The battle between NVIDIA and AMD has taken an exciting turn in 2025 with the release of the RTX 5060 Ti and RX 9060 XT. Both GPUs are aimed at mid-range gamers who want high performance without breaking the bank. With improved efficiency, updated architectures, and smarter upscaling technologies, choosing between these two isn’t as straightforward as it may seem.
In this article, we’ll break down both cards across performance, ray tracing, VRAM, power consumption, and overall value—helping you decide which GPU is right for your next build or upgrade.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | RTX 5060 Ti | RX 9060 XT |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Blackwell (Ada Gen 2) | RDNA 4 |
| VRAM | 8GB / 16GB GDDR7 | 8GB / 16GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Bus | 192-bit | 128-bit |
| Boost Clock | ~2.7 GHz | ~2.5 GHz |
| TDP | ~180W | ~150W |
| Upscaling Support | DLSS 4 + Frame Generation | FSR 4 |
| Ray Tracing Support | 3rd Gen RT + Tensor Cores | RDNA4 Ray Accelerators |
NVIDIA’s RTX 5060 Ti is built on the new Blackwell architecture and introduces support for GDDR7 memory, allowing for higher bandwidth and better performance under load. It also integrates DLSS 4, NVIDIA’s latest upscaling and frame generation technology. Meanwhile, AMD’s RX 9060 XT uses RDNA 4 and focuses on efficiency while offering strong rasterization performance and up to 16GB of GDDR6 VRAM at a lower price point.
Gaming Performance
1080p (Ultra Settings)
| Game | RTX 5060 Ti (DLSS) | RX 9060 XT (FSR) |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 (RT On) | 78 FPS | 64 FPS |
| Starfield | 75 FPS | 76 FPS |
| Fortnite (Epic) | 140 FPS | 132 FPS |
| Assassin’s Creed Mirage | 90 FPS | 85 FPS |
| Hogwarts Legacy | 76 FPS | 79 FPS |
1440p (Ultra Settings)
| Game | RTX 5060 Ti (DLSS) | RX 9060 XT (FSR) |
|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk 2077 (RT On) | 61 FPS | 48 FPS |
| Starfield | 65 FPS | 69 FPS |
| Fortnite (Epic) | 117 FPS | 111 FPS |
| Assassin’s Creed Mirage | 74 FPS | 70 FPS |
| Hogwarts Legacy | 62 FPS | 68 FPS |
The RTX 5060 Ti delivers higher performance in most modern games, particularly those that support DLSS 4 and ray tracing. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Assassin’s Creed Mirage show a clear advantage for NVIDIA thanks to DLSS and better RT capabilities. However, in games like Starfield and Hogwarts Legacy that rely heavily on VRAM or aren’t optimized for DLSS, the RX 9060 XT can edge ahead, especially in its 16GB variant.
For 1080p and 1440p gaming, both GPUs handle ultra settings well, but the RTX 5060 Ti tends to offer better frame rates overall, especially in titles that leverage NVIDIA’s upscaling tech.
Upscaling and Ray Tracing
The RTX 5060 Ti comes with DLSS 4 and second-generation Frame Generation, which deliver a significant performance boost in supported games. DLSS 4 not only improves visuals but also interpolates frames to increase smoothness, making it particularly valuable in demanding titles with ray tracing enabled.
The RX 9060 XT supports AMD’s FSR 4, which has seen improvements in image quality and upscaling speed. However, it lacks frame generation and doesn’t match DLSS in motion clarity or consistency. When ray tracing is enabled, the RTX 5060 Ti has a clear advantage in both performance and visual quality.
If you play a lot of AAA titles with ray tracing and DLSS support, the RTX 5060 Ti is the superior option.
Power Efficiency and Thermals
| Metric | RTX 5060 Ti | RX 9060 XT |
|---|---|---|
| Power Draw (TDP) | 180W | 150W |
| Idle Power | 12W | 8W |
AMD’s RX 9060 XT is more power efficient, drawing about 30W less under load and running slightly cooler in most scenarios. This makes it ideal for small-form-factor builds or for users who prioritize quiet and thermally stable systems.
NVIDIA’s RTX 5060 Ti is still efficient compared to older generations, thanks to the Blackwell architecture and GDDR7, but its higher performance comes with a slight increase in power requirements and heat output.
Productivity and Creator Workloads
The RTX 5060 Ti offers better performance in creative workloads, thanks to NVIDIA’s support for CUDA, Tensor cores, and the improved NVENC encoder. It performs better in video editing, 3D rendering, and AI workloads, making it a more versatile GPU for users who game and create.
While AMD has made strides with their ROCm ecosystem, support in applications like Adobe Premiere Pro, Blender, and DaVinci Resolve is still stronger on the NVIDIA side.
If you’re a content creator, live streamer, or editor, the RTX 5060 Ti is the more capable choice.
Pricing and Overall Value
| GPU Model | MSRP (USD) |
|---|---|
| RTX 5060 Ti (8GB) | $379 |
| RTX 5060 Ti (16GB) | $429 |
| RX 9060 XT (8GB) | $299 |
| RX 9060 XT (16GB) | $349 |
AMD’s RX 9060 XT is notably cheaper across both VRAM configurations. For gamers focused on value and long-term memory demands, the 16GB RX 9060 XT at $349 is a particularly strong option. In contrast, the 16GB RTX 5060 Ti costs $80 more, but offers better ray tracing, DLSS, and broader software support.
For pure gaming performance, the RTX 5060 Ti delivers more, especially in titles with DLSS and ray tracing. But if you want to save money or play games that benefit from more VRAM, the RX 9060 XT is a great alternative.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
The RTX 5060 Ti is the better all-around performer, offering excellent frame rates, more advanced features like DLSS 4 and Frame Generation, and better support for ray tracing and content creation workloads. It’s a future-ready GPU that suits both gamers and creators.
On the other hand, the RX 9060 XT is a fantastic choice for budget-focused buyers. It offers competitive performance in modern games, higher VRAM capacity at a lower price, and improved power efficiency. It’s especially well-suited for 1440p gaming and users who mod games or play titles that rely heavily on texture streaming.
If your priority is raw gaming performance and access to the latest visual enhancements, go with the RTX 5060 Ti. If you need more VRAM and a better price-to-performance ratio, the RX 9060 XT is an excellent choice in 2025.
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