review due to Nvidia’s restrictions.
    5. Major tech channels like Hardware Unboxed and Linus Tech Tips have expressed frustration with Nvidia’s marketing and launch tactics.


    The launch of the RTX 50 series has stirred up a lot of debate, mainly due to delays, missing ROPs, limited stock, and high prices. This ongoing saga continues with the newest RTX 5060 Ti cards. Nvidia made a formal announcement about the RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, RTX 5060 Ti 8GB, and the RTX 5060 on April 15, with the RTX 5060 Ti models set to release on April 16. However, it seems that only the RTX 5060 Ti 16GB is being sent to reviewers, while AIBs have reportedly been instructed not to provide the 8GB version.

    Confusion Surrounding Reviews

    A popular tech review channel on YouTube, Hardware Unboxed, recently released a video asserting that AIBs or board partners will not be supplying the 8GB variant of the RTX 5060 Ti for review purposes. Some partners claimed that the cards weren’t ready yet, while others stated that Nvidia has specifically stopped them from sending the 8GB card to reviewers. Interestingly, Nvidia had granted permission to reviewers to obtain the RTX 5060 Ti 8GB for initial reviews. This implies that even though both variants are launching simultaneously, only the 16GB version is making its way to reviewers.

    Delayed Release for 8GB Model

    Moreover, Hardware Unboxed mentioned that Nvidia informed them that the 8GB model will be arriving somewhat later, potentially a week after the 16GB version, notwithstanding the same advertised launch date.

    It remains uncertain why Nvidia appears to be keeping the RTX 5060 Ti 8GB’s performance under wraps. Both versions have appeared on retailer websites but, as expected, are already sold out. Additionally, it’s not just Hardware Unboxed that has faced issues; another major tech review channel, Linus Tech Tips, also had a frustrating experience with Nvidia’s marketing, launch tactics, and review restrictions.

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