NVIDIA's Latest Controversy

If you thought NVIDIA couldn't get more SCUMMY, guess again...

Estimated read time: 1:20

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    Summary

    JayzTwoCents discusses the scummy tactics by NVIDIA with their upcoming 5060 launch. The company is not including media in the pre-launch phase and delaying press drivers, leading to concerns about transparency and consumer awareness. While NVIDIA's motivations could range from working on driver issues to avoiding negative press, the approach is seen as anti-consumer. The tech community is critical of NVIDIA's methods, with comparisons drawn to past marketing tactics and the shifting landscape of consumer preferences towards AMD products. The video emphasizes the importance of being informed and cautious about NVIDIA's upcoming releases.

      Highlights

      • NVIDIA isn't including media in the 5060 launch - a first! 😲
      • Press drivers are only available on launch day. Concerns about hiding issues? πŸ€”
      • The delay might be due to unresolved driver issues or avoiding negative press πŸ› οΈ
      • NVIDIA's actions are seen as anti-consumer by many in the tech community πŸ“‰
      • Consumer interest is shifting towards AMD; NVIDIA's market position is at stake πŸ”„

      Key Takeaways

      • NVIDIA is excluding media from the 5060 launch which raises transparency concerns πŸ˜•.
      • Press drivers are delayed until the launch day, limiting pre-release information πŸ“….
      • The delay could be due to driver issues or a tactic to avoid bad press πŸ€”.
      • JayzTwoCents criticizes NVIDIA for anti-consumer behavior 🚫.
      • There's a shift in consumer preference towards AMD, affecting NVIDIA's market position πŸ”„.

      Overview

      In a surprising move, NVIDIA has decided to sideline media outlets for the forthcoming 5060 graphic card launch. Traditionally, media and tech influencers play a crucial role in informing consumers about the nuances and performance of new tech products before they hit the shelves. But this time, NVIDIA is breaking away from convention, sparking discussions about whether it’s to avoid anticipated negative reviews or other behind-the-scenes issues.

        The absence of pre-launch reviews means consumers won't be well-informed about potential issues or benefits of the 5060 card. JayzTwoCents suggests that NVIDIA might be doing this to cover up sub-optimal driver performance, something they've been criticized for in the past. Without early access to drivers, tech reviewers won’t be able to advise potential buyers accurately, potentially leading to consumer disappointment post-purchase.

          The tech landscape is evolving with AMD gaining momentum, offering competitive alternatives that shift consumer loyalty. NVIDIA's latest marketing strategies seem to reinforce an image that isn’t consumer-friendly, prompting community criticism. While NVIDIA dominates in AI, their approach to consumer graphics may need re-evaluation to maintain their standing in a dynamic market. The future of NVIDIA's consumer trust could hinge significantly on how they handle transparency and support moving forward.

