VIDEO Wait, How Much Slower!? - RTX 4090 Desktop vs RTX 4090 Laptop

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Wait, How Much Slower!? - RTX 4090 Desktop vs RTX 4090 Laptop In a recent video by Hardware Unboxed titled "Wait, How Much Slower!? - RTX 4090 Desktop vs RTX 4090 Laptop," the differences between Nvidia's RTX 4090 desktop and laptop GPUs are critically examined. The video meticulously breaks down specifications, performance metrics, and gaming experiences on both variants, revealing significant disparities that could influence purchasing decisions for gamers.

Key Comparisons and Findings​

1. Architecture Differences:
   • The desktop RTX 4090 is equipped with the AD-102 die, which is a substantial 609 mm² with 76 billion transistors. In contrast, the laptop version utilizes the smaller AD-103 die, measuring 379 mm² with 46 billion transistors. This architectural difference underscores why performance diverges so markedly.
2. CUDA Cores and Memory:
   • The CUDA core count in the RTX 4090 desktop model stands at 16,384, while the laptop variant has only 9,728 cores. Additionally, the desktop card boasts 24 GB of GDDR6X memory on a 384-bit bus, compared to the laptop's 16 GB of GDDR6 on a 256-bit bus. This significant reduction in both memory capacity and bandwidth directly impacts performance, especially in memory-intensive applications.
3. Power Consumption:
   • The desktop RTX 4090 functions at a power range of approximately 450 watts, whereas the laptop version is constrained to a power limit of 150-175 watts. This results in lower boost clock speeds and memory performance on the laptop GPU, contributing to its overall reduced capability compared to the desktop variant.
     

     Performance Benchmarks​

     In game performance tests across various resolutions:
     • Assassin's Creed Valhalla: The desktop version outperformed the laptop by 20% at 1080p, 31% at 1440p, and 39% at 4K.
     • Cyberpunk 2077: The desktop GPU demonstrated a significant lead, with margins of 27% at 1080p growing to 55% at 4K.
     • Average Performance: Overall, the desktop GPU offers around 56% more performance than its laptop counterpart when evaluated across a wide array of games and resolutions.

     Conclusion​

     Ultimately, gamers should think critically about purchasing decisions, particularly with the mislabeling of the laptop GPU as an RTX 4090. It effectively mirrors an RTX 4080 in performance, yet flaunts the name of the more powerful desktop variant. This misrepresentation can lead to confusion among consumers who expect similar performances from similarly named products. The video advocates for clearer naming conventions to help guide buyers towards their best options, emphasizing that for gaming enthusiasts, investing in a desktop setup remains the superior choice for high-end performance.
     

     Community Discussion​

     What are your thoughts on the naming conventions used by Nvidia? Have you had experiences where product naming misled your purchasing decision? Share your opinions and join the conversation!