ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 5060 Low Profile Graphics Card Review
The ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 5060 Low Profile is not just another graphics card; it represents a significant leap in technology and design for compact gaming solutions. First revealed at Computex 2025, this graphics card boasts a unique low-profile design, making it an attractive option for users with space constraints. Its diminutive size gives it an almost toy-like appearance compared to traditional graphics cards, yet it promises impressive performance typical of mid-range models. As we dive deeper into this review, we will explore its specifications, performance, and what makes it stand out in today's competitive market.
- Technical Specifications of the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 5060 Low Profile
- Unboxing and Accessories
- Testing Equipment
- Power Consumption of the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 5060 Low Profile
- Thermal Performance and Noise Levels
- Performance of the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 5060 Low Profile
- Overclocking Potential
- Availability and Pricing
Technical Specifications of the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 5060 Low Profile
| ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 5060 Low Profile | |
| Core | NVIDIA GB206-250-A1 (Blackwell) 3,840 CUDA cores 120 5th generation Tensor cores 30 4th generation RT cores |
| Core Clock | Base: 2,280 MHz Boost: 2,497 MHz |
| Memory | 8 GB GDDR7 at 14,000 MHz (28 Gbps) 128-bit bus – Bandwidth: 448 GB/s |
| Cooling | Low Profile dual-fan heatsink |
| Video Outputs | 2 x DisplayPort 2.1b 1 x HDMI 2.1b *Supports up to 4K at 480 Hz or 8K at 120 Hz with DSC |
| Interface | PCI Express 5.0 x16 (x8) |
| Power Supply | 8-pin PCIe connector Total Graphic Power (TGP): 145 W Recommended power supply: 550W |
| Dimensions | 182.5 x 69 x 38.2 mm (2 slots) |
Unboxing and Accessories
The packaging of the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 5060 Low Profile is a sight to behold, representing a stark contrast to typical graphics card boxes. The small cardboard box hints at the compact nature of the card itself, a refreshing change from standard sizes.
Upon opening the box, users will find the graphics card snugly protected within a cardboard frame and an anti-static bag. The package includes:
- User manual
- Brand sticker featuring ZOTAC's signature robot
- Low-profile slot cover
This thoughtful inclusion of accessories showcases ZOTAC's commitment to user experience, making installation and setup as straightforward as possible.
Design of the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 5060 Low Profile
Once freed from its packaging, the card reveals its remarkably compact form factor. The triple 45 mm fans, despite their small size, are designed to efficiently cool the GPU while maintaining a sleek aesthetic. Its dimensions of 182.5 x 69 x 38.2 mm allow it to occupy only two slots, catering specifically to space-constrained builds.
Visually, this model borrows design elements from its larger counterparts, such as the Twin Edge or AMP models, yet retains a unique charm due to its reduced format. Notably, the 8-pin PCI Express power connector is located on the interior of the card instead of the side, further enhancing its clean design.
Connectivity Features of the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 5060 Low Profile
The card offers three video outputs: one HDMI 2.1b and two DisplayPort 2.1b ports, providing ample connectivity for modern monitors and setups. This flexibility allows users to connect up to three displays, making it suitable for multitasking or immersive gaming experiences.
While some premium models include backplates, the RTX 5060 Low Profile forgoes this feature, which is acceptable given its lower power demands and sturdy PCB design.
Triple Fan Cooling System
The cooling system is a crucial aspect of the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 5060 Low Profile. The triple fan setup, while compact, effectively utilizes two nickel-plated copper heat pipes in direct contact with the GPU core. This design ensures efficient heat dissipation, maintaining optimal temperatures during operations.
NVIDIA GB206-250-A1 Core
At the heart of the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 5060 Low Profile lies the NVIDIA GB206-250-A1 core. Built on the cutting-edge Blackwell architecture, this core features:
- 3,840 CUDA cores
- 120 Tensor cores
- 30 RT cores
With a boost clock frequency of 2,497 MHz, this compact card does not compromise on performance, matching the specifications of larger models. Additionally, with 8 GB of GDDR7 memory and a bandwidth of 448 GB/s, it is well-equipped to handle various gaming scenarios.
Testing Equipment
For our review of the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 5060 Low Profile, we utilized a robust testing setup that included:
- Chassis: Thermaltake Core P3 TG Pro
- Motherboard: MSI MEG Z890 ACE
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9 285K
- Cooling: MSI MAG CORELIQUID I360
- RAM: Kingston Fury Renegade DDR5 CUDIMM 8,400 MHz
- Power Supply: be quiet! Dark Power 13 1000W
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
- Drivers: Nvidia GeForce GTX 581.08
Power Consumption of the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 5060 Low Profile
In assessing the card's power consumption, we employed NVIDIA's PCAT tool, which allows for detailed analysis of power usage from both the PCI Express slot and the 8-pin connector. The ZOTAC RTX 5060 Low Profile exhibits an average consumption of 145 W, with occasional peaks reaching 155 W. This is slightly lower than other RTX 5060 models we've tested, suggesting a potential limitation in voltage and slightly diminished performance.
Thermal Performance and Noise Levels
Testing the thermal performance of the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 5060 Low Profile yielded pleasantly surprising results. While temperatures are higher than those observed in larger models, they hover around a respectable 71 ºC. However, the noise levels increase significantly when compared to models with larger fans. Operating at 46 dBA, it isn't silent but also isn't excessively loud under full load. Users can adjust the fan curve to balance temperature and noise levels, providing some flexibility in performance tuning.
Performance of the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 5060 Low Profile
The performance analysis of the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 5060 Low Profile is crucial to understanding its capabilities. We conducted benchmarks across 15 games at Full HD resolution, which is the optimal setting for this card with its 8 GB VRAM.
Gaming Benchmarks
Our extensive testing in various gaming scenarios demonstrated that the RTX 5060 Low Profile holds its own against other graphics cards in its class. The benchmarks reveal smooth gameplay at Full HD, allowing gamers to enjoy an immersive experience without significant frame drops.
Overclocking Potential
Overclocking is a vital feature for many gamers seeking to extract maximum performance from their hardware. During our tests, we found that the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 5060 Low Profile has notable overclocking capabilities. While the power limit couldn't be increased as with other models, we successfully raised the core clock frequency by 400 MHz and the memory clock by 250 MHz. This resulted in an effective core frequency of 2,925 MHz and memory speeds reaching 32 Gbps, translating to an impressive 8% performance boost without significant thermal impact.
Availability and Pricing
The ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 5060 Low Profile is available for purchase at a price point of 335 euros, comparable to other models featuring the same chip. However, it has limited availability in certain markets, including Spain. Given its unique low-profile design, the pricing is reasonable. Nonetheless, it faces stiff competition from similarly priced alternatives such as the RX 9060 XT.
| Main Advantages | |
| + | Low-profile heatsink suitable for slim chassis |
| + | Temperature management is effective even under overclocking |
| + | DLSS 4 technology enhances frame rates in demanding games |
| Negative Aspects | |
| - | Somewhat elevated noise levels at full load, expected with smaller fans |
| - | 8 GB VRAM limitations hinder performance in QHD/UHD |
| Other Aspects | |
| * | 8-pin PCIe power connector |
In conclusion, the ZOTAC GAMING GeForce RTX 5060 Low Profile impressively blends compact design with solid performance, establishing itself as a compelling choice for gamers with space limitations. While the trade-offs in thermal performance and noise levels are evident, they don't significantly detract from the overall gaming experience. With its competitive pricing and accessibility to modern gaming technologies like DLSS, this card promises to deliver enjoyable gaming sessions without the need for a bulky setup.
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