Some time again we reviewed the Nvidia RTX 4090 Laptop GPU, taking a complete have a look at the way it fares within the laptop computer market. Briefly, it is a highly effective however costly improve over the earlier quickest GPU, the RTX 3080 Ti Laptop mode. Nvidia undoubtedly made spectacular strides when it comes to efficiency per watt with the Ada Lovelace structure.
However there’s one other side of the RTX 4090 laptop computer GPU we did not give attention to earlier than, and that is how the 2 RTX 4090 variants evaluate: the laptop computer half and the desktop half. As common, we did observe the deceiving naming scheme, however this overview shall be solely devoted to have a look at simply how important the margin is between these GPUs – and why you may wish to spend your hard-earned money on a desktop as a substitute of a laptop computer this technology for gaming.
With out even benchmarking, it is readily obvious from trying on the spec sheet that the GeForce RTX 4090 desktop and laptop computer components are vastly totally different.
It goes proper again to the GPU die itself: the desktop card makes use of AD102, a powerful 609 sq mm die with 76 billion transistors. In the meantime, the laptop computer mannequin makes use of AD103, the identical die because the RTX 4080, which is 379 sq mm in measurement with 46 billion transistors. This brings with it a considerable discount in CUDA core rely, dropping from a whopping 16,384 to only 9,728 within the laptop computer mannequin, together with related reductions in tensor cores, RT cores and L2 cache.
The reminiscence subsystem can also be lots smaller on the laptop computer mannequin. We get 16GB of GDDR6 reminiscence on a 256-bit bus, versus 24GB of GDDR6X reminiscence on a 384-bit bus on the desktop.
| GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop computer GPU 150W | GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop computer GPU 80W | GeForce RTX 4090 (Desktop) | GeForce RTX 4080 (Desktop) | |
| SM Rely | 76 | 76 | 128 | 76 |
| Shader Models | 9728 | 9728 | 16384 | 9728 |
| RT Cores | 76 | 76 | 128 | 76 |
| Tensor Cores | 304 | 304 | 512 | 304 |
| GPU Core Increase Clock (MHz) | 2040 MHz | 1455 MHz | 2520 MHz | 2505 MHz |
| VRAM Dimension and Sort | 16GB GDDR6 | 16GB GDDR6 | 24GB GDDR6X | 16GB GDDR6X |
| Reminiscence Clock | 18 Gb/s | ? | 21 Gb/s | 22.4 Gb/s |
| Reminiscence Bus Width | 256-bit | 256-bit | 384-bit | 256-bit |
| Reminiscence Bandwidth | 576 GB/s | ? | 1008 GB/s | 717 GB/s |
| TGP | 150W | 80W | 450W | 320W |
| GPU Die | AD103 | AD103 | AD102 | AD103 |
| GPU Die Dimension | 379 sq.mm | 379 sq.mm | 609 sq.mm | 379 sq.mm |
| Transistor Rely | 46 billion | 46 billion | 76 billion | 46 billion |
The desktop graphics card not solely has 50% extra VRAM, however 75% extra reminiscence bandwidth as effectively.
And since the laptop computer GPU is energy restricted to 150-175W in the perfect circumstances, versus a whopping 450W for the desktop card, clock speeds are decrease throughout each the GPU core and reminiscence. The GPU has a lift clock about 500 MHz decrease, and reminiscence speeds drop from 21 to 18 Gbps.
All issues thought of, the laptop computer chip is trimmed by about 60% in comparison with the desktop card throughout all aspects with clock speeds at about 80% of the desktop card’s stage. Primarily based on this alone, there isn’t a approach the laptop computer variant and desktop variant will carry out wherever shut to one another, so it is extremely deceptive to present each GPUs principally the identical identify.
We may possibly, simply possibly lower Nvidia some slack if each the laptop computer and desktop fashions used the identical GPU die, however that isn’t the case. And with that, it is time to discover efficiency…
For testing, on the desktop facet we’re utilizing a high-end gaming system as a result of that is what the vast majority of folks shopping for an RTX 4090 graphics card shall be utilizing. The check system is powered by a Ryzen 9 7950X, 32GB of DDR5-6000 CL30 reminiscence, the MSI MEG X670E Carbon Wi-Fi motherboard, constructed contained in the Corsair 5000D.
On the laptop computer facet we have now the MSI Titan GT77, which has the RTX 4090 Laptop computer GPU configured to an influence restrict of 150-175W. There’s the Core i9-13950HX processor inside, 64GB of DDR5-4800 CL40 reminiscence, plus loads of cooling capability to dissipate over 200W of mixed CPU and GPU energy.
For this overview we’ll be evaluating efficiency at 1080p, 1440p and 4K, with an exterior show used for all configurations. That implies that on the laptop computer facet the show is related on to the GPU for the absolute best efficiency output.
Additionally, when testing at 1080p we have elevated the ability restrict on the CPU to 75W to greatest alleviate the potential CPU bottleneck. In the meantime, on the desktop, every part is a inventory configuration with no overclocking.
Gaming Benchmarks
Beginning with Murderer’s Creed Valhalla at 1080p, we see that the RTX 4090 desktop delivers 20% higher efficiency than the laptop computer, which is helped by a big contribution from the quicker desktop CPU.
As we get extra GPU restricted, the margin between the 2 GPUs will develop: there is a 31% distinction at 1440p, and 39% at 4K in favor of the desktop graphics card. 1% lows are persistently increased as effectively. Once more, because of the further CPU headroom out there within the desktop system.
Watch Canine Legion outcomes are attention-grabbing. At 1080p we’re related margins to Murderer’s Creed, with the desktop 18 p.c forward. At 1440p it is a smaller margin that seen beforehand with the desktop 4090 coming in 27 p.c quicker, however then at 4K the beefy 450W GPU is ready to totally flex its muscle mass and sit an enormous 62 p.c quicker.
That is the distinction between an expertise round 70 FPS and round 110 FPS, which is large for these utilizing a excessive refresh charge 4K show.
Far Cry 6 is without doubt one of the extra uncommon circumstances right here. At 1080p we see just about equivalent efficiency between the desktop and laptop computer fashions as a result of we’re totally CPU restricted and the Core i9-13950HX is ready to play to its strengths.
At 1440p we additionally do not see a lot of a bonus for the desktop GPU, coming in simply 8 p.c quicker on common, with 15% increased 1% lows. However then at 4K the margin will increase to 33 p.c total. Not the most important delta however actually a good end result for the desktop card.
Metro Exodus is a typical exhibiting. At 1080p the margin between the desktop and laptop computer variants sits at 18 p.c, just like a number of the different video games seen up to now. At 1440p this margin will increase to 39% in favor of the desktop card, then 59 p.c at 4K – you’d undoubtedly wish to be utilizing the desktop mannequin at this excessive decision.
Red Dead Redemption 2 was one of many least CPU restricted titles at 1080p, giving the desktop card 32 p.c increased efficiency on the lowest decision examined. This elevated to a 44 p.c margin at 1440p, then a 58 p.c margin at 4K, once more exhibiting the relative slowness of the laptop computer mannequin when totally GPU restricted.
Cyberpunk 2077 utilizing the Extremely preset with out ray tracing or upscaling is kind of favorable to the desktop RTX 4090. At 1080p it was 27% quicker than the laptop computer GPU, which then grew to 39% at 1440p, and 55% at 4K.
With the body charges seen right here that is fairly important: it is the distinction between 45 FPS at 4K on the laptop computer versus 70 FPS on the desktop – with the desktop being rather more playable at that body charge.
Subsequent up is Horizon Zero Daybreak, which confirmed a 37 p.c margin between the 2 fashions at 1080p, a 48 p.c margin at 1440p and a 61 p.c margin at 4K so in any respect three resolutions there’s a sturdy efficiency lead for the desktop card.
Forza Horizon 5 is exhibiting modestly attention-grabbing outcomes. It did not have the bottom margins between the desktop and laptop computer at 1080p or 1440p, the numbers listed below are first rate with a 26% lead at 1080p and 38 p.c lead at 1440p for the desktop.
However at 4K the margin is a bit decrease than anticipated, simply 41 p.c in favor of the desktop mannequin which is decrease than the typical and a comparatively good end result for the laptop computer variant.
Avid gamers enjoying Modern Warfare 2 will certainly need the desktop configuration because it’s fairly quicker in any respect resolutions utilizing Excessive settings, with related margins seen utilizing Fundamental settings. 30 p.c quicker at 1080p, 45 p.c quicker at 1440p and 55 p.c quicker at 4K with a lot stronger 1% lows in any respect resolutions as effectively.
