Tag: GeForce RTX 5090

  • Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 RTX 5090 Slower than Older RTX 4090 Laptops

    Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 RTX 5090 Slower than Older RTX 4090 Laptops

    Key Takeaways

    1. Initial laptops with GeForce RTX 5090 aim for high TGP values of 160 W or more, showcasing peak performance.
    2. The Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 GU605CX has a lower TGP of 120 W, positioning it as a midrange RTX 5090 alternative.
    3. The 120 W RTX 5090 in the Zephyrus lags 25-30% behind the 175 W RTX 5090 in the SCHENKER Neo 16.
    4. In gaming scenarios, RTX 4090 laptops outperform the Zephyrus by 5-35% in popular games without DLSS enhancements.
    5. The Zephyrus 16 is slimmer, lighter, and more stylish, but its lower power limit affects GPU performance, affecting cost vs. performance trade-offs.


    Some of the initial laptops featuring GeForce RTX 5090 graphics are aiming for high thermal design power (TGP) values of 160 W or more, showcasing the peak performance of the mobile GPU. In contrast, the new Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 GU605CX sets its sights on a lower TGP of just 120 W, positioning itself as a “midrange” RTX 5090 alternative. Even though it remains a solid gaming laptop, its graphics performance is noticeably affected, leading to a situation where many RTX 4090 laptops can actually outpace the Asus.

    Performance Comparison

    In our latest review of the Zephyrus model, along with the accompanying graphs, it’s clear that the 120 W RTX 5090 in the 16-inch Asus lags about 25 to 30 percent behind the 175 W RTX 5090 found in the 16-inch SCHENKER Neo 16. This performance gap is so significant that even average RTX 4090 laptops in our database can exceed the Zephyrus by as much as 10 percent based on 3DMark tests.

    Gaming Experience

    The situation worsens when diving into real gaming scenarios, as the mobile RTX 4090 proves to outperform the RTX 5090-equipped Zephyrus by even larger margins, even at 1080p resolutions. Popular games such as Final Fantasy XV, Baldur’s Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows can run anywhere from 5 to 35 percent faster on older RTX 4090 laptops when compared to the newer Zephyrus, without the aid of DLSS enhancements.

    It’s important to point out that the new Zephyrus 16 is more slender, lighter, and more stylish than many other 16-inch gaming laptops, which required a tighter power limit for the GPU. Whether this trade-off is worth it in terms of cost versus performance ultimately rests on the buyer’s preferences.

  • GeForce RTX 5090 Laptops vs. Desktop RTX 4070 Ti Performance

    GeForce RTX 5090 Laptops vs. Desktop RTX 4070 Ti Performance

    Key Takeaways

    1. Major companies like Razer and HP are releasing gaming laptops with GeForce RTX 5090 graphics.
    2. The mobile RTX 5090’s performance is closer to the desktop RTX 4070 Ti Super than to the desktop RTX 5090.
    3. The mobile RTX 5090 has more unified shaders and cores than the desktop RTX 4070 Ti Super but performs lower due to a much lower TGP.
    4. In real gaming scenarios, the mobile RTX 5090 can perform similarly to the desktop RTX 4070 Ti Super in high-demand games at 4K settings.
    5. The mobile RTX 5090 offers better performance-per-watt compared to its raw performance, despite being more aligned with older desktop components.


    Major companies such as Razer and HP have started to deliver their newest gaming laptops that come with GeForce RTX 5090 graphics. Although performance has improved compared to the mobile RTX 4090, the difference between it and the desktop RTX 5090 is quite large and arguably more pronounced than the difference between the mobile RTX 4090 and the desktop version. Our benchmark tests indicate that the mobile RTX 5090 is more similar to the desktop RTX 4070 Ti Super, as evidenced by the graphs below. The 3DMark results show only a small percentage difference between these two GPUs.

    Performance Expectations

    It’s a bit disappointing to see that the mobile RTX 5090 has more unified shaders, TMUs, ROPs, RT cores, and tensor cores than the desktop RTX 4070 Ti Super, yet it doesn’t perform as well. The main issue here is the much lower TGP of the mobile chip, which means that the GPU clock rates are roughly half of those found in the desktop versions. Hence, the theoretical performance is only in the low 30 TFLOPS range, compared to around 40 TFLOPS for the desktop RTX 4070 Ti.

