Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop computer vs. Desktop GPU

Some time again we reviewed the Nvidia RTX 4090 Laptop computer GPU, taking a complete have a look at the way it fares within the laptop computer market. In brief, it is a highly effective however costly improve over the earlier quickest GPU, the RTX 3080 Ti Laptop computer mode. Nvidia positively made spectacular strides by way of efficiency per watt with the Ada Lovelace structure.

However there’s one other facet of the RTX 4090 laptop computer GPU we did not deal with earlier than, and that is how the 2 RTX 4090 variants examine: the laptop computer half and the desktop half. As traditional, we did be aware the deceiving naming scheme, however this assessment shall be solely devoted to take a look at simply how important the margin is between these GPUs – and why you would possibly 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 elements 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 dimension with 46 billion transistors. This brings with it a considerable discount in CUDA core depend, dropping from a whopping 16,384 to simply 9,728 within the laptop computer mannequin, together with related reductions in tensor cores, RT cores and L2 cache.

The reminiscence subsystem can be loads 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.

The desktop graphics card not solely has 50% extra VRAM, however 75% extra reminiscence bandwidth as nicely.

And since the laptop computer GPU is energy restricted to 150-175W in the perfect instances, 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-about, the laptop computer chip is trimmed by about 60% in comparison with the desktop card throughout all sides with clock speeds at about 80% of the desktop card’s stage. Based mostly on this alone, there isn’t a method the laptop computer variant and desktop variant will carry out anyplace shut to one another, so it is extremely deceptive to provide each GPUs principally the identical identify.

We may perhaps, simply perhaps reduce 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 aspect 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 take a look at 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 aspect now we have 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 assessment 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 aspect the show is linked on to the GPU for the very best efficiency output.

Additionally, when testing at 1080p we have elevated the facility restrict on the CPU to 75W to finest alleviate the potential CPU bottleneck. In the meantime, on the desktop, the whole lot is a inventory configuration with no overclocking.

Observe: This function was initially revealed on February 10, 2023. We have revised and bumped it as a part of our #ThrowbackThursday initiative. The benchmarks are simply as related at present as they had been a yr in the past because the RTX 4090 stays the highest GPU on each desktop and laptop computer PCs.

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 major 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 larger as nicely. Once more, as a result of additional CPU headroom accessible within the desktop system.

Watch Canines Legion outcomes are attention-grabbing. At 1080p we’re taking a look at comparable margins to Murderer’s Creed, with the desktop 18 % forward. At 1440p it is a smaller margin that seen beforehand with the desktop 4090 coming in 27 % quicker, however then at 4K the beefy 450W GPU is ready to absolutely flex its muscle tissue and sit an enormous 62 % quicker.

That is the distinction between an expertise round 70 FPS and round 110 FPS, which is large for these utilizing a excessive refresh fee 4K show.

Far Cry 6 is likely one of the extra uncommon instances right here. At 1080p we see just about similar efficiency between the desktop and laptop computer fashions as a result of we’re absolutely 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 % quicker on common, with 15% larger 1% lows. However then at 4K the margin will increase to 33 % general. Not the most important delta however definitely a positive consequence for the desktop card.

Metro Exodus is a typical exhibiting. At 1080p the margin between the desktop and laptop computer variants sits at 18 %, just like among the different video games seen to date. At 1440p this margin will increase to 39% in favor of the desktop card, then 59 % at 4K – you’d positively wish to be utilizing the desktop mannequin at this excessive decision.

Crimson Useless Redemption 2 was one of many least CPU restricted titles at 1080p, giving the desktop card 32 % larger efficiency on the lowest decision examined. This elevated to a 44 % margin at 1440p, then a 58 % margin at 4K, once more exhibiting the relative slowness of the laptop computer mannequin when absolutely GPU restricted.

Cyberpunk 2077 utilizing the Extremely preset with out ray tracing or upscaling is sort 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 way more playable at that body fee.

Subsequent up is Horizon Zero Daybreak, which confirmed a 37 % margin between the 2 fashions at 1080p, a 48 % margin at 1440p and a 61 % margin at 4K so in any respect three resolutions there’s a robust 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 here are respectable with a 26% lead at 1080p and 38 % lead at 1440p for the desktop.

However at 4K the margin is a bit decrease than anticipated, simply 41 % in favor of the desktop mannequin which is decrease than the common and a comparatively good consequence for the laptop computer variant.

Avid gamers enjoying Trendy Warfare 2 will certainly need the desktop configuration because it’s fairly quicker in any respect resolutions utilizing Excessive settings, with comparable margins seen utilizing Primary settings. 30 % quicker at 1080p, 45 % quicker at 1440p and 55 % quicker at 4K with a lot stronger 1% lows in any respect resolutions as nicely.