            Chapters

            • 00:00 - 00:30: Introduction to the 5060 Launch The chapter "Introduction to the 5060 Launch" discusses the upcoming 5060 launch, highlighting its unprecedented nature. The speaker emphasizes that this launch is unique because it excludes media from the process, which is a departure from the norm. The chapter also introduces the Be Quiet LightBase PC case, which is notable for its versatile design, allowing users to position it either upright or laid flat. Additionally, the case features convenient cable trays and covers, and it is compatible with newer backside components, appealing to consumers interested in customizable and efficient PC case options.
            • 00:30 - 01:00: Product Advertisement: Be Quiet LightBase PC Case The chapter discusses the features of the Be Quiet LightBase PC case, highlighting its compatibility with connector motherboards for a clean build, and its sleek, minimalistic design with integrated RGB lighting. It mentions the support for radiators up to 420 mm in the LightBase 900 model. Additionally, it indicates that detailed specifications for the LightBase 600 and 900 models can be found via a link in the description. The chapter also touches briefly on the delay in receiving an ASUS Prime card compared to a PMY card during a product launch.
            • 01:00 - 01:30: Experience with 5060 Ti Prime and 5090 Astro Preview The chapter discusses experiences with the 5060 Ti Prime graphics card, highlighting its future use in benchmarks since the PNY card was given away at the SoCal Tech Fair. Additionally, there's a teaser about the 5090 Astro card, a prototype sent by Derbower that is undergoing final revisions. The 5090 Astro card is intended to support the RipGn series, promising exciting developments ahead.
            • 01:30 - 02:00: Lack of Press Driver for 4060 Ti Launch The chapter discusses the lack of a press driver for the Nvidia 4060 Ti launch. Several reputable sources like Hardware Unbox and Eigor's Lab have highlighted that Nvidia is not supplying a press driver until May 19th. The author notes a lack of communication from Nvidia, questioning whether they will even provide the actual graphics cards for review.
            • 02:00 - 02:30: Performance Concerns of 5060 Non-Ti In this chapter titled 'Performance Concerns of 5060 Non-Ti,' the author discusses the unusual situation where access to a driver for the 5060 Non-Ti graphics card is not available until the day it is released for sale. This lack of early access means potential buyers will not have any information on its performance before its launch. The author suggests that, based on previous models like the 5060 Ti, it may not be worth the effort to purchase the card on launch day.
            • 02:30 - 03:00: Nvidia's Non-Transparent Attitude This chapter discusses the performance issues experienced by users of Nvidia's graphics cards, specifically the 560 nonTi model, which struggles with delivering smooth performance even at 1440p resolution. The chapter highlights criticism towards Nvidia's handling of the situation, suggesting that their non-transparent approach and potential delays in resolving driver-related problems are negatively impacting their reputation. It suggests Nvidia might be taking more time to address these driver issues that have persisted since the release of the 50 series.
            • 03:00 - 04:00: Speculations on Nvidia's Motivations The chapter delves into Nvidia's motivations behind its decision-making processes, particularly concerning their handling of driver updates. It highlights the company's lack of transparency and communication, leading to widespread speculation and memes about AI involvement in driver creation. The narrative suggests that Nvidia's secretive nature leaves the public guessing about their true intentions, particularly regarding the delay of their driver releases.
            • 04:00 - 05:30: Impact on Media Coverage The chapter titled 'Impact on Media Coverage' discusses potential reasons behind Nvidia's decisions related to their graphics cards release. The transcript suggests that Nvidia might have motivations tied to negative reactions from the media. It mentions that Nvidia could be acting out of spite ('salty') due to negative press surrounding their 50 series graphics cards, a scenario that the author claims has precedence with Nvidia's marketing strategies in the past.
            • 05:30 - 06:30: Comparing AMD's Current Driver Performance This chapter discusses Nvidia's approach to media and consumer communication, specifically regarding driver support for certain graphics cards. The focus is on Nvidia's previous actions where they chose not to support certain media outlets or provide information in advance of a product launch, as exemplified by the lack of media support for the launch of one of their 30 series cards, possibly the 3070 or 3070 Ti. The discussion suggests that Nvidia prefers less informed buyers, as they withhold information that could help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
            • 06:30 - 08:00: Shift in Consumer Interest towards AMD Products The chapter discusses a shift in consumer interest towards AMD products, highlighting a potential strategy from Nvidia to counteract negative perceptions. It mentions Nvidia's possibly intentional timing to distract media attention from the 5060 nonTi launch, suggesting it might coincide with when most media representatives are traveling for the Compyex event in Taiwan. This tactic is scrutinized as an effort to manage potentially negative feedback.
            • 08:00 - 10:00: Nvidia's Focus on AI over Consumer Graphics This chapter discusses Nvidia's shifting focus towards artificial intelligence at the potential expense of its consumer graphics segment. It mentions that certain media outlets, like Hardware Unboxed, will not have reviews ready by day one, which typically happens when there is a strong product showing. However, it is implied that Nvidia's new offerings might not perform as well against competitors, particularly when compared to older AMD products.
            • 10:00 - 13:00: Conclusion and Media's Commitment to Consumers The chapter discusses the strategic decisions made by companies around product launches, specifically highlighting how some companies, like Hardware and Box, choose to delay reviews because of logistical constraints like attending events such as Computex. This tactic also aligns with a broader strategy to control the narrative by restricting early access to press drivers, thereby minimizing initial negative feedback. The chapter critiques these practices as being anti-consumer, emphasizing the need for media to remain committed to transparency and consumer interests.