The latency distinction between gaming at 80 FPS and 120 FPS is one thing that I can discover and I am probably not a hardcore multiplayer gamer, however I believe most severe multiplayer followers would a lot favor a desktop setup.
In Dying Gentle 2 the sport was fairly simply GPU bottlenecked more often than not even utilizing rasterization. At 1080p the desktop card was 39 p.c quicker, a margin that grew to 45% at 1440p and 56 p.c at 4K. Whereas the laptop computer mannequin is playable at 4K utilizing these settings, the desktop is able to a extra excessive refresh charge expertise.
Maybe the worst exhibiting for the desktop configuration and subsequently the perfect for the laptop computer was Spider-Man Remastered. At 1080p the sport is so CPU bottlenecked there was no substantial efficiency distinction between the desktop and laptop computer fashions.
At 1440p the desktop card was solely 12 p.c quicker, and even at 4K it held only a 28 p.c margin which is the slimmest of any rasterized sport we examined. Desktop configuration continues to be preferable, however laptop computer avid gamers shall be completely happy to know they’re getting a greater than affordable stage of efficiency.
Ray Tracing Efficiency
The variations between these two GPUs do not change considerably when ray tracing. Far Cry 6, for instance, stays very related between each variants at 1080p and 1440p, whereas at 4K the desktop configuration is simply 25% quicker. A really favorable sport for the laptop computer and largely CPU restricted on desktop…
In different titles the distinction could be large.
In Cyberpunk 2077 utilizing the extremely ray tracing preset and no upscaling, the RTX 4090 is 45 p.c quicker at 1080p, 61 p.c quicker at 1440p and whopping 83 p.c quicker at 4K.
That is the distinction between playable and unplayable efficiency, the laptop computer mannequin is simply good for 21 FPS at 4K which is not fixable by way of upscaling with out dropping different high quality settings if you’re concentrating on 60 FPS.
The desktop card can do 38 FPS right here which isn’t wonderful however nonetheless playable with DLSS Balanced settings.
Dying Gentle 2 with ray tracing additionally noticed enormous margins in favor of the desktop card. 55% quicker at 1080p, 71% quicker at 1440p, and 77% quicker at 4K is large, and fully adjustments the dialogue round what kind of settings are playable.
The laptop computer GPU delivers a suitable 65 FPS at 1440p utilizing these settings, however the desktop card can provide related efficiency at the next decision, or a a lot increased body charge on the similar decision. It is a evening and day distinction on this sport.
What is not an evening and day distinction is the ray tracing efficiency in Spider-Man Remastered. Whereas the margins listed below are bigger than with out utilizing ray tracing, the desktop card is simply 15% quicker at 1080p, 22 p.c quicker at 1440p, and 41 p.c quicker at 4K.
Ray tracing on this title is extraordinarily CPU intensive which we suspect is decreasing the margins considerably in comparison with being totally GPU restricted, like we noticed in Dying Gentle or Cyberpunk.
Efficiency Abstract
RTX 4090 Laptop computer vs. RTX 4090 Desktop in 20 Video games
Wanting throughout all sport configurations that we examined, together with a handful of ray tracing outcomes, the RTX 4090 desktop GPU is clearly the quicker variant at 1440p.
On common, the desktop half was 36 p.c quicker than the laptop computer operating at 150W, though there’s a important unfold of outcomes as some video games are fairly closely CPU restricted, whereas others are GPU restricted.
Far Cry 6 and Spider-Man Remastered, for instance, do not profit considerably from the desktop configuration, whereas video games like Pink Lifeless Redemption 2, Cyberpunk 2077 and Resident Evil Village all profit vastly from the desktop card.
This margin grows when enjoying video games at 4K as we develop into virtually fully GPU restricted throughout the suite of video games examined.
On common, the desktop configuration gives 56 p.c extra efficiency than the laptop computer card, which is big for 2 GPUs which have the identical identify.
This consists of some particularly large leads to Cyberpunk and Dying Gentle 2 ray tracing, and a few much less spectacular good points in titles like Valhalla and Spider-Man.
In the meantime, at 1080p the margins between the desktop and laptop computer card are a lot much less pronounced. On common, the desktop card was simply 21 p.c quicker – nonetheless a big margin – however this included 4 check eventualities with a margin lower than 10 p.c.
Some video games are nonetheless very GPU demanding at 1080p and so they noticed the most important margins in extra of 30 p.c, but it surely’s clear in CPU restricted eventualities that the distinction between a flagship desktop CPU and flagship laptop computer CPU are lower than the variations on the GPU facet.
