The Perfect Local AI GPU? NVIDIA's 5060 Ti 16GB Tested!

The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB offers excellent value for local AI workloads, delivering respectable performance in inference, image, and video generation at a much lower price and power consumption compared to high-end GPUs like the RTX 4090. While slower than the 4090, its compact size, efficient cooling, and affordability make it a compelling choice for users seeking a new, warranty-supported GPU for AI tasks without the premium cost.

The video presents an in-depth review of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, positioning it as possibly the best MSRP Nvidia GPU currently available, especially for local AI workloads such as inference, video generation, and image generation. The reviewer benchmarks the 5060 Ti against high-end GPUs like the RTX 4090 and dual 4090 setups, focusing on models that fit entirely within the GPU’s VRAM to ensure fair comparisons. Initial tests with Llama Bench on various AI models show promising token processing and generation speeds for the 5060 Ti, though naturally slower than the 4090.

In image generation tests using Comfy UI, the 5060 Ti performs respectably but is noticeably slower than the 4090. For example, generating a 1024x1024 image of a cowboy hat-wearing lizard takes around 42-48 seconds on the 5060 Ti compared to roughly 13 seconds on the 4090. The reviewer appreciates the compact size and efficient cooling of the 5060 Ti, noting its quiet operation and practical 8-pin power connector, which contrasts favorably with the larger, more power-hungry 4090 cards.

Video generation tests reveal a more significant performance gap, with the 5060 Ti taking several hours to render a slow-motion pan of a cat, while the 4090 completes similar tasks much faster. The reviewer attributes this disparity partly to the 5060 Ti’s PCIe Gen 5 x8 interface and narrower 128-bit memory bus, which limit bandwidth compared to the 4090’s capabilities. Despite the slower speeds, the quality of the output from the 5060 Ti remains impressive, especially considering its price point.

The reviewer concludes that the 5060 Ti offers excellent value for its MSRP of around $430, especially when compared to the much higher cost of a 4090, which can exceed $1,500. While the 4090 is roughly 2.5 times faster in inference and significantly faster in video and image generation, the 5060 Ti’s performance is strong enough for many users, particularly those seeking a new, compact, and efficient GPU for AI workloads without breaking the bank. The reviewer also teases an upcoming Linux performance comparison, suggesting even better results may be possible on that platform.

Overall, the Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti 16GB is recommended as a solid choice for local AI applications, balancing price, size, power consumption, and performance. It is especially suitable for users who prioritize new hardware with warranty support and are willing to accept slower video and image generation times in exchange for affordability and efficiency. The video encourages viewers to consider their specific use cases and budget, highlighting the 5060 Ti as a compelling option in the current GPU market.