Geforce RTX 5060: Limited Reviews at Launch
- Hardware reviewers are reporting they will be unable to provide comprehensive launch-day reviews of the Nvidia RTX 5060 due to a delayed driver release.
- Igor Wallossek, a german journalist, first reported the issue.
- The timing of the driver release coincides with the start of Computex in Taiwan.
Nvidia RTX 5060 launch Hampered by Driver Delay, Frustrating Reviewers
Table of Contents
- Nvidia RTX 5060 launch Hampered by Driver Delay, Frustrating Reviewers
- Nvidia RTX 5060 Launch: What You Need to Know
- Why is the Nvidia RTX 5060 Launch causing problems?
- What is a “Driver” and Why is it Vital?
- When Will the RTX 5060 Driver Be Available?
- Why is the Driver Delay a Problem for Reviewers?
- what is Nvidia’s Usual Practice Regarding Drivers?
- Who reported the Driver Delay?
- How Does the Timing of Computex Impact Reviews?
- What are the Concerns About the RTX 5060 Specifications?
- What Happened with the RTX 5060 Ti Launch?
- What is the Significance of “NDAs” (Non-Disclosure Agreements) in this context?
- Why is this situation drawing criticism?
- Will There Be Any Launch Day Reviews?
- What are the potential consequences for consumers?
- RTX 5060 vs. RTX 5060 Ti: Key Differences (Hypothetical)
Hardware reviewers are reporting they will be unable to provide comprehensive launch-day reviews of the Nvidia RTX 5060 due to a delayed driver release. The driver, essential for testing the card’s performance, is not expected to be available until May 19, 2025, the same day the RTX 5060 goes on sale to the public.
Reviewers Voice Concerns Over Driver Availability
Igor Wallossek, a german journalist, first reported the issue. Nvidia confirmed the driver release date when contacted by PC Games Hardware. Hardware Unboxed and hardwareluxx also confirmed the situation via posts on X, formerly known as Twitter. The lack of a pre-release driver is a departure from Nvidia’s usual practice of providing “press drivers” to reviewers several days before a new graphics card’s market debut, allowing for thorough testing.
Computex Conflict Adds to Review Challenges
The timing of the driver release coincides with the start of Computex in Taiwan. The world’s largest hardware trade show begins the day after the RTX 5060’s launch, with numerous press events scheduled. Many international media outlets arrive in Taiwan several days in advance, making it difficult for them to dedicate time to conduct in-depth lab tests of the new card’s power consumption and performance.
“burying” Tactics?
Expectations for the GeForce RTX 5060 are already tempered by its specifications. The inclusion of only 8GB of graphics memory is seen as a potential bottleneck for newer 3D games at resolutions beyond Full HD. The recently launched GeForce RTX 5060 Ti is available in both 8GB and 16GB configurations.
Echoes of Past Discontent
Nvidia’s launch strategies for the RTX 5000 series have previously drawn criticism. the YouTube channel linus Tech Tips (LTT) declined to review the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti with 16GB, citing the late arrival of the driver – less than four working days before the review embargo. I can’t test graphics cards that do not exist,
LTT stated in their video.
Nvidia RTX 5060 Launch: What You Need to Know
Why is the Nvidia RTX 5060 Launch causing problems?
The launch of the Nvidia RTX 5060 graphics card is facing some challenges due to a delayed driver release. This delay is preventing hardware reviewers from providing in-depth reviews on the card’s launch day, May 19, 2025, the same day the RTX 5060 goes on sale.
What is a “Driver” and Why is it Vital?
A driver is essential software that allows yoru operating system, like Windows, to communicate with and utilize the hardware of your graphics card. Without a driver, the RTX 5060 wouldn’t function correctly, and you wouldn’t be able to play games or use applications that rely on its processing power. The driver optimizes the graphics card’s performance.
When Will the RTX 5060 Driver Be Available?
According to reports, the driver for the RTX 5060 will be released on May 19, 2025. This is the same day the card is scheduled to go on sale.
Why is the Driver Delay a Problem for Reviewers?
Hardware reviewers need access to the official driver before the card’s release to thoroughly test its performance. This testing includes benchmarking the card in various games and applications, measuring power consumption, and analyzing its overall capabilities.The delay means reviewers won’t be able to provide comprehensive launch-day reviews.
what is Nvidia’s Usual Practice Regarding Drivers?
Typically, Nvidia provides what are known as “press drivers” to reviewers several days or even weeks before a new graphics card’s market debut. This advance access allows reviewers ample time for testing and review preparation.
Who reported the Driver Delay?
The issue was first reported by Igor Wallossek, a German journalist. PC Games Hardware confirmed the driver release date after contacting Nvidia. Hardware Unboxed and hardwareluxx also confirmed the situation via posts on X (formerly Twitter).
How Does the Timing of Computex Impact Reviews?
The launch date of the RTX 5060 coincides with the start of Computex in Taiwan, one of the world’s largest hardware trade shows. This timing poses additional challenges. Many international media outlets arrive in Taiwan days before the launch to attend press events and demonstrations. This time commitment makes it tough for them to dedicate time to the in-depth lab testing usually required for a proper graphics card review.
What are the Concerns About the RTX 5060 Specifications?
Expectations for the GeForce RTX 5060 are already somewhat tempered. The card’s specifications include only 8GB of graphics memory. This is viewed as a potential bottleneck for newer 3D games, especially at resolutions higher than Full HD. the recently launched GeForce RTX 5060 Ti is offered in both 8GB and 16GB configurations.
What Happened with the RTX 5060 Ti Launch?
There’s the history of past issues with Nvidia, specifically regarding the RTX 5000 series. The YouTube channel Linus Tech Tips (LTT) declined to review the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti with 16GB because the driver arrived late, less than four working days before the review embargo. LTT’s view, as per their video, was, “I can’t test graphics cards that do not exist”.
What is the Significance of “NDAs” (Non-Disclosure Agreements) in this context?
Due to not receiving test samples or press drivers from Nvidia, c’t and Heise Online will not be providing a launch-day review of the GeForce RTX 5060. This is a result of not signing the long-term non-disclosure agreement (NDA) required by Nvidia since 2018 for cooperation.
Why is this situation drawing criticism?
The last-minute driver availability and the potential for limited review coverage raise questions about Nvidia’s launch strategy. Some in the industry suspect Nvidia might be intentionally delaying the driver to “bury” potential criticisms of the card or the limited memory. The lack of pre-release drivers also limits the ability of reviewers to provide comprehensive, unbiased assessments of the RTX 5060’s capabilities.
Will There Be Any Launch Day Reviews?
Due to the late driver availability, some media outlets will not be able to publish reviews on the day of the RTX 5060’s launch. It is indeed possible that reviews will begin appearing shortly after the driver is released, allowing reviewers to publish their findings.
What are the potential consequences for consumers?
Consumers may have to rely on early user reviews and limited testing from reviewers to make informed purchasing decisions. this might increase uncertainty about the actual performance and value of the RTX 5060 until comprehensive reviews are available.
RTX 5060 vs. RTX 5060 Ti: Key Differences (Hypothetical)
Based on the provided information, a comparison is impossible; however, this table highlights potential differences users might look for:
| Feature | RTX 5060 | RTX 5060 Ti (Example) |
|---|---|---|
| Memory | 8GB | 8GB/16GB |
| Performance | Perhaps Lower | Potentially higher |
| Price | Likely Lower | Likely Higher |