NVIDIA Reduces RTX 5060 and 5060 Ti 8GB Production, Focuses on 16GB Models
Limited 8GB Stock Aims to Control Prices and Promote Higher VRAM Models
NVIDIA has decided to reduce production of its GeForce RTX 5060 and RTX 5060 Ti 8GB graphics cards. According to information from Board Channels, NVIDIA has informed its partners (AIBs) that stock of the 8GB models will be limited. This move is intended to control pricing and prevent overstock issues, as the 8GB models have been less popular than expected.
The primary concern is performance. The 8GB VRAM may not be sufficient for modern games, especially at high resolutions or when using ray tracing. TechPowerUp reports that the RTX 5060 Ti 8GB underperforms in games requiring high VRAM but remains suitable for 1080p gaming with ray tracing turned off. Many users are instead opting for the RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, which offers better performance at $449 compared to $379 for the 8GB version.
NVIDIA has also faced criticism for limiting reviews of the 8GB models. Partners were prohibited from sending 8GB cards to the media for testing, while 16GB models were fully available for review starting April 16, 2025. As a result, reviews of the 8GB models are scarce, with some media outlets having to source the cards themselves. This suggests a clear push by NVIDIA to promote the 16GB variants.
Market Response and Pricing
The RTX 5060 Ti 8GB has already been sold below its MSRP of $379 in some stores, with discounts up to $20 since the pre-Computex 2025 launch. Despite this, sales have been underwhelming. For instance, Mindfactory in Germany reported either no sales data or numbers too low to register for the 8GB model.
Reducing 8GB production may be a strategic move to promote the RTX 5060 Ti 16GB and the RTX 5060 8GB, which share the same GB206 GPU and similar specifications, including 3840 CUDA cores for the RTX 5060 and 4608 for the RTX 5060 Ti. Both feature GDDR7 memory, offering up to 50% higher bandwidth compared to previous models. This strategy aligns with competition from AMD, which plans to release the Radeon RX 9060 XT 8GB and 16GB models in Q2 2025.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, NVIDIA may increasingly focus on higher VRAM graphics cards to meet gamer demands and reduce criticism. Users will need to weigh the lower price of the 8GB models against the higher performance and longevity of the 16GB models, especially as games in 2025 require more VRAM.
Final Thought
NVIDIA’s shift to prioritize 16GB graphics cards highlights a broader industry trend: gamers are demanding more memory and higher performance, even if it comes at a premium. This move not only addresses current performance limitations but also positions NVIDIA to stay competitive against AMD’s upcoming releases. While 8GB models remain viable for casual 1080p gaming, the future clearly favors higher VRAM for longevity and efficiency.
SOURCE: videocardz
