The gaming laptop market is abuzz with the release of the new RTX 5060 GPUs, but is the upgrade worth the investment? As technology enthusiasts and gamers alike weigh their options, the decision between sticking with the RTX 4060 or opting for the latest RTX 5060 is a hot topic. This debate is particularly relevant for those purchasing their first gaming laptop, whether for college or casual on-the-go gaming.
The discussion centers around the performance and value offered by these two GPU models. While the RTX 5060 promises enhanced capabilities, the question remains: do the improvements justify the additional cost?
The Performance Showdown: RTX 5060 vs RTX 4060
To understand the real-world implications of choosing between these GPUs, we tested two Asus TUF Gaming A14 models—one equipped with the RTX 4060 and the other with the RTX 5060. Both models share a sleek design and robust specifications, including 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD, but differ in their GPU and CPU configurations.
The RTX 5060 model features an AMD Ryzen AI 7 CPU, while the RTX 4060 version boasts a more powerful AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU. Despite the CPU differences, both models deliver impressive performance, with the RTX 5060 offering a slight edge in graphics capabilities.
CPU and GPU Performance
While the focus is on graphics, the CPU plays a crucial role in overall performance. The 2024 TUF Gaming A14, with its Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, offers 12 cores and 24 threads, compared to the 8 cores and 16 threads of the Ryzen AI 7 350 in the 2025 model. This difference translates to a minor dip in multicore performance for the RTX 5060 model, though single-core performance remains comparable.
Laptop Geekbench 6 Scores:
Asus TUF Gaming A14 (2024): Single-core 2863, Multicore 13729
Asus TUF Gaming A14 (2025): Single-core 2878, Multicore 12693
Despite these differences, the RTX 5060 shines in graphics tests, thanks to its GDDR7 video memory and increased core count. The new cooling system in the 2025 model also allows for slightly higher power allocation to the GPU, enhancing performance further.
Gaming Performance
In gaming benchmarks, the RTX 5060 demonstrates a modest performance boost over the RTX 4060. For instance, in Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p with ray tracing ultra settings, the RTX 5060 achieves 32.03 FPS compared to the RTX 4060’s 29.45 FPS. However, at 1440p, the RTX 4060 slightly edges out its successor.
Game Performance Comparison:
Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p ray tracing ultra): RTX 4060 – 29.45 FPS, RTX 5060 – 32.03 FPS
Cyberpunk 2077 (1440p ray tracing ultra): RTX 4060 – 14.97 FPS, RTX 5060 – 13.73 FPS
Red Dead Redemption 2 (1080p Medium): RTX 4060 – 60.15 FPS, RTX 5060 – 69.21 FPS
Red Dead Redemption 2 (1440p Medium): RTX 4060 – 36.38 FPS, RTX 5060 – 42.32 FPS
While these numbers indicate a performance increase, the question remains whether a 10% improvement justifies the additional cost of the RTX 5060. The real value may lie in the enhanced AI capabilities and DLSS 4 support, which promise significant performance gains in compatible games.
Power Efficiency and Battery Life
One of the touted benefits of the RTX 50-series is improved power efficiency, thanks to new Max Q technologies. These include low-voltage GDDR7 memory support and advanced power gating, aimed at extending battery life. However, our tests reveal only marginal improvements in this area.
Battery Life:
Both models offer nearly two hours of gaming on battery, a respectable figure in the gaming laptop market but falling short of the promised advancements.
While these improvements are welcomed, they do not significantly alter the overall value proposition of the RTX 5060.
Conclusion: Is the RTX 5060 Worth It?
Ultimately, the decision to invest in an RTX 5060 gaming laptop depends on individual priorities. For first-time buyers or those on a budget, the RTX 4060 offers excellent value and performance, capable of handling modern games with ease. The RTX 5060, while faster, may not provide enough of a performance leap to justify its higher price for all users.
For those seeking the latest technology and willing to pay a premium for future-proofing and enhanced AI capabilities, the RTX 5060 is a compelling option. However, for most gamers, the RTX 4060 remains a wise and economical choice.
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