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 critical multiplayer followers would a lot want a desktop setup.

In Dying Mild 2 the sport was fairly simply GPU bottlenecked more often than not even utilizing rasterization. At 1080p the desktop card was 39 % quicker, a margin that grew to 45% at 1440p and 56 % at 4K. Whereas the laptop computer mannequin is playable at 4K utilizing these settings, the desktop is able to a extra excessive refresh fee 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 % quicker, and even at 4K it held only a 28 % margin which is the slimmest of any rasterized sport we examined. Desktop configuration continues to be preferable, however laptop computer players shall be glad to know they’re getting a greater than cheap stage of efficiency.

Ray Tracing Efficiency

The variations between these two GPUs do not change considerably when taking a look at ray tracing. Far Cry 6, for instance, stays very comparable 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 may be huge.

In Cyberpunk 2077 utilizing the extremely ray tracing preset and no upscaling, the RTX 4090 is 45 % quicker at 1080p, 61 % quicker at 1440p and whopping 83 % 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 via upscaling with out dropping different high quality settings in case you are focusing on 60 FPS.

The desktop card can do 38 FPS right here which isn’t wonderful however nonetheless playable with DLSS Balanced settings.

Dying Mild 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 modifications the dialogue round what kind of settings are playable.

The laptop computer GPU delivers an appropriate 65 FPS at 1440p utilizing these settings, however the desktop card can provide comparable efficiency at a better decision, or a a lot larger body fee on the similar decision. It is a night time 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 here are bigger than with out utilizing ray tracing, the desktop card is simply 15% quicker at 1080p, 22 % quicker at 1440p, and 41 % quicker at 4K.

Ray tracing on this title is extraordinarily CPU intensive which we suspect is decreasing the margins considerably in comparison with being absolutely GPU restricted, like we noticed in Dying Mild or Cyberpunk.

Efficiency Abstract

RTX 4090 Laptop computer vs. RTX 4090 Desktop in 20 Video games

Trying 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 % quicker than the laptop computer working 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 Crimson Useless 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 change into nearly fully GPU restricted throughout the suite of video games examined.

On common, the desktop configuration provides 56 % extra efficiency than the laptop computer card, which is gigantic for 2 GPUs which have the identical identify.

This contains some particularly huge ends in Cyberpunk and Dying Mild 2 ray tracing, and a few much less spectacular positive factors 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 % quicker – nonetheless a major margin – however this included 4 take a look at eventualities with a margin lower than 10 %.

Some video games are nonetheless very GPU demanding at 1080p and so they noticed the most important margins in extra of 30 %, however it’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 aspect.

What We Realized

After evaluating the variations between the RTX 4090 for desktops and the RTX 4090 for laptops, it turns into abundantly clear why Nvidia mustn’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 provides 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 fee expertise.

The margins are notably massive at 4K with ray tracing enabled, one thing we suspect homeowners of a flagship GPU may be taken with 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 can 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 dimensions of the desktop card by way of {hardware} configuration, and it delivers 64% the efficiency.

After all, it is hardly a good battle to pit a gaming laptop computer with about 250W of whole energy capabilities up towards a desktop GPU that alone consumes above 400W in some video games…

After all, it is hardly a good battle to pit a gaming laptop computer with about 250W of whole energy capabilities up towards a desktop GPU that alone consumes above 400W in some video games – it is fully unrealistic to count on 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 patrons on the market who could also be mislead into genuinely believing the desktop and laptop computer RTX 4090s are successfully similar when that could not be farther from the reality.

We expect 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 ought to be an RTX 4090M – and even higher, the RTX 4080M – as a result of then we’d 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 consider 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 inexpensive RTX 4090 gaming laptops are round $3,200 as of writing. Had been this laptop computer GPU really named the RTX 4080M, it might look a bit foolish being priced at $3,500 up towards a full RTX 4090 desktop.

We must also be aware that the margin between desktop and laptop computer variants of the identical GPU (identify) have grown over time. 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 at the very least 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 % slower than the desktop GPU, whereas consuming method lower than half the facility.

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 exhausting for a laptop computer variant to maintain up.

Backside line, the GeForce RTX 4090 desktop is far 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 % slower than the desktop GPU, whereas consuming method lower than half the facility. The RTX 4090 Laptop computer is clearly way more environment friendly, whereas the desktop card is working nicely outdoors 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.

Buying 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, now we have run extra benchmarks and exams chances are you’ll be taken with: