In the ever-evolving world of graphics cards, Nvidia’s RTX 4090 has been a powerhouse renowned for its quality and performance. However, recent geopolitical events led to its ban in several countries, including China. In response, Nvidia has introduced an exclusive variant for the Chinese market – the RTX 4090 D. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this new GPU and explore how it differs from its predecessor.
Table of Contents
RTX 4090 D: The Backstory
Understanding the context is crucial. The imposition of sanctions by the U.S. government, aimed at restricting the innovation of Artificial Intelligence, resulted in the banning of Nvidia’s RTX 4090 in China. It led to the ‘RTX 4090 D’ being a tailored solution for the Chinese audience.
Repurposing and Innovation
Despite the ban, reports surfaced of numerous RTX 4090s acquired in Chinese factories. These GPUs weren’t destined for scrap but were disassembled and repurposed into fresh units with new coolers, showcasing the resilience of the gaming community in the face of limitations.
NVIDIA’s Response: RTX 4090 D Unveiled
In a strategic move, Nvidia launched the 4090 D, explicitly designed to comply with U.S. export controls. The company’s spokesperson emphasized the extensive engagement with U.S. authorities during the product’s development, ensuring adherence to regulations.
Performance Analysis
RTX 4090 D vs. Banned Model
Let’s explore the differences. Nvidia states that the 4090 D exhibits a 5% reduction in gaming and content creation performance compared to its banned counterpart. Although a slight dip, the new GPU retains the third-gen RT and fourth-gen Tensor Cores, maintaining its prowess.
| Model | VRAM Capacity & Bus Width | CUDA Core Count | Boost Clock | Total Graphics Power (TGP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 4090 D | 24GB GDDR6X, 384-bit | 14592 (-10.9%) | 2.52 GHz | 425W (–5.8%) |
| RTX 4090 | 24GB GDDR6X, 384-bit | 16384 | 2.52 GHz | 450W |
Technical Specifications
A deeper dive into the technicalities reveals a 10.9% reduction in CUDA core count and a 5.8% drop in peak GPU power. These minor tweaks aim to align the 4090 D with regulatory standards without compromising its high-performance capabilities.
Is the ‘RTX 4090 D’ Just as Good?
For gamers, the RTX 4090 D remains a capable choice. The 5% performance difference is negligible, but the absence of GPU overclocking support might disappoint enthusiasts. Unlike its unlocked counterparts, the 4090 D is hardware-locked, limiting manual overclocking.
Performance Benchmarks
Nvidia has shared performance comparisons, particularly against the RTX 3090 Ti. The RTX 4090 D, utilizing DLSS frame technology, boasts up to 3.5 times faster performance in games like Alan Wake 2 (4K, Ray-Tracing on). It positions it as Nvidia’s attempt to offer a top-tier graphics card that circumvents U.S. sanctions effectively.
Nvidia RTX 4090 D: Price & Availability
Pricing is a crucial factor. The RTX 4090 D comes with a price tag of CNY 12,999, equivalent to $1830. Currently available in China, there are expectations of a broader release in countries affected by U.S. sanctions. This pricing aligns closely with the original RTX 4090 launch in China.
Leaks and Future Launches
Leakers, such as @I_Leak_VN, hint at a potential 2024 launch of the RTX 4090 D in Vietnam. These speculations add an element of anticipation for global enthusiasts awaiting access to this exclusive GPU.
Share Your Thoughts
What are your impressions of the RTX 4090 D? Is the slight specification nerf acceptable? Join the conversation in the comments below.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the RTX 4090 D stands as Nvidia’s strategic response to geopolitical challenges, ensuring gamers in China can still enjoy a high-end GPU. While minor performance adjustments have been made to comply with regulations, the essence of the RTX 4090 remains intact.
