Latest news with #RTX5060Ti
WIRED
2 days ago
- WIRED
The Nvidia RTX 5060 Can't Quite Beat AMD
For the RTX 5060, Nvidia only offered to send out the card if we agreed to stipulations around which games we would benchmark, which features we would enable, and which other GPUs we'd compare it to. That would've looked a lot better for Nvidia than the reality of the situation, putting an emphasis on multiframe-generation features only available on the newest cards, rather than directly comparing traditional rendering benchmarks. All this to say, I personally went out and bought the RTX 5060 for this review, which wasn't as tough as it is with the higher-end offerings. I've expressed in previous reviews that supply would be an issue, and having now lived it first-hand, it wasn't pleasant, but it was possible. Cards are available, but you may have to jump through some hoops to get them into your cart, especially if there are discounts involved. Photograph: Brad Bourque None of this affects the performance or my review, but I do think it's an indication of how confident Nvidia is about what would historically be its most popular offering. The GPU makers may not want to admit it, but the benchmarks don't lie: PC gaming is officially getting more expensive, and $300 just won't buy you the same performance it would have even a few years ago. Performance here is lacking, but it's only going to get worse as time goes on and more developers start taking 16 GB for granted. While most gamers still play at 1080p, that number is always dropping, and I've said multiple times that you should at least target 1440p for a new build. Otherwise, both the RTX 5060 Ti and RX 9060 XT offer much better value, and as I write this there are OC models for the latter at just over $300. The only reasons you should opt for the RTX 5060 instead is if you can find an exceptional deal, you literally only play Roller Coaster Tycoon 2 (2002) , or you happen to have a 550W PSU you can't or won't upgrade.
Tom's Guide
22-07-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Get up to $70 off Meta Quest 3S, M4 MacBook Air still at its lowest price and more — Power Picks
Today's power picks are massive — not only can you get up to $70 off the Meta Quest 3S, the M4 MacBook Air is still at its cheapest price (so is the Mac mini on that note), there's over $200 off a beasty RTX 5060 Ti gaming PC and more. History shows the biggest savings almost always happen at the beginning and end of every week, so to get all these Prime Day-matching or beating prices on a Tuesday is bonkers to me. Oh, and remember those power picks from yesterday? They're still available too! That means you can still get the impressive Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3x with Snapdragon power for just $549, and $650 off a beasty AMD RX 9070 XT gaming tower. But for now, let's get into today's top deals. Whenever anyone asks 'what's the best VR headset for me to buy?' My immediate answer is 'Meta Quest 3S.' The system really does everything you'd want a headset to do with a huge library and plenty of performance, all at a low price. Now, it's even lower — with the 128GB version being $50 off and the 256GB model being $70 off for a limited time! Yes, this $150 saving is still on! Either Apple's forgotten this discount continues to exist or it's all part of the plan. Whichever way, this is a great chance to save big on one of the best laptops you can buy. That M4 chip is a screamer through any level of productivity, and it's crammed into a slim, lightweight chassis with a massive battery life to boot. Maybe you don't need the full laptop experience of a MacBook, and that's where the M4 Mac mini comes in — a tiny puck of a powerhouse sporting that same zippy M4 chip. We absolutely loved the Mac mini, and with 10% off the price, it's an absolute steal. Also, shoutout to getting over $150 off the M4 Pro version too, for those who want some additional horsepower for creative tasks like complex 4K edits. The RTX 5060 Ti is one of my personal favorite mid-range GPUs, and its been built into this all-round beast of a gaming PC that is now $350 off with code SS10PER4. Alongside the GPU, in this Cyclone case, you've got an Intel Core i7-14700F CPU, 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB M.2 SSD. This is a packed PC ready for 1440p gaming. My personal favorite (and top-ranked best gaming laptop) has dropped to its lowest price with a huge $350 saving. Alongside that beasty RTX 5070 Ti, you've got an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD — all in a sleek aluminum chassis with a mesmerizing OLED display. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Tom's Guide
06-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
How to replace your PC GPU — 16 easy steps to upgrade your desktop quickly and easily
If you own a PC, the day will eventually come when you'll need to replace your graphics card (GPU), Maybe you just got your hands on Nvidia's beastly RTX 5090, or you made a more mid-range upgrade to the likes of the RTX 5060 Ti or the AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT. One way or another, knowing how to take out your GPU and install a new one will come in handy, but it can be an intimidating process if you've never had to do it before. It's been nearly 20 years since I built my first PC, so suffice it to say I've installed my fair share of GPUs. Below, I'll tell you everything you need to know and walk you through the process of replacing a graphics card quickly and easily. There are a few things to be mindful of before you're elbow-deep inside your PC case. Ideally, before you take out your old GPU, check out the following. Before you uninstall your existing GPU, make sure that your power supply (PSU) can support your new graphics card. If you've already researched compatibility while shopping for your GPU, you're probably good to go — but it never hurts to double-check. Your PSU needs to meet the wattage requirements of your graphics card. The easiest way to check whether it does is to look up your exact GPU model online, as manufacturers list recommended PSU wattage based on the card's power draw. Keep in mind that the rest of your PC needs to draw power from the same PSU, too, so GPU power requirements don't equal PSU wattage — you'll need headroom to account for your CPU, motherboard, fans, storage, and more. Next, confirm that your PSU supports the correct power connectors for your new GPU. These are determined by the number of pins on the connector: Not sure which PSU is installed in your system? The easiest way is to power everything down, open up your case, and look for the label on your power supply, as well as scoping out the connectors. I'll talk about how to safely open your PC case below. You've most likely checked this before shopping, but again, before you get rid of your existing GPU, check that the new one will fit with the rest of your system. This includes: Before you open up your PC case and start meddling with its contents, it's important to set the stage and prepare a few things: With all that out of the way, it's time to remove your old GPU. With all the pre-flight checks complete, it's time to roll up your sleeves and remove your old GPU. But first, drivers. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Hint: We also have a complete guide to building a PC if you need help picking your components as well as putting the build together. Start by uninstalling the drivers for your current graphics card. This gives your new GPU a fresh start and avoids driver conflicts. You can do this by going into the Device Manager (right-click on the Windows icon on the taskbar and select it). Locate Display adapters, find your GPU in the list, and right-click on it. Next, select Uninstall device. If prompted, delete the driver. Alternatively, I recommend using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to ensure a completely clean uninstall. For a more thorough cleanup, use it in Safe Mode. Turn off your PC. Next, flip the power switch on your PSU at the back of your PC to power it down completely. Unplug all the cables, as well as things like USB hubs or Bluetooth adapters. Be gentle and remember that some of them can't just be yanked out; for example, the Ethernet cable needs to be pressed down on. Place your PC on its side on a flat, dust-free, non-static surface. As mentioned previously, the rug won't do the trick — make sure there's something in between your PC and the carpet if you're using one. Ground yourself, either with an anti-static wrist strap or by touching the metal part of your case with both your hands. Time to remove the side panel. Depending on your case, this involves unscrewing regular screws or thumbscrews, or in newer cases, simply pressing down on a latch and pulling the side panel off. This is just a callback to the previous section. If you need to verify whether your power connectors align with what your GPU needs, take a look at your power supply, seated somewhere at the bottom of your case. In the above image, the PSU is hidden away in an enclosure at the bottom of the chassis. Verify whether you've got all the connectors you need for your new GPU. You might need to use an extra PCIe power connector if not, or an adapter if your PSU is older and your GPU is a new Nvidia model from the RTX 40-series or 50-series. You won't need your glasses to locate the GPU — it's the most prominent component attached to your motherboard. It's attached to the PCIe slot and screwed in near your PC's back panel. Take note of where all the screws are, whether there's an additional anti-sag brace, and where the PCIe latch is. The PCIe latch is the easiest part to miss, but it's really important. It's a small, usually black, piece of plastic underneath your GPU. Ground yourself again (never hurts to be extra sure) and disconnect everything from your GPU. This mainly means the power connector that leads to the power supply. Press down on the clip (don't force it) and pull the cable straight out. There might be some more cabling, such as ARGB headers for lighting. Disconnect all of those. Next, grab your screwdriver and unscrew the GPU from the bracket that it sits in. You'll find all the screws near the back of the case (or in some cases, outside it), close to your display ports. If you have a magnetic screwdriver, this won't be a problem. If not, a good idea is to start with your screwdriver and finish with your thumb in order to avoid dropping the screws inside the case, which is supremely annoying. If you're using a large, high‑end GPU like an RTX 5080 or RTX 5090, it may include an anti‑sag bracket or GPU brace. Unscrew this, too — but usually, it can stay in your case. Your next GPU will likely fit into the same bracket. All you need to do now is go right back to that PCIe latch that you found before, somewhere beneath the GPU. It's a small, black piece of plastic. You'll either need to press it or slide it, depending on the motherboard. Remember: Don't force it. If the latch isn't fully released, the GPU won't budge — and that's by design to prevent damage. Be ready to hold up your GPU with your other hand as you'll release it from the PCIe slot. Now is your chance to gently clean off any dust from your old GPU (if you want to). If using compressed air, make sure to hold the fan blades to stop them from spinning, which can damage the bearings. Put your GPU in an anti-static bag and store it somewhere safe. We're almost done! It's time to give your new GPU a new home. Here's how to install your GPU. You know what I'm going to say: Ground yourself, yet again, by touching the metal part of your case. Next, grab your new GPU and line it up with the topmost PCIe x16 slot, and then gently slide it in. You should hear or feel a click once the PCIe latch locks the card firmly in place. Make sure that you have plenty of room around the graphics card for things like M.2 ports or the power connector. Remember: You shouldn't bend it, as that can end in disaster on some GPUs; the RTX 4090 had a lot of reported cases of the power connector melting due to excessive bending. With one hand supporting the GPU, begin securing it to the case with the screws at the rear bracket, near the display outputs. This is the same process as before, but in reverse, where you'll attach the GPU to the motherboard. You'll often have to use one, two, or even more screws, so keep supporting the GPU until it sits safely in the bracket. If your model came with a dedicated anti-sag brace, now is the time to install it according to the manufacturer's instructions. You'll always do this after installing the graphics card into the PCIe slot first to make sure that the bracket aligns with its position and height. There are a few different types of support brackets, but they're all fairly similar to install. Slide the bracket in from beneath the back end, opposite the PCIe slot. The contact point should be under the backplate, not under the fans or PCB components. Some might have adjustable height, so adjust if needed, and secure it properly. Depending on the graphics card, you might need one to four PCIe power connectors. In the case of newer Nvidia cards, you might also need an adapter to connect your PSU to the 12VHPWR or 12V-2x6 connector on the GPU. Carefully plug all the required connectors into your graphics card. Be firm but gentle — you should hear or feel a click when each one is fully seated. If using an adapter, plug it into the GPU first, then connect all required PCIe power cables from the PSU into the adapter. Warning: Avoid bending the adapter cable as much as possible. With your GPU firmly in place, it's time to reattach the side panel. Depending on your case, you can just slot it in and leave it like that once it clicks into place, or you may need to deal with screws or thumbscrews. Next, plug everything back in. Remember to plug your monitor(s) into the GPU and not the motherboard, and don't forget the small bits and bobs, such as USB hubs. Flip the switch at the back of your PC, and then power your computer back on. We're at the finish line. It's time to install your drivers. The easiest way to do this is to use the proprietary software provided by each GPU manufacturer: Alternatively, you can download the drivers manually. This makes for a less streamlined installation process, though. Here are the direct links: Once you've got your drivers, it's time to power up your favorite game and enjoy your new GPU! Next step: Benchmark your GPU. Have fun!
Tom's Guide
03-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
I wouldn't buy a GPU with 8GB of VRAM — turns out, neither would you
The summer has been dominated by mid-range and entry level GPU launches, from Nvidia's RTX 5060 and 5050 to AMD's Radeon RX 9060 XT. And many of these are rocking 8GB of video memory — the critical element of a card that allows for rendered graphics to be stored and used on-demand. This is a capacity that has been around since 2016, and if you listen to people in high places, this is enough for all-round 1080p gaming. But games like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (12GB of VRAM recommended) and Cyberpunk 2077 would beg to differ. Especially more so if you're considering making the jump to 1440p gaming. As I said in my RTX 5060 Ti review, go for 16GB as a safe bet to protect yourself from the ever-increasing demands of AAA games. And as sales data shows, you've all understood the assignment. This insight comes from German retailer Mindfactory, which shows how many of each listing it sells. As spotted by WCCF Tech, the sales differential between Nvidia's RTX 5060 Ti in 16 and 8GB variations, and the AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT in these flavors is stark. One thing is evident, regardless of what you hear from companies telling you 8GB is enough, PC players aren't buying it (literally and figuratively), and neither am I. If you cast your mind back, we got some hands-on testing time with the RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM. Of course, this was a test within certain conditions Nvidia set out to us — to show what was possible at 1080p with well-optimized titles packing DLSS 4. And like I said, the end result is pretty good. But of course, as I said, you have to play within a very specific playground here. Because if you branch out and look at the raw rendering performance of this card, that 8GB is an albatross around the neck of this GPU. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Looking at the portable side of things, in testing RTX 5060 laptops out at Computex 2025, if your game library already comes packed with DLSS 4 tech, there's weight to a reason why first-time gaming laptop owners would find value in an RTX 5060 system. But for desktop, it's a different story. Game Frames per second at 1080p (Rasterized) Frames per second at 1080p (DLSS with frame gen) Cyberpunk 2077 45.42 n/a Black Myth Wukong (Cinematic) 35 55 Some of this will come down to the number of CUDA cores in here for rendering, but a big chunk will be the barrier of that video memory. And that leads to one inevitable problem. At best, these 8GB cards are made by committee — looking at Steam user data and pinpointing a particularly large area of 1080p gamers without noticing the growing trend in 1440p. At worst, they're here purely to say a lower price like 'from $299.' And if you're a desktop PC gamer looking for a new GPU or a pre-built tower, if you see the number 8 next to that graphics card name, avoid it. There are some strengths to these cards right now, but the weaknesses felt in that stuttering on particularly intensive titles right now is only going to get worse into the future. Give yourself some breathing space with 16GB of VRAM. I know it's a difficult answer, but the only one for real on paper is to buy a more expensive GPU. That additional video memory will be more than worthwhile in terms of long-term value. This falls into that $50 area of acceptable price increases, and you're getting a rather impressive GPU here with 16GB of video memory and all of AMD's upcoming FSR 4 tech that is really taking the fight to Nvidia's DLSS. Well, well well! A 16GB version of the 5060 Ti at MSRP. This is going to get snapped up quick, so be speedy about grabbing this — definitely an encouraging sign of normalizing prices. And for UK PC gamers, one option stands out right now. This is for the model with 16GB of video memory (the right one to buy), and scalpers be damned you can get it for £20 below RRP!
Tom's Guide
24-06-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
I test graphics cards all day, and these early Prime Day GPU deals are ripping you off — buy these instead
Ever since I started testing GPUs, I've been waiting for the moment to say my favorite graphics cards are on sale. I did start as a deals writer, so the high I'd feel to tell you that you could save money on an RTX 5060 Ti or RTX 5070 Ti would be significant. But that's not happened, and frustratingly (given the fact Nvidia did say stock was getting back to normal), the problem is worse than its ever been. What do I mean? Well, there are so-called 'deals' popping up as we head towards Prime Day that are still astronomically overpriced. Worst example? $1,000 for an RTX 5070 Ti! Well, I'm going to put my deals hat on for a little bit and point you to the best GPU prices you can get right now, so that you don't fall for these trash savings (that aren't actually savings). I've checked for GPU stock over the course of this entire year, and one thing has become abundantly clear — scalping is not really a thing in Britain. That's not to say it doesn't exist. There are still plenty of cards that are being sold for £30-50 more. But stocking issues don't seem to be plaguing the U.K. as much, and because of that, retailers will be selling some models at (or even below) recommended retail price (RRP). This is for the model with 16GB of video memory (the right one to buy), and scalpers be damned you can get £82 off! This is also £2 less than Nvidia's own RRP. A whole £30 below RRP, but you wouldn't know that looking at the retailer page! This is my favorite GPU of Nvidia's entire range, and at this price, it's a definite buy. Unfortunately, that's where the Nvidia party ends for GPUs under RRP, as price quickly jumps up with RTX 5080 and 5090. But enough showing off about the U.K. — let's try and find my friends in the States a little something. As I said, with a $1,000 RTX 5070 Ti being called a 'deal' is diabolical, but there are three tips I can give you if you're shopping around right now: Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Got all that? Good! Rather than go immediately for the first thing you see a big red sale sticker on, go for these instead. This falls into that $50 area of acceptable price increases, and you're getting a rather impressive GPU here with 16GB of video memory and all of AMD's upcoming FSR 4 tech that is really taking the fight to Nvidia's DLSS. Well, well well! A 16GB version of the 5060 Ti at MSRP. This is going to get snapped up quick, so be speedy about grabbing this — definitely an encouraging sign of normalizing prices. My main gripe with the RTX 5070 was the fact it was never available at retail price. Well, Best Buy has shocked me with this MSRP beast of a buy. Snag it while you can. Anything further above this, and you're looking at some shocking price increases. That's why a pre-built PC could be the way forward here. To replicate the exact specs of this (AMD Ryzen 7 9800 X3D, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, etc), you'd be spending $100 more for the parts individually.