    Gaming Performance

    However, there is a silver lining for the mobile RTX 5090 when it comes to playing real games, rather than just relying on synthetic benchmarks like 3DMark. Titles like Final Fantasy 15, Cyberpunk 2077, Black Myth: Wukong, and Alan Wake 2 at 4K with maximum settings show performance levels that are comparable to a desktop RTX 4070 Ti Super, despite the significant differences in TGP, according to our findings. This doesn’t even factor in any benefits from DLSS4 or MFG features, which would further widen the performance gap favoring the mobile RTX 5090. Therefore, laptop users can at least rely on the better performance-per-watt of the mobile RTX 5090, even if its raw performance is more in line with a last generation desktop component.

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  • Maingear MG-1 Desktop: RTX 50, Ryzen 9000, Intel Ultra 2 Options

    Maingear MG-1 Desktop: RTX 50, Ryzen 9000, Intel Ultra 2 Options

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Maingear MG-1 gaming PC series has been upgraded with the latest AMD, Intel, and Nvidia technology for 2025.
    2. Pricing for the MG-1 series starts just below $2000 and can reach up to $6000 for top-tier configurations.
    3. Customization options include unique magnetic front covers with LED illumination for a personalized look.
    4. The MG-1 series will receive major hardware updates first before being applied to Maingear’s other product lines.
    5. Pre-built PCs are currently a convenient option for obtaining new GeForce RTX 50 GPUs, as standalone graphics cards are hard to find at retail prices.


    The pre-assembled Maingear MG-1 gaming PC series saw a refresh last summer, adding AMD Zen 5 processors to its lineup. Now, in 2025, the series is receiving another upgrade featuring the latest from AMD, Intel, and Nvidia, making these gaming PCs some of the strongest options available.

    Pricing and Specifications

    According to the press release provided, users can start with configurations including the Ryzen 7 7800X3D or Core Ultra 5 245K as the base models, all the way up to the top-tier Ryzen 9 9950X3D or Core Ultra 9 285K. For graphics, options span from the GeForce RTX 5070 to the powerful RTX 5090, which requires a robust 1200 W PSU. The price range starts just below $2000 and can go up to $5650, or even $6000 for fully maxed-out setups.

    Design and Customization

    Aside from the internal advancements, the external look of the PCs stays consistent with previous versions. The chassis is particularly unique due to its magnetic front covers that are illuminated by LEDs, providing a customizable touch for users.

    Future Models and Availability

    Regarding Maingear’s other product lines like the North, Zero, or Rush series, the company has stated that similar processor choices will be available soon. The MG-1 series holds the title of Maingear’s flagship line, so any major hardware updates will first appear in the MG-1 before they are introduced to midrange options.

    At this moment, pre-built PCs offer a convenient method to obtain a new GeForce RTX 50 GPU, as standalone graphics cards remain hard to come by at prices near their suggested retail values.

    WARREN, N.J., March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MAINGEAR, recognized as a frontrunner in high-performance, premium-quality gaming PCs, has revealed its latest pre-configured MG-1 gaming systems for 2025. These systems are outfitted with NVIDIA’s state-of-the-art GeForce RTX 50-Series GPUs and are powered by the newest AMD Ryzen 9000 Series CPUs along with Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors. This new lineup provides gamers with an impressive boost in power, performance, and value, emphasizing MAINGEAR’s dedication to enhancing the gaming experience for players of all skill levels.

  • GeForce RTX 5090 vs Razer Blade 16: Minor Performance Gains

    GeForce RTX 5090 vs Razer Blade 16: Minor Performance Gains

    Key Takeaways

    1. The mobile GeForce RTX 5090 shows about 15% better performance at a peak TGP of 175 W compared to the 160 W version in the Razer Blade 16.
    2. Performance gaps in gaming are larger at lower resolutions (30-50% faster at 1080p) but narrow at higher resolutions (10-5% faster at 4K).
    3. The Schenker Neo 16 A25 outperforms the Razer Blade 16 in lower resolutions, suggesting potential CPU limitations in the Razer system.
    4. Most users prefer higher resolutions, which may lead to disappointment with the small performance gains of the 175 W RTX 5090.
    5. The mobile RTX 5090 is only half as capable as its desktop version, with limited performance enhancements for the mobile RTX 50 series.


    As we keep testing the mobile GeForce RTX 5090, we’re starting to get a clearer idea of what this GPU can do at various TGP levels. The Schenker Neo 16 A25, which runs the GPU at a peak TGP of 175 W, shows about 15 percent better performance compared to the 160 W version in the Razer Blade 16, according to our 3DMark results below.

