MSI is bringing back its classic Cyclone GPU series, starting with a new GeForce RTX 5060 model. This revival blends nostalgic design elements, such as a single-fan, open-radiator aesthetic and a snow-camo finish, with modern cooling technologies and NVIDIA’s latest Blackwell architecture, aiming to offer a compact yet powerful option for PC enthusiasts.
MSI Revives Iconic Cyclone Series
MSI has officially announced the return of its Cyclone graphics card series, a line known for its distinctive single-fan, open-radiator design from the early 2000s. The first model in this revived series is the GeForce RTX 5060 8G Cyclone OC, which aims to combine a retro aesthetic with contemporary performance capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- The Cyclone series, previously seen in the GTX 400 and 500 series, is making a comeback with the RTX 5060.
- The new RTX 5060 Cyclone OC features a unique snow-camo finish and a compact form factor.
- It incorporates modern cooling solutions, including an aluminum-extruded sunflower radiator and two heat pipes.
- The card supports NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture, DLSS 4, and multi-frame generation.
Design and Cooling Innovations
The new RTX 5060 Cyclone OC sports a frosted snow-camo design, a nod to its legacy while integrating modern advancements. The cooling solution is a highlight, featuring an “aluminum-extruded sunflower radiator” with dense fins and two high-efficiency heat pipes. This setup is designed to effectively dissipate heat from the GPU and surrounding components, even supporting factory overclocking.
Performance and Specifications
Despite its compact size (161 x 125 x 42 millimeters), the RTX 5060 8G Cyclone OC is built for modern gaming. Key specifications include:
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060
- CUDA Cores: 3,840
- Memory: 8GB GDDR7
- Core Clocks: Up to 2,535 MHz (MSI Center Extreme Performance mode), 2,527 MHz boost clock
- Power Connector: 1x 8-pin PCIe
- Display Outputs: 3x DisplayPort 2.1b, 1x HDMI 2.1b
The card fully supports NVIDIA’s latest technologies, including fifth-generation Tensor cores for AI performance (FP4 and DLSS 4) and fourth-generation Ray Tracing cores. This makes it suitable for 1080p gaming, with capabilities for DLSS Multi Frame Generation.
Availability and Pricing
While the RTX 5060 Cyclone OC is now listed on MSI’s official website, specific launch dates and pricing for the United States have not yet been disclosed. However, given its positioning, it is expected to be an affordable option within the RTX 5060 lineup.
Via MSI
