Nvidia launched the RTX 5060 Ti 16GB and 8GB models in mid-April, receiving generally positive reviews for the 16GB variant. However, the 8GB model has faced criticism due to its limited video memory (VRAM), particularly at lower resolutions. Adding to these challenges, Computer Base discovered another issue affecting the 8GB card: a noticeable performance drop when used with a PCIe 4.0 slot. In their tests, which involved 27 titles at 1440p resolution, the 8GB RTX 5060 Ti achieved an average frame rate (FPS) of 59.4 with a PCIe 5.0 motherboard. When connected to a PCIe 4.0 slot, this average dropped to 55.82 FPS, a decrease of about 3.5%. The 1% lowest FPS, a metric that represents the worst performance in a game, fell from 47.21 FPS to 43.93 FPS, a decline of 3.29%. However, the performance hit was more significant in certain titles. Eight out of the 27 games experienced a decrease of 5 FPS or more in both average and 1% lowest FPS metrics. This translates to an average performance loss of nearly 10%. Here’s a breakdown of some of the titles with the largest drops: Dragon’s Dogma 2: Average FPS dropped from 63.3 to 55.8 (7.5% decrease), 1% lows from 56.5 to 51.4 (8.3% decrease). Indiana Jones and the Big Circle: Average FPS dropped from 40.5 to 28.0 (25.9% decrease), 1% lows from 27.8 to 22.3 (20.5% decrease). Monster Hunter Wilds: Average FPS dropped from 54.4 to 46.5 (14.4% decrease), 1% lows from 37 to 26 (27.0% decrease). Spider-Man 2: Average FPS dropped from 26.9 to 18.8 (30.1% decrease), 1% lows from 16.3 to 10.1 (38.0% decrease). These results highlight the limitations of the 8GB RTX 5060 Ti when paired with older PCIe 4.0 motherboards. Enthusiasts and gamers with higher-end systems often benefit from the latest hardware, but the RTX 5060 Ti 8GB is positioned as a mainstream card. Many users who purchase this GPU will likely have older systems that only support PCIe 4.0. These users might expect substantial performance improvements when upgrading, but the reality could fall short if their games experience these significant drops. Given these findings, numerous reviewers now advise against graphics cards with 8GB of VRAM or less, especially for gaming. As PC game developers increasingly optimize for more demanding hardware, players with limited VRAM will be at a disadvantage. There may still be a market for the 8GB variant, as Nvidia wouldn’t have produced it without anticipated demand. However, for those seeking the best value and performance, it’s recommended to opt for graphics cards with at least 12GB of VRAM. This advice ensures that potential buyers are equipped with hardware that can handle the evolving demands of modern games and software. For the latest updates and in-depth analysis, follow Tom's Hardware on Google News. Click the Follow button to keep informed about the latest news, reviews, and insights in the world of PC hardware.