Nvidia has released an emergency firmware update aimed specifically at addressing a troubling issue affecting users of its newly released RTX 5060 and RTX 5060 Ti graphics cards. The problem? A significant number of users are experiencing blank or black screens upon reboot, leaving their systems unresponsive and unusable until manually rebooted or adjusted.
Unlike traditional updates that come through driver packages, this fix comes in the form of a vBIOS (video BIOS) firmware update, which can be a more complicated process for average users. Nvidia strongly emphasizes that only users affected by this specific issue should attempt the update, as unnecessary firmware flashing can introduce risks, including potential hardware failure.
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| (Image credit: Nvidia) |
What's Causing the Problem?
According to Nvidia, the root cause of the blank screen issue lies in how the GPU's vBIOS interacts with the system’s BIOS or UEFI firmware. While the exact technical flaw hasn’t been disclosed, Nvidia's quick release of a firmware patch strongly suggests the problem stems, at least in part, from their side of the equation.
Nvidia further clarifies that systems not using UEFI boot mode may be particularly susceptible. For users running legacy BIOS (also known as CSM or Compatibility Support Module mode), the GPU might not initialize properly during the boot sequence, leading to a blank screen. Nvidia recommends that these users contact their GPU manufacturer to request a legacy-compatible vBIOS version if switching to UEFI is not an option.
RTX 5060 Series: A Troubled Launch?
The blank screen reboot issue is just the latest in a string of stability and compatibility problems for Nvidia’s RTX 50-series graphics cards. Even earlier in 2025, users experienced driver-related issues stemming from the R570 driver branch, which also impacted previous-generation cards from the RTX 20, 30, and 40 series. Those problems took several weeks to resolve, with Nvidia eventually addressing most of them via the 576.02 driver update.
Now, the RTX 5060 and 5060 Ti—both built on the GB206 GPU architecture—face their own unique setback. Strangely, other RTX 50 cards based on different silicon appear to be unaffected, raising questions about what exactly is different in the GB206 design. What internal changes triggered this vBIOS-level incompatibility? Nvidia hasn’t said, but the limited impact suggests a problem specific to the 5060 family.
What Should Affected Users Do?
If your RTX 5060 or 5060 Ti shows a black screen upon reboot, Nvidia advises you to download and run the NVIDIA GPU UEFI Firmware Update Tool v2.0. This utility checks your system for compatibility and confirms whether the update is necessary. If your setup is eligible, it will guide you through the firmware installation process.
But beware: updating GPU firmware is not without risk. A power failure during the process could “brick” your graphics card, making it unusable. Nvidia recommends proceeding only if you’re currently facing the issue. If you're unsure or uncomfortable with the process, it's wise to contact technical support before continuing.
Temporary Workarounds Until You Can Update
Since the fix requires users to first boot into their operating system—a challenge if the screen is blank—Nvidia has suggested several temporary workarounds:
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Fully power down your system (turn off the power supply or unplug it) before turning it back on.
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Ensure your motherboard BIOS is fully up to date—check with your manufacturer for the latest version.
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Switch to UEFI boot mode, if you're currently running in Legacy/CSM mode.
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Use an alternate graphics source (such as integrated graphics or a secondary GPU) to boot into the OS.
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After the OS boots and loads the GPU driver, proceed with the firmware update using Nvidia’s utility.
These steps may allow your display to function long enough to apply the permanent fix.
Looking Ahead
This unexpected firmware issue has raised eyebrows in the PC gaming and enthusiast communities. While Nvidia is typically quick to respond to bugs, the reliability of its recent GPU launches has become a growing concern. With multiple incidents affecting drivers and now firmware, the company may need to revisit its QA processes, particularly around the introduction of new silicon like the GB206.
In the meantime, if you're in the market for a new GPU and are considering an RTX 5060 or 5060 Ti, it’s worth checking whether the firmware update has already been applied by the manufacturer or reseller.
As Nvidia continues to dominate the graphics card market, users will be watching closely to see whether future releases avoid these pitfalls—or whether emergency firmware patches become part of the new normal.
Source: tomshardware.com
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