    Performance in Gaming

    However, when we look at actual gameplay, the performance gap seems larger at lower resolutions but narrows at higher resolutions without any upscaling techniques. For instance, our Schenker runs Monster Hunter Wilds and Cyberpunk 2077 at max 4K settings only about 10 percent and 5 percent faster, respectively, compared to the Razer system. On the flip side, at 1080p, those same games can run 30 to 50 percent faster on the Schenker, suggesting possible CPU limitations with the Razer. Most RTX 5090 users will likely prefer higher resolutions rather than lower ones, so the small performance gains with the 175 W RTX 5090 might leave some feeling a bit let down.

    Comparison with Desktop GPUs

    We’ve previously indicated that the mobile RTX 5090 in the Blade 16 is only half as capable as its desktop counterpart. Sadly, even the top-tier 175 W mobile GPU doesn’t significantly enhance the performance for the mobile RTX 50 series.

  • GeForce RTX 5090 Laptops 50% Slower Than Desktop Version

    GeForce RTX 5090 Laptops 50% Slower Than Desktop Version

    Key Takeaways

    1. The first laptops with GeForce RTX 5090 graphics are expected by the end of March, including models like the Razer Blade 16 and Asus Strix Scar 18 G835LX.
    2. The mobile RTX 5090 shows a 15 to 30 percent performance increase over the mobile RTX 4080 without DLSS; this gap widens with DLSS features.
    3. The relatively small performance boost raises concerns, suggesting Nvidia relies heavily on DLSS and new technologies to differentiate the RTX 50 series.
    4. The mobile RTX 5090 can be up to 50 percent slower than its desktop counterpart, indicating a significant performance disparity.
    5. Power limitations in laptops, capped around 150 W, hinder the performance of mobile GPUs compared to their desktop versions.


    The first laptops featuring GeForce RTX 5090 graphics are expected to be delivered by the end of March, and as of now, we have tested two models: the 2025 Razer Blade 16 and the Asus Strix Scar 18 G835LX, both boasting graphics with a TGP greater than 150 W. The performance results can vary widely based on what you might expect.

    Positive Outlook

    Looking at the bright side, the mobile RTX 5090 shows a performance increase of about 15 to 30 percent over the mobile RTX 4080 when DLSS features are not considered. Once DLSS is in play, the performance gap widens even more, as multi-frame generation is only officially available on the RTX 50 series.

    Cautious Considerations

    On the flip side, this 15 to 30 percent performance boost might seem quite small for a GPU generation that has taken three years to develop. This indicates that Nvidia is strongly depending on DLSS features and the new transformer model to distinguish the new mobile RTX 50 series from the previous mobile RTX 40 series. Additionally, gamers using laptops should adjust their expectations, as our benchmarks reveal that the mobile RTX 5090 can be up to 50 percent slower than its desktop version.

    The Power Limitation

    The significant difference in performance between the mobile RTX 5090 and the desktop RTX 5090, along with the somewhat underwhelming improvement over the outgoing mobile RTX 4080, can mainly be linked to TGP. While desktop GPUs have been increasingly demanding more power, laptop GPUs have remained relatively stable at around 150 W maximum, even after all these years. The restrictive power limits in laptops are arguably becoming a notable barrier for gaming enthusiasts.

  • Nvidia DLSS 4 on Razer Blade 16: 2x FPS Boost Over DLSS 3

    Nvidia DLSS 4 on Razer Blade 16: 2x FPS Boost Over DLSS 3

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nvidia is focusing on mobile versions of the GeForce RTX 5090, set to launch soon, with the Razer Blade 16 as a key device.
    2. The 2025 Blade 16 shows over 100% performance improvement in FPS compared to the 2024 model, with significant reductions in CPU usage and latency.
    3. The newer Blade 16 exclusively uses AMD processors, contributing to improved performance metrics over the previous Intel-equipped model.
    4. DLSS 4 enables up to 37% greater GPU utilization due to its advanced multi-frame generation model.
    5. The new Blackwell GPUs are designed to reduce CPU limitations, allowing for potentially slimmer laptop designs.


    With the release of the desktop GeForce RTX 5090 now complete, Nvidia is shifting gears to focus on the upcoming mobile versions set to debut by the end of this month. The Razer Blade 16 is rapidly becoming the standout device for the mobile RTX lineup, followed closely by the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 10 and the Asus Zephyrus G16. During GDC 2025, the chip manufacturer showcased a comparison between a 2024 Blade 16 running Cyberpunk 2077 on an RTX 4090 and a 2025 Blade 16 using the RTX 5090. Both models were displayed side-by-side at the same native resolutions to highlight their performance differences.

    Performance Comparison

    The demo revealed that the 2025 Blade 16 can deliver a performance boost of over 100% in FPS (186 vs. 88), alongside a 43 percent reduction in CPU usage and a 27 percent improvement in latency (81 ms to 59 ms) with DLSS 4 Performance enabled, as compared to DLSS 3. The improved CPU usage can be attributed in part to the newer AMD processors, as the 2025 Blade 16 is exclusively equipped with AMD chips, while the 2024 version utilized Intel CPUs. Nvidia credits the latency enhancements to the higher “native” frame rates provided by the RTX 5090 GPU in contrast to the RTX 4090, along with the new transformer model that powers DLSS 4.

    Enhanced GPU Utilization

    With DLSS 4, GPU utilization is approximately 37 percent greater than with DLSS 3, a change that Nvidia attributes to the more intensive multi-frame generation (MFG) model. The company claims that laptops featuring the GeForce RTX 50 series will experience reduced CPU limitations during gaming, suggesting that the new Blackwell GPUs might work better with slower CPUs this generation, allowing for potentially slimmer designs. Furthermore, even the AMD CPU in the latest Blade 16 operates at lower TDP targets compared to the Intel-powered 2024 version.

    While the demo did not clarify which frame generation level (2x, 3x, or 4x) was utilized to achieve the significant FPS increase, the results are expected to be striking for games that support DLSS 4.


  • Liquid-Cooled Laptop Chassis for Desktop Components on Kickstarter

    Key Takeaways

    1. UHPILCL is developing a liquid-cooled laptop similar to Acer’s Predator 21X, featuring advanced technology and a sleek design.
    2. The laptop can house high-performance desktop components, including a full ITX motherboard and powerful CPUs like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and Intel Core Ultra 9 285K.
    3. It includes a unique cooling system using distilled water, allowing for easy maintenance and alternative power source compatibility.
    4. The laptop can support a dual-computer setup with a battery-powered laptop for backup, sharing peripherals, but can’t operate both systems simultaneously.
    5. Pricing and funding details for the UHPILCL laptop are not yet disclosed, raising some skepticism about its feasibility despite its innovative design.


    Back in 2016, Acer introduced the Predator 21X, which featured a 21-inch display, a mechanical keyboard, a 7th-generation Intel desktop CPU, and dual GTX 1080 GPUs in SLI. With a hefty price of $9,000 and a weight of 9 kg, it didn’t really take off in the market, but that may have been Acer’s plan all along. Now, a company from Hong Kong called UHPILCL (Ultra High Performance Integration Liquid Cooled Laptop) is trying to create something similar using today’s tech. As the name suggests, this device packs a complete liquid cooling system into a chassis that is about 1.5 inches thick. There are two models available: the T1000, which weighs 4.8 kg, and the T1000 Super at 5.2 kg.

    Powerful Hardware Options

    Inside, you can install a full ITX motherboard with high-performance CPUs from Intel or AMD, like the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and the Core Ultra 9 285K. You can also integrate a full GeForce RTX 5090 dGPU that comes with 32 GB of VRAM, but this requires the T1000 Super version. Since the UHPILCL employs desktop components, it provides all the input/output and expansion capabilities that come with them.

    Portability and Features

    Naturally, the hardware and the cooling system do make it less portable, but the brand claims it is “easy to carry” in a bag designed for 17-inch laptops. The cooling system utilizes distilled water, meaning you can drain and refill it whenever needed. Moreover, if you ever forget the power cable, the manufacturer says you can use one from an electric kettle or microwave without any issues.

    Unique Dual-Computer Setup

    The UHPILCL has another interesting feature. It allows the inclusion of a battery-powered laptop for backup. Both machines can use the same keyboard, USB ports, storage, screen, and other peripherals. However, the exact method for this implementation is still unclear. This is an optional feature that must be added manually, and it’s important to note that both systems can’t operate at the same time due to compatibility reasons.

    At this stage, the company hasn’t disclosed any pricing details or funding targets on its Kickstarter page. It’s reasonable to be doubtful since this concept does seem a bit too good to be true. However, if it succeeds, it will likely be one of the most innovative laptop designs we’ve seen in recent times, especially as manufacturers are trying hard to reduce the thickness of their devices by a couple of millimeters.

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  • GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop Tops PassMark as Best Mobile GPU

    GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop Tops PassMark as Best Mobile GPU

    Key Takeaways

    1. The GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU has achieved a score of 28,280 in PassMark’s G3D Mark, making it the highest-performing mobile GPU currently available, surpassing the RTX 4090 Laptop GPU by a small margin of +2.79%.

    2. The RTX 5090 Laptop GPU features enhanced specifications, including 24 GB of GDDR7 memory and 10,496 CUDA cores, compared to the 16 GB GDDR6 and 9,728 cores of the RTX 4090 Laptop GPU.

    3. The GPU has a thermal design power (TDP) ranging from 95-150 W, positioning it between the AMD Radeon RX 6950 XT and the Radeon PRO W7800 in performance rankings.

    4. Reactions to the RTX 5090’s performance are mixed; Nvidia supporters celebrate its top spot, while critics note its minimal advantage over the RTX 4090 and the age of the desktop cards it outperforms.

    5. Compatibility issues may affect the performance readings of the RTX 5090 Laptop GPU in benchmarks, as Nvidia has discontinued support for 32-bit frameworks, prompting PassMark to develop a patch for more accurate representation.


    A GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU has surfaced in PassMark’s G3D Mark performance chart for top-tier video cards, currently boasting a score of 28,280 that places it above the RTX 4090 Laptop GPU. This indicates that the Blackwell chip has taken the title of the highest-performing mobile GPU on the platform, although only one sample has been logged as of now. The RTX 5090 Laptop GPU, with a thermal design power (TDP) ranging from 95-150 W, is positioned slightly above the AMD Radeon RX 6950 XT desktop graphics card (which came out in 2022) and just below the Radeon PRO W7800 desktop graphics card (released in 2023) in the latest rankings.

    Varied Reactions

    Depending on your preference for GPU brands, this might be seen as either an impressive outcome or a disappointing one. Those in favor of Nvidia will likely be thrilled that the GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU has secured the top spot among mobile GPUs on the benchmark, achieving this with significantly lower TDPs compared to desktop models. However, critics may highlight the age of the desktop cards it surpasses and the minimal margin separating the RTX 5090 Laptop from the RTX 4090 Laptop (just +2.79%). In this instance, transitioning from an Ada Lovelace GPU to a Blackwell one appears to have its advantages.

    Enhanced Specifications

    To begin with, the RTX 5090 Laptop GPU is equipped with 24 GB of GDDR7 memory (while the 4090 Laptop has 16 GB GDDR6) and features 10,496 CUDA cores in contrast to its predecessor’s 9,728 cores. The new RTX 50-series mobile GPUs are expected to offer improved processing efficiency, aided by the latest Max-Q technologies which introduce many optimizations. Yet, amidst all these advancements, one might wonder why the RTX 5090 Laptop GPU is only +2.79% ahead of the RTX 4090 Laptop GPU (as found in the Alienware M18 R2, available on Amazon) in the primary performance chart and even seems to be on par with RTX 4060 Laptop GPU levels in PassMark’s GPU Compute evaluation.

    Potential Issues

    This could likely stem from compatibility challenges. As previously mentioned, PassMark has revealed that the underwhelming performances of RTX 50-series cards in this specific benchmark may be attributed to Nvidia discontinuing support for 32-bit frameworks. The platform is currently working on a patch to ensure that Team Green’s products receive a more accurate representation in the benchmarks offered. As illustrated in the comparison below, the RTX 5090 Laptop GPU clearly outperforms the RTX 4060 Laptop GPU in DirectX 9-12 tests, yet it appears to perform comparably in GPU Compute. Regardless, this marks a promising beginning for Nvidia’s premier mobile chip, demonstrating its ability to achieve a high benchmark result even under less-than-ideal conditions.

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  • Razer Blade 16 2025 Pre-Orders Start at $2,799 with Ryzen 9, RTX 5090

    Razer Blade 16 2025 Pre-Orders Start at $2,799 with Ryzen 9, RTX 5090

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Razer Blade 16 2025 is 30% smaller than the previous model, making it nearly as thin and light as the MacBook Pro 16.
    2. It offers options for AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 or Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APUs and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5080, or RTX 5090 GPUs.
    3. The default configuration includes 32 GB of RAM, upgradeable to 64 GB, and storage options of 1 TB, 2 TB, or 4 TB.
    4. All configurations feature a QHD+ OLED display with a 240 Hz refresh rate and a 90 Wh battery that charges to 80% in 48 minutes.
    5. The starting price is $2,799.99, with high configurations reaching up to $4,599.99.


    Almost two months ago, Razer launched a new Blade 16 to take the place of the 2024 version we reviewed just a little over a year back. As we mentioned at CES 2025, the Blade 16 2025 is now 30% smaller than the previous model. Because of this, the Blade 16 is now nearly as thin and light as the latest MacBook Pro 16, which is currently priced at $2,239 on Amazon.

    Upgraded Components

    Razer has paired this reduction in size with a selection between AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 365 and Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 APUs. In addition, the Blade 16 2025 can be set up with one of Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, RTX 5080, or RTX 5090 GPUs, which come with 12 GB GDDR7, 16 GB GDDR7, and 24 GB GDDR7 VRAM, respectively. The new 16-inch laptop includes 32 GB of LPDDR5X-8000 RAM by default, but users can upgrade it to 64 GB during the configuration.

    Storage and Display

    Moreover, Razer provides options for the Blade 16 2025 with 1 TB, 2 TB, or 4 TB of storage, with the maximum split across both M.2 slots using two 2 TB drives. A QHD+ (2,560 x 1,600) OLED display with a 240 Hz refresh rate is included in all configurations. To top it off, this hardware is complemented by a 90 Wh battery that can be charged up to 80% in just 48 minutes, thanks to a 200 W power adapter.

    The starting price for the Razer Blade 16 2025 is $2,799.99, which includes a Ryzen AI 9 365, 32 GB of RAM, a 1 TB SSD, and an RTX 5070 Ti GPU. However, as you move to more powerful models, prices can quickly exceed $3,000; for instance, switching to an RTX 5080 adds an additional $400. In its highest configuration, the Blade 16 2025 can reach a price of $4,599.99, which includes a Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, 64 GB of RAM, 4 TB of storage, and an RTX 5090 GPU. For further information, check Razer’s website.

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  • Nvidia Alerts Users: Performance Issues in RTX 5070 Ti and 5090 Series

    Nvidia Alerts Users: Performance Issues in RTX 5070 Ti and 5090 Series

    Key Takeaways

    1. Some GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards were shipped with 168 ROPs instead of the expected 178 ROPs, leading to a performance drop of over 5%.
    2. The issue affects not only the GeForce RTX 5090 but also the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5090D, with Nvidia confirming it is not limited to one manufacturer.
    3. Only about 0.5% of the affected GPU units were shipped with fewer ROPs, and Nvidia has fixed the production issue.
    4. Nvidia advises customers who receive a card with fewer ROPs to contact their board manufacturer for a replacement.
    5. The problem has no impact on AI and Compute workloads, only affecting average graphical performance.


    Earlier this week, multiple sources discovered that some GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards were being shipped with fewer Raster Output Pipelines (ROPs) than what was originally advertised. ROPs play a vital role in the performance of the GeForce RTX 5090 and other Nvidia graphics cards, especially for tasks like anti-aliasing and other critical GPU operations.

    Performance Impact

    According to GPU-Z, the affected GeForce RTX 5090 models showed 168 ROPs, which is 8 ROPs less than the expected reference specification. This decrease represents a 4.5% drop, but TechPowerUp found that the actual performance loss during testing was over 5% when comparing an impacted card to those that had the full 178 ROPs.

    Broader Implications

    Initially, it appeared that only a specific Zotac model was impacted. However, Nvidia has since stated that the issue isn’t limited to one board partner. Additionally, this problem also affects the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti and the GeForce RTX 5090D, which is only available in China. Notably, the GeForce RTX 5080, currently priced at $2,299.99 on Amazon, is not affected by this issue.

    Resolution and Advice

    It has been reported that only about 0.5% of the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti, GeForce RTX 5090D, and GeForce RTX 5090 units shipped with fewer ROPs than they were supposed to have. Although Nvidia claims to have fixed the “production anomaly,” there is still a possibility that affected cards may remain in circulation at retailers for a while. Currently, Nvidia advises customers who have received a card with fewer ROPs to “get in touch with the board manufacturer for a replacement.” Here’s Nvidia’s complete statement:

    “We have identified a rare issue affecting less than 0.5% (half a percent) of GeForce RTX 5090 / 5090D and 5070 Ti GPUs which have one fewer ROP than specified. The average graphical performance impact is 4%, with no effect on AI and Compute workloads. Affected consumers can contact the board manufacturer for a replacement. The production anomaly has been corrected.”

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