The next release for the NVIDIA RTX 50 series graphics card lineup is here! New GeForce RTX 5060 Ti graphics cards bring with them the latest Blackwell architecture enhancements, improved ray tracing, and DLSS4 software support - aimed squarely at gamers who want latest-gen performance in the mid-range.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade from an older GTX series card or eyeing up DLSS 4 for an upgrade from your previous-gen RTX series gaming rig, these latest RTX 5060 Ti graphics cards are an excitng new option.
Majority of GeForce RTX 5060 Ti models available in NZ on day one recommend a 650w power supply, and most with a single 8-pin (6+2Pin) power input, such awesome news for those with existing systems wanting to upgrade! With such modest power requirements and no need for new-gen 12VHPWR adapters on all but the ASUS TUF model, the 5060 Ti is shaping up as a plug-and-play upgrade for many.
RTX 5060 Ti Essentials:
- 8GB or 16GB GDDR7 (varies between models)
- 650W+ Power Recommended (for most) or 550W+ (ASUS DUAL RTX 5060 Ti only so far)
- 1x 8-Pin (for most) or 16-Pin Power Input (ASUS TUF RTX 5060 Ti, MSI Gaming Trio and Vanguard so far)
- PCIe 5.0 X8 or X16 Motherboard Slot (varies between models) Recommended
- HDMI 2.1 + DisplayPort 2.1
- Digital Max Resolution 7680x4320
There are some really interesting cooler designs in the new range too, some with short PCB, extremely long heatsinks and power input positions we've never seen before, so let's take a closer look at some of the new RTX 5060 Ti graphics card options that are going to be available on launch day in NZ.
Taking quick look at the Gigabyte WindForce (dual fan version) graphics card first, we have an excellent example of both unique 6+2Pin power input placement, and also the smaller than expected PCIE:X8 gold connector for the motherboard slot!
Gigabyte WindForce cooling systems are usually amongst the most affordable options in each recent release, and the cooling system is still seriously impressive in the smaller graphics cards. At the heart of it all, you've got high-grade thermal conductive gel (the kind used in servers), composite copper heat pipes, and an abundance of heatsink fins with direct air passthrough to help keep thing cool even when we're gaming, but the real stars here are the new Gigabyte 'Hawk' fans - they’ve got a unique blade design inspired by the shape of an eagle’s wing, and this clever design cuts down on air resistance and noise while boosting air pressure by up to 53.6% and air volume by 12.5%. Oh, and they spin in alternate directions too so you get smoother airflow with less turbulence between fans! To top it off, these fans use graphene nano lubricant, which Gigabyte say will make the sleeve bearings last more than twice as long - while helping things stay nice and quiet too.
Next up we have a similarly sized ASUS DUAL GeForce RTX 5060 Ti which is far more normal in its design. The DUAL series features some pretty neat cooling technologies derived from ASUS flagship graphics cards, delivering an excellent gaming experience with two powerful Axial-tech fans within the thick shroud. This is the only RTX 5060 Ti graphics card in the range to recommend the smaller 550w PSU too, with all others recommended a 650W.
The ASUS DUAL design hasn't changed too much since the RTX 4060 Ti design, which is OK because that was excellent, but some subtle shroud changes make the two stand apart from each other with the new RTX 5060 Ti no longer sporting semi-transparent material up top, and contrasting the darker colour with the new metallic design in the middle.
Moving on to the larger triple fan cooler designs, check out the latest GAMING OC design from Gigabyte! Lengthy yet slim at just 2 slots height, with a short PCB design that allows for some seriously awesome air to pass through the graphics card, this new RTX 5060 Ti looks like it's going to be a hard one to beat.
It's impressive how that extended heatsink allows this new Gaming OC to pass so much air through and while it might be a simple approach, it's also super effective at dissipating heat! Gigabyte combine the awesome performance with some premium touches too, things like the RGB logo having a sliding plate so you can make it more subtle is very cool, and there is even a little dual-bios hardware switch near the power input for those wanting to tweak performance without the usual software controls.
Great looking graphics cards indeed and fun times ahead! These are just some of the new RTX 5060 Ti options available too, check out the full range in the NVIDIA RTX Store at PB Tech, and be sure to keep your eyes on Hardwired News for more of the latest & best!
