Nvidia's new entry-level RTX 5060 graphics card is set to launch on May 19, just one day before the Computex tech exhibition and two days after AMD's release of the RX 9060 XT series. This information comes from VideoCardz, a reliable source, but consumers should still remain cautious due to potential changes in release schedules. Last week, Nvidia unveiled the RTX 5060 series based on its Blackwell architecture, featuring the RTX 5060 Ti 8GB, 16GB, and the standard RTX 5060. The prices for these variants are $429 for the 8GB Ti, $379 for the 16GB Ti, and $299 for the standard 5060. The specific release date for the RTX 5060 had remained unclear until VideoCardz's report, which indicates that both review and sales embargo dates are set for May 19. The RTX 5060 is expected to deliver significant performance improvements, estimated to be 20% to 30% higher than the RTX 4060. This boost primarily stems from an increase in core count and enhanced memory bandwidth. The RTX 5060 uses the GB206 core, which features 3,840 CUDA cores, a 25% increase compared to the RTX 4060. It also sports a 128-bit memory interface with 8GB of GDDR7 memory, providing a 64% increase in memory bandwidth from 288 GB/s to 448 GB/s. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for memory-intensive tasks. The RTX 5060 Ti 16GB is poised to be a strong competitor in the mid-to-high-end market due to its improved memory bandwidth and architectural optimizations. However, the 8GB version might struggle in more demanding games or applications, where 8GB memory can be fully utilized at 1080p resolution and becomes insufficient at 1440p. For budget-conscious gamers, the RTX 5060 could be a viable option given its performance gains. Nonetheless, supply issues may affect availability, making it challenging to find these cards at their manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP). Meanwhile, Gigabyte has acknowledged a thermal paste leakage issue found in its latest RTX 50 series graphics cards. The problem first surfaced on a Korean PC hardware forum Quasar Zone, where an RTX 5080 owner reported seepage of thermal paste. Subsequent investigations revealed that the issue extends to almost all of Gigabyte's RTX 50 series models. Gigabyte explained that the latest NVIDIA RTX 50 series and AMD Radeon RX 9000 series cards use a specially formulated thermal paste designed to better conform to uneven component surfaces. This compound is applied using fully automated equipment to minimize human error. The company emphasized that the paste is electrically insulating and can withstand temperatures up to 150°C without melting. Rigorous testing, including drop tests, extreme thermal simulations, and performance evaluations in both vertical and horizontal orientations, has validated the stability of this material. However, Gigabyte admitted that some early production batches may have used excessive amounts of thermal paste, leading to the observed leakage. While the spillage does not impact performance, stability, or longevity, the company has adjusted the application process in newer batches to prevent recurrence. Affected users are advised to contact local customer service for support. Notably, Gigabyte has not announced any recall or replacement programs, likely due to the high demand and limited supply in the current market. Industry experts suggest that this thermal paste leakage issue, while not critically harmful to performance, could dent Gigabyte's brand reputation. Consumers of high-end hardware expect flawless products and performance. Despite Gigabyte’s swift actions to address the problem, user confidence may still be shaken. Gigabyte, founded in 1986 and headquartered in Taiwan, is known for producing high-quality motherboards and graphics cards. The company is a leading third-party manufacturer in the GPU market, consistently lauded for its innovations and customer service. If handled well, this incident could be a minor setback rather than a major crisis. In summary, Nvidia’s RTX 5060 series offers substantial performance improvements and could be a solid choice for budget-conscious gamers, but supply issues and the 8GB memory limitation might pose challenges. Gigabyte’s thermal paste leakage, on the other hand, is a quality control issue that, though not performance-critical, could impact user trust and necessitate ongoing monitoring by both the company and consumers. Both events reflect the competitive and sometimes unpredictable nature of the GPU market, where performance, pricing, and reliability are crucial factors.