Nvidia launches the GeForce RTX 5060 in the middle of Computex

Numerous hardware testers are currently pointing out that they will not be able to offer their readers the usual detailed tests for the market launch of the RTX 5060 because: Although the graphics cards are available to the editorial teams, there is not yet a driver with which they can be tested. This is not due to be released until May 19, 2025, the first day the graphics cards go on sale, both to the press and to the public.

German journalist Igor Wallossek was one of the first to point this out. Nvidia also made the same statement about the release of the driver after being asked by PC Games Hardware. Hardware Unboxed and Hardwareluxx also confirmed the process on Platform X. For them, too, the current status is: no pre-release driver and therefore no test. This is unusual, as hardware testers usually receive a "press driver" from Nvidia a few days before the market launch of a new graphics card so that they can do their work.

Another problem with the parallel sales launch and driver release is that May 19 is one day before the official start of Computex in Taiwan. Numerous press events are already taking place at the world's largest hardware trade fair on this date; the majority of the international media usually arrive days beforehand. It is difficult for them to bring their entire laboratories with them for measurements such as volume and power consumption.

The tactic of "burying"

Based on the specifications, expectations of the GeForce RTX 5060 are already moderate. The 8 GB graphics memory in particular represents a potential bottleneck for newer 3D games in resolutions beyond Full HD. The most recently presented GeForce 5060 Ti is available with both 8 and 16 GB.

The strictly enforced test and launch dates chosen for the entire RTX 5000 series by Nvidia have already caused displeasure in the past. For example, the YouTube channel "Linus Tech Tips" (LTT) refused to fully test the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti with 16 GB because only this version was available, not the 8 GB version or the 5060 (without Ti). In addition, the driver only arrived less than four working days before the deadline. The conclusion was: "I can't test graphics cards that don't exist."

Note on our own behalf: c't and heise online are also unable to offer a test for the market launch of the GeForce RTX 5060, as we do not receive any test samples or press drivers from Nvidia. We have not signed the strict, permanent NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) that Nvidia has required since 2018 as a prerequisite for cooperation.

(nie)