Asus swaps out the PCIe x16 connector for x8 on new RTX 5060 Ti GPUs — Gigabyte does the opposite with x16 upgrade to its WindForce Max card
As observed by hardware enthusiast Uniko’s Hardware, Asus and Gigabyte have launched new versions of their GeForce RTX 5060 Ti models, which are among the best graphics cards currently available. In the case of Asus, the new Evo-branded SKU is more compact but also involves several noticeable downgrades. Conversely, in Gigabyte’s case, the update appears to be solely an aesthetic modification.
The primary, and arguably most significant, modification in Asus and Gigabyte’s updated models pertains to the PCIe connector. Asus has transitioned to a PCIe x8 connector on the Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti Evo 16GB GDDR7, replacing the PCIe x16 connector present in the original Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB GDDR7. Conversely, Gigabyte has implemented the opposite adjustment by adopting a PCIe x16 connector on the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti WindForce Max 16G in place of the PCIe x8 connector used in the previous GeForce RTX 5060 Ti WindForce 16G.
Asus and Gigabyte GeForce RTX 5060 Ti Specifications
|
Brand |
Model |
Dimensions (Inches) |
Boost Clock (MHz) |
CUDA Cores |
Memory |
Part Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Asus |
Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti Evo 16GB GDDR7 |
8.85 x 4.72 x 1.65 |
2,602 |
4,608 |
16GB GDDR7 |
DUAL-RTX5060TI-16G-EVO |
|
Asus |
Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB GDDR7 |
9.01 x 4.72 x 1.97 |
2,602 |
4,608 |
16GB GDDR7 |
DUAL-RTX5060TI-16G |
|
Gigabyte |
GeForce RTX 5060 Ti WindForce Max 16G |
8.19 x 4.72 x 1.57 |
2,572 |
4,608 |
16GB GDDR7 |
GV-N506TWF2MAX-16GD |
|
Gigabyte |
GeForce RTX 5060 Ti WindForce 16G |
8.19 x 4.72 x 1.57 |
2,572 |
4,608 |
16GB GDDR7 |
GV-N506TWF2-16GD |
The primary rationale for downgrading from a PCIe x16 to a PCIe x8 connector is cost reduction, as the former is more expensive due to its larger size and additional data lanes. While this may apply to Asus, it is also possible that Gigabyte recycles surplus PCBs for this purpose.
The PCIe x8 connector isn’t the only change to the Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti Evo 16GB GDDR7. The new model is also more compact, as Asus has reduced the design from 2.5 slots to 2.1 slots and shortened the graphics card by around 2%. The goal was to make the Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti Evo 16GB GDDR7 more friendly to SFF (small-form-factor) systems. Sadly, this modification reduced some features compared to the original model.
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The Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti Evo 16GB GDDR7 no longer supports dual-BIOS functionality. The original version included a switch that enabled users to toggle between P Mode and Q Mode, allowing them to choose between enhanced performance and reduced noise levels. This feature is absent in the Evo edition. Furthermore, it does not utilize Asus GPU Guard, which involves applying adhesive to the four corners of the GB206 silicon to prevent potential cracking. Another minor modification is relocating the 8-pin PCIe connector to the left side of the Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti Evo 16GB GDDR7.
Meanwhile, the GeForce RTX 5060 Ti WindForce Max 16G is physically indistinguishable from the previous GeForce RTX 5060 Ti WindForce 16G, except for the positioning of the 8-pin PCIe power connector. In the Max variant, it is situated on the right side, resembling the placement on the Asus non-Evo model.
Asus and Gigabyte discreetly introduced the Evo and Max models, respectively. Although the updated SKUs are listed on their respective websites, pricing and availability currently remain undisclosed.
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Source: www.tomshardware.com
Published: 2025-12-15 22:32:00
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