            If you thought NVIDIA couldn't get more SCUMMY, guess again... Transcription

            • 00:00 - 00:30 All right. Well, uh, let's talk about 5060 launch coming up. It is unprecedented. Literally unprecedented. Unprecedented drivers. Unprecedently not including media in any of the launch for the 5060. So, uh, let's talk about that. Let's talk about what that means to you as a consumer. The Be Quiet LightBase PC case features a flippable design for either an upright or lay flat orientation, cable trays and covers, and supports newer backside
            • 00:30 - 01:00 connector motherboards for a super clean build. Sleek and minimalistic design with integrated RGB lighting offers tasteful design cues and radiators up to 420 mm are supported in the Lightbase 900 model. To see the full list of specs of the Me Quiet LightBase 600 and 900, follow the link in the description below. Uh I have the 5060 Ti Prime on here uh only because unfortunately during the launch um we got we did get the PMY card but the other AIB card which we were offered which is obviously the ASUS Prime came way after launch. So we
            • 01:00 - 01:30 haven't had an opportunity to really use this yet. Uh but it will be the card we have on hand for like future benchmarks and stuff because we gave away the PNY card at the uh SoCal Tech Fair. And then a little teaser of an upcoming video. This is actually our 5090 Astro card right here that Derbower sent me the only prototype like full retailish, but I say retailish because they're still making a few revisions to that. But anyway, this is going to be a lot of fun right here. And this was kind of like to support the RipGn series. So anyway, let me get this out of the way. Moving on. I
            • 01:30 - 02:00 want to talk about this. So you guys may have seen on social media from like Hardware Unbox and Eigor's Lab and most of the like most notorious written publications have said, "Hey, Nvidia is not providing a press driver for and I don't know why I'm holding the 4060 Ti, but whatever. Nvidia is not hold is not supplying a press driver until May 19th." So Nvidia has basically said that they are not providing and I'm not even sure if they're providing cards to be honest to be honest. We've had absolutely no communication with them ever since the our last and we've we've
            • 02:00 - 02:30 been harsh on them in my opinion too. Absolutely justified. So, um we'll talk about all these moving pieces on this particular review moving forward though. But this is the first time ever that we are not going to be having access to a driver until the day the card is on shelves. So, let's explain what that means. That means you are not going to be able to have any information beforehand uh to know whether or not it's even worth your time on launch day. Now, spoiler alert, it's probably not worth your time cuz if the 5060 Ti 8 GB, which
            • 02:30 - 03:00 those that got their hands on those cards and went and bought them and tested them found that it was even struggling in 1440p, um it is no surprise that the 560 nonTi, which is also an 8 GB card as far as far as I understand, uh is absolutely positively not going to be a positive thing for Nvidia. Now, we we we'd like to think that this is because they're just taking extra time to sort of iron out all the driver issues that have been happening ever since the 50 series
            • 03:00 - 03:30 launch. It has been a complete shitow when it comes to drivers. There's a lot of memes going around about AI written drivers. I don't know if that's true. I really don't know if that's true or not. Unfortunately, because Nvidia is one of those companies that adopts the say nothing and pretend it never happened mentality, everyone's just left guessing, which leaves everything open to interpretation because of the non-transparent transparent nature of Nvidia. So, who knows why they are postponing press driver until the 19th, which to be honest, it's not a press
            • 03:30 - 04:00 driver. That is the release driver because that is the onshelf date for the graphics cards. Now, let's talk about some possible motivations behind that. Um, one, they could just be salty. Nvidia could 100% just be salty. We've seen this before. Unfortunately, we've seen this with a different marketing team at Nvidia where they get their their underwear all bunched up at the negative press that rightfully so 50 series is getting and then they say,
            • 04:00 - 04:30 "Well, then fine, we're not going to support you." And they've done that in the past. They've done that with uh I can't remember which it was a 30 series card. I believe it was 3070 or 3070 Ti. Uh I can't remember which, but they just were like, "We're not giving samples and we're just not supporting media for the launch." Now, what that means is Nvidia is not supporting you getting information ahead of time to try and become an informed buyer. Nvidia doesn't want informed buyers. They just want buyers. They just want people spending
            • 04:30 - 05:00 money on their stuff. And because it's been so negative along the way, it's easy to assume that Nvidia is just trying to head off the negativity that 5060 nonTi is going to be to just basically say we're not going to support this launch for media. Now, the timing is also extremely sus for another reason that is May 19th is also the day that most media outlets are going to be on a very long international flight to Taiwan because of Compyex. So many of the
            • 05:00 - 05:30 media, including Hardware Unboxed, has stated they will not have a day one. In this case, it would be day one, not day zero. Usually, reviews go live a day before they're on shelves if they're MSRP models, so that buyers can be informed and decide, "Hey, I want this card and go and get it." Usually it's because Nvidia has something really exciting to show and it performs really well uh compared to the competition which unfortunately it's not comparing very well to the competition especially when compared to previous gen AMD stuff. I
            • 05:30 - 06:00 digress. Moving on like hardware and box has stated they won't have a day one review because they're going to be on a plane to Computex. It's just seeming like the whole timing of the launch as well as the we're not going to support you with press drivers ahead of time is all by design to limit the amount of negative comments and publicity that are going to be making their way out there on day one. Now, I can tell you that is pretty anti-consumer, but I think the
            • 06:00 - 06:30 name Nvidia and anti-consumerism uh go hand in hand these days. I I don't think there's been any lack of hiding that. I I think Nvidia has been very straightforward with it. In fact, the SoCal Tech Fair, you notice Intel was there and AMD was there. Uh Nvidia was invited and they were like, "Hey, thanks but no thanks." So that tells us Nvidia has decided to remove themselves from being anything proconsumer at all. And you know what? They can do that. It's
            • 06:30 - 07:00 free market and a company can decide to do that. It is it is not the first time they've done it. And then what they usually end up doing is going on like a reclamation tour trying to fix that image later or like with the team that we have now which is a whole new marketing team within Nvidia because the previous marketing team gave such a black eye. Now we're just seeing that it's cyclical where it's doesn't really matter what marketing team is in there. those powers that at that be are the ones controlling this. And now here we are again with the well I don't I'm not
            • 07:00 - 07:30 friends with you anymore so you can't play with my toys type of mentality. Now we as a media outlet and most media outlets I've ever talked to. We are not crapping all over Nvidia just because it gets views. That's what people like to think. This is all justified if you actually created a list. In fact, Phil, maybe do me a favor on the side. just put a text for every single problem we know has happened just since the 5090 has launched and you will see that our critique, our criticism, and our
            • 07:30 - 08:00 cynicism is actually very justified and warranted. And this is just another cherry on top of that. I know this can come off as like, well, they're not getting a card and they're not getting a driver, so they're just salty about it. No, it's because we cannot provide you the service that we are trying to provide and all of the outlets are known to provide. Now, fortunately, a lot of the add-in board partners are supporting this launch by getting cards to folks. In fact, some media outlets already have cards on their benches that are complete
            • 08:00 - 08:30 paper weights until the day the card is on shelves because without a driver, it is absolutely useless. So, this is just an a scenario where it it this is the wrong move on all accounts. Now, let's play devil's advocate. Let's say it's none of that. Let's say this is truly them needing all of this time to iron out whatever the hell is going on with Nvidia drivers because what we've experienced is a complete 180 of the
