Nvidia has recently announced that it will not be providing pre-release drivers for the RTX 5060 GPU to reviewers, a departure from its usual practice of including optimized drivers in review kits. The official release date for the RTX 5060 is set for May 19, and the drivers will only become available on that day. This delay has left many tech publications and hardware enthusiasts frustrated, as they are unable to fully test and evaluate the GPU before it hits the market. Several publications, which typically receive pre-release drivers, have expressed their disappointment on social media and their websites. They point out that the lack of drivers is hindering their ability to conduct comprehensive benchmark tests and provide accurate performance analyses. Reviewers who have already acquired the GPU through their own means are now left with partially functioning hardware, as the system fails to detect the GPU properly or produces unreliable benchmark results. The reasoning behind this decision is not entirely clear. Nvidia has not provided an official explanation but speculates suggest that the company might be conducting last-minute adjustments to the drivers to ensure optimal performance. Another theory is that Nvidia wants to avoid unfavorable comparisons between the RTX 5060 and its competitors, particularly the Intel Arc B580, which has been praised for its value at a $249 price point. The RTX 5060 GPU, part of Nvidia's Blackwell series, is designed to be one of the most affordable options in the RTX 50 lineup. On paper, it boasts 25% more CUDA cores (3,840) compared to the RTX 4060, indicating the potential for a significant performance boost. However, the limited VRAM (8GB) might pose challenges, especially at higher resolutions and in demanding games. This issue isn't unique to the RTX 5060; the RTX 5060 Ti 8GB, priced at $379, also faces performance woes. It consistently underperforms compared to its 16GB sibling, particularly at 4K and even 1440p in certain titles. The 8GB variant struggles to keep up with the 16GB model, which is priced at $429, highlighting the importance of VRAM in modern gaming workloads. Adding to the complexity is the timing of the RTX 5060's release. It will hit the market just one day before Computex 2025, a major tech expo in Taiwan. Many tech journalists and reviewers will be preparing for or traveling to Computex, further reducing the window for thorough testing and review publication. This leaves budget-conscious gamers with little information to make informed purchasing decisions when the GPU launches. Nvidia seems to be taking a cautious approach, possibly due to the high stakes involved in launching a budget GPU. Ensuring that the drivers are fully optimized and stable could help prevent user complaints and drive acceptance in a competitive market. However, the lack of pre-release reviews could inadvertently lead to user skepticism and potentially harm sales, as consumers often rely heavily on independent benchmarks and analysis before making a purchase. In addition to the RTX 5060, there are whispers about the upcoming RTX 5050. Early specifications indicate that it may not offer groundbreaking performance, aligning more closely with entry-level offerings. The low-end market is becoming increasingly crowded, with AMD reportedly planning to unveil its budget RX 9060 XT series at Computex 2025. This upcoming release from AMD could further intensify competition, making it crucial for Nvidia to ensure that its GPUs stand out in terms of both performance and value. Industry insiders and analysts have mixed responses to this development. Some argue that Nvidia’s decision to delay drivers reflects a commitment to quality and reliability, emphasizing the company's focus on delivering a polished product. Others criticize the move as a strategic attempt to control the narrative around the RTX 5060, possibly aiming to minimize negative publicity before the GPU is on sale. Nvidia, a leading manufacturer of GPUs and other computer hardware, has a history of releasing highly competitive products. However, the strategy of withholding drivers is relatively unusual and may backfire, especially in the budget segment where value and performance are paramount. Despite the challenges, Nvidia remains a dominant force in the GPU market, known for its technological innovations and strong ecosystem support. Budget gamers are advised to wait for independent reviews before considering the RTX 5060. These reviews will provide a more balanced perspective on the GPU's strengths and weaknesses, helping consumers make informed choices. Given the rapid pace of technological advancements and the increasing competition in the market, staying informed and cautious is more important than ever.