What We Discovered
After evaluating the variations between the RTX 4090 for desktops and the RTX 4090 for laptops, it turns into abundantly clear why Nvidia shouldn’t have given the laptop computer mannequin just about the identical identify because the desktop mannequin. The laptop computer variant is considerably slower when GPU restricted, to the purpose the place the desktop card gives one to 2 tiers of additional efficiency. This might be the distinction between a 60 FPS expertise at a given decision, and a 100+ FPS excessive refresh charge expertise.
The margins are notably massive at 4K with ray tracing enabled, one thing we suspect homeowners of a flagship GPU could be excited about exploring.
Even within the worst case eventualities for the desktop GPU, like 1080p gaming, the desktop GPU continues to be quicker to a notable diploma, and it is solely a small handful of titles the place you might say the 2 configurations are tied – largely because of CPU limitations.
Actually the 4K outcomes are most consultant of the true GPU variations between the GPU variants: the laptop computer mannequin is about 60% the scale of the desktop card when it comes to {hardware} configuration, and it delivers 64% the efficiency.
In fact, it is hardly a good battle to pit a gaming laptop computer with about 250W of complete energy capabilities up in opposition to a desktop GPU that alone consumes above 400W in some video games…
In fact, it is hardly a good battle to pit a gaming laptop computer with about 250W of complete energy capabilities up in opposition to a desktop GPU that alone consumes above 400W in some video games – it is fully unrealistic to anticipate essentially the most highly effective desktop card to suit right into a laptop computer kind issue.
However whereas we all know it is unrealistic, there are informal consumers on the market who could also be mislead into genuinely believing the desktop and laptop computer RTX 4090s are successfully equivalent when that could not be farther from the reality.
We predict Nvidia may merely admit that it isn’t potential to place their flagship desktop GPU right into a laptop computer, and provides the laptop computer GPU a barely totally different identify. This must be an RTX 4090M – and even higher, the RTX 4080M – as a result of then we might be matching the desktop mannequin in GPU die and have the M suffix to make it clear it is clocked decrease and energy restricted relative to the desktop card.
The explanation why we imagine Nvidia would not do this and is giving the desktop and laptop computer GPUs the identical identify, is that it permits laptop computer distributors to overprice their gaming laptops and put them on an identical pricing tier to a way more highly effective desktop.
For instance, high-end gaming desktops utilizing the RTX 4090 are priced round $3,500, whereas essentially the most reasonably priced RTX 4090 gaming laptops are round $3,200 as of writing. Had been this laptop computer GPU really named the RTX 4080M, it could look a bit foolish being priced at $3,500 up in opposition to a full RTX 4090 desktop.
We must also observe that the margin between desktop and laptop computer variants of the identical GPU (identify) have grown through the years. With the GeForce RTX 3080, the desktop card was 33% quicker than a 135W laptop computer variant at 1440p. Now with the RTX 4090, the desktop card is a minimum of 40% quicker when not CPU restricted at 1440p, and nearer to 55% quicker at 4K.
It’s nonetheless spectacular to a sure diploma that the laptop computer variant is simply 36 p.c slower than the desktop GPU, whereas consuming approach lower than half the ability.
That is as a result of the {hardware} hole between laptop computer and desktop has been rising as has energy consumption: laptops have stayed comparatively flat, topping out round 150W on the GPU, whereas desktop graphics playing cards have shot as much as 450W. It’s extremely arduous for a laptop computer variant to maintain up.
Backside line, the GeForce RTX 4090 desktop is way quicker as anticipated and likewise a greater worth than the laptop computer variant. It’s nonetheless spectacular to a sure diploma that the laptop computer variant is simply 36 p.c slower than the desktop GPU, whereas consuming approach lower than half the ability. The RTX 4090 Laptop computer is clearly way more environment friendly, whereas the desktop card is operating effectively exterior the effectivity window at ridiculous ranges of energy. It’s a must to commend Nvidia for delivering an enormous uplift in efficiency per watt in Ada versus Ampere, it simply would have been nicer if it was priced extra appropriately.
Procuring Shortcuts
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 on Amazon
- Nvidia RTX 4090 Laptops on Amazon
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 on Amazon
- AMD Ryzen 9 7950X on Amazon
Additional Testing
Since we revealed this GeForce RTX 4090 comparability, we have now run further benchmarks and checks you could be excited about:
