Zotac RTX 5060 Ti AMP Review: DLSS 4 and 16GB VRAM for 2K Gaming

Unboxing and First Impressions of the Zotac RTX 5060 Ti AMP

The Zotac RTX 5060 Ti AMP is a new entry in the mid-range GPU segment. It aims to deliver decent performance at a lower price. This dual-fan cooler Zotac AMP model features a compact size for small PC builds. This review details its features and performance to determine if it is a worthwhile upgrade.

The card is physically small and fits inside most PC cases. Installation is easy with a single 8-pin power connection, compatible with a broad variety of power supplies. Zotac recommends a 600W PSU, but most standard 650W should suffice. Connectivity includes three DisplayPort connections and a single HDMI port, meeting the latest standards.

The Zotac AMP features a black-on-black theme with golden designs and a gold fan. Visually, it is an improvement over earlier Zotac 40-series cards.

Key Features: DLSS 4 and 16GB VRAM

The RTX 5060 Ti supports NVIDIA's newest DLSS 4X Frame Generation technology. This feature is claimed to significantly boost frame rates in supported games. NVIDIA continues to add titles to the initial support of around 50 games, mostly new releases. DLSS 4 is a main selling point for the 50-series cards, aimed at propelling performance beyond raw power advances.

Another key feature is 16GB of GDDR6 VRAM in this RTX 5060 Ti model. This is a substantial improvement over the 8GB in some models. It is especially helpful for contemporary games with intensive texture requirements, particularly at higher resolutions.

Performance Benchmarks: RTX 5060 Ti vs RTX 4060

Gaming performance testing involved benchmarking in demanding games, comparing the RTX 5060 Ti to the RTX 4060.

Cyberpunk 2077 (2K, Ray Tracing Overdrive, DLSS 2X Quality)

Analysis: At 60 FPS base in Cyberpunk 2077's ray tracing mode, the RTX 5060 Ti slightly outperforms the RTX 4060. DLSS 4X Frame Generation significantly boosts frames to 100+ FPS, improving gameplay smoothness. 16GB VRAM aids gaming at higher texture levels.

Cyberpunk 2077 (2K, Ultra Settings, DLSS Transformer Quality)

Analysis: In less demanding setups, RTX 5060 Ti performs similarly to RTX 4060 Ti, showing a modest improvement over RTX 4060. DLSS 4X again provides a significant frame rate increase, enabling high refresh rate 2K gaming.

Black Ops 6 (2K, Ultra Settings, Frame Generation On)

Analysis: Black Ops 6 demonstrates the RTX 5060 Ti's ability to provide high frame rates with frame generation. Frame rates stayed above 100 FPS, often exceeding 144Hz, for smooth 2K Ultra gaming.

Black Ops 6 (4K, Ultra Settings, Frame Generation On)

Analysis: With frame generation, the RTX 5060 Ti offers a playable 4K Ultra experience in Black Ops 6. Frame rates consistently exceeded 60 FPS, making single-player enjoyable on 4K screens.

Forza Horizon 5 (2K, Ultra Settings)

Analysis: Forza Horizon 5 runs smoothly on the RTX 5060 Ti at 2K Ultra settings, exceeding 160 FPS, indicating ease of handling well-optimized games.

Forza Horizon 5 (4K, Ultra Settings)

Analysis: Even at 4K Ultra in Forza Horizon 5, the RTX 5060 Ti maintains 70+ FPS, showing adaptability to higher resolutions in less demanding games.

Doom Eternal (4K, Ultra Nightmare Settings)

Analysis: Doom Eternal at 4K Ultra Nightmare settings remains smooth on the RTX 5060 Ti, well over 100 FPS. This demonstrates the card's ability to handle graphics-intensive games at high resolutions, especially well-optimized titles.

Fortnite (2K, Ultra Settings, DLSS 2X)

Analysis: The RTX 5060 Ti outperforms the RTX 4060 Ti even without DLSS 4. With DLSS 4X Frame Generation, frame rates exceed 230 FPS, providing a very smooth competitive gaming experience.

3DMark Time Spy (2K Benchmark)

Analysis: The 3DMark Time Spy score of 16209 indicates high-end mid-range GPU performance capable of excellent 2K gaming.

Pricing and Value Proposition

The RTX 5060 Ti is expected to sell around $429 (16GB model), making it attractive in the mid-range segment. It offers strong value for performance and features, especially with 16GB VRAM and DLSS 4. Real-world prices may differ, potentially around $500 or higher. Value decreases if priced close to RTX 4070 Super.

The 8GB RTX 5060 Ti variant is expected at a lower price, possibly $379, another budget option. However, the 16GB version is preferable for future-proofing and VRAM-intensive games.

Pros and Cons