Nvidia, a leading chipmaker, has unveiled a new graphics card designed specifically for the Chinese market in order to adhere to recent US export controls. The company’s product page on its Chinese website introduces the RTX 4090D, which is a slightly less powerful version of its flagship GPU, the RTX 4090. While the RTX 4090D is equipped with fewer CUDA cores and has a lower power draw, it still retains most of the other specifications found in its counterpart.
This launch comes in response to the tightening of export restrictions imposed by the US on high-end chips being shipped to China. The revised regulations not only prohibit the sale of Nvidia’s less powerful H800 and A800 AI GPUs in the country but also prevent the company from selling the RTX 4090 itself. In order to comply with these restrictions, Nvidia has developed the RTX 4090D, which fully adheres to the US government’s export controls.
While the RTX 4090D shares many similarities with the original RTX 4090, it falls slightly behind in terms of performance. According to Benjamin Berraondo, a spokesperson for Nvidia, the RTX 4090D is approximately 5% slower in gaming and creating tasks. Although this minor difference may not be noticeable to the average user, it is an important factor to consider for those seeking the highest level of GPU performance.
The introduction of the RTX 4090D is expected to meet the rising demand for powerful graphics cards in China. Reports indicate that this demand has even led some Chinese factories to dismantle and repurpose the banned RTX 4090 for AI applications. By offering a compliant alternative, Nvidia aims to provide Chinese consumers with a legitimate and accessible option that meets their needs.
During the development of the RTX 4090D, Nvidia collