Nvidia reportedly preventing AIBs from sending RTX 5060 Ti 8GB to reviewers

The RTX 50 series launch has been quite controversial be it due to delays, missing ROPs, low stocks, or high prices, and the saga seems to continue with the latest RTX 5060 Ti cards. Nvidia officially announced the RTX 5060 Ti 16GB, RTX 5060 Ti 8GB, and the RTX 5060 yesterday, April 15, with an April 16 launch date for the 'Ti' models. But it looks like only the RTX 5060 Ti 16GB is being sent out for reviews and AIBs are reportedly being told not to send the 8GB variant.

Hardware Unboxed, a renowned tech review channel on YouTube, recently posted a video claiming that AIBs or board partners will not be supplying the 8GB variant of the RTX 5060 Ti for review. While some board partners stated that the cards were not ready, others mentioned that Nvidia has explicitly prevented them from sending the card to reviewers. While both the variants are launching on the same day, only the 16GB model is being reviewed.

Furthermore, Hardware Unboxed added that Nvidia told them the 8GB model is coming slightly later, possibly a week after the 16GB model, despite the same advertised launch date.

It is unclear why Nvidia seemingly wants to keep the RTX 5060 Ti 8GB’s performance under wraps. Both variants have been listed on retailer websites but are, as expected, already out of stock. And, not just Hardware Unboxed but another big tech review channel, Linus Tech Tips, had an aggravating experience with Nvidia's marketing, launch strategy, and review embargo.