            • 08:30 - 09:00 norm. The norm is AMD has crap drivers. AMD has to have tons of driver revisions because of all of the day one problems that rise with AMD drivers. But that's not been the case. Now granted, AMD's only had to support 9070 XT and 9070 so far at launch. But still, even even then, in the past when they would launch one or two cards at a time, we would see all kinds of weirdness. I've always referred to the AMD weirdness that happens, whether it be a CPU or a GPU. That has been absent
            • 09:00 - 09:30 for the last several revisions of products, whether it be 9000 series X3D CPUs or any of their 9000 series GPUs, they have been rock solid. In fact, I can tell you this. When we were at the SoCal Tech Fair, any of the like Nvidia cards we were giving away, cuz I did give away an Nvidia card and uh you it was just a 5060 Ti, but still it was like, who's excited? Woo! The 970 XFX. Who's excited? Wa!
            • 09:30 - 10:00 Everyone started screaming. So it it is it is fascinating to see this this pendulum shift of where the gamer is interested in actually you know putting their interest and their money and their efforts and we we've seen what AMD has done to Intel on the CPU side. In fact I've talked to several SIS and on average SI are selling four AMD systems for every one Intel. So, it's going to be very naive of Nvidia to think that there's a point to where you are immune
            • 10:00 - 10:30 from fighting over the consumer enough to where it won't affect you. Now, it may not affect your bottom line because we all know you have moved on to AI. Uh it's I also love seeing the AI push back and people that are just sick of hearing about AI, but unfortunately those people pushing back are not your customer. The AI farms are your customers. And at this point, we know we know that you've already said, "Hey, GeForce fans, thanks for helping build the house that is AI, right?" Uh, or AI is the house that
            • 10:30 - 11:00 GeForce built. So, that's like a big thank you. And then you shut the door. And this type of anti-consumer behavior of not supporting this information and these benchmarks prior to launch to inform your customer shows that you're just looking for the suckers. You're just looking for the suckers that are to go in there, see a green box, see that it's in stock, and buy it. I'm just pleased to see that every time we go to MicroEnter, though, there's still plenty of Nvidia cards just sitting on the shelves, especially the 70 series and down because people understand what just what a terrible, terrible value it is.
            • 11:00 - 11:30 But I started playing devil's advocate and I got off rails and I d I'm going to digress again. I would like to think that this is because you're trying to straighten out those drivers, but I don't think it's that. I I really don't think it's that because that would either mean one the drivers are so bad that you have no choice but to support the card with day one driver and even then it's may still be broken but I really think the it's the former which is you just are salty at
            • 11:30 - 12:00 the negativity you guys are getting and that's fine be salty but actually listen it it is not because everyone wants to just crap on Nvidia it's because Nvidia deserves the crap. Nvidia has earned this spot and it sounds like you guys are doubling down on it. So, with that said, it's time to get out of here, but I want you guys to know that we are going to be doing whatever we need to do to try and support you guys as early as possible. Even if we have to run down the MicroEnter on day of and buy one, I'm sure that will be there will be some for
            • 12:00 - 12:30 sale. I'm sure I will not have to worry about there being a line of people wanting to buy 50, 60, 8 gigabyte cards to the point where you cannot get one. Fortunately, because we're not going to Computex, we won't have to delay that. But it does take us a couple of days to actually get through a full GPU test of one card to make sure all of the especially when it's a new card to make sure everything's running properly with all the new AL uh logic and and methodology that we've adopted here. So stay tuned for that. Like I didn't really want to review the 5060 to be
            • 12:30 - 13:00 honest. I'm not even the least bit like bothered by the fact that we're not being supported by Nvidia for it. Cuz to be honest, I I didn't want to do it, but now I want to know what they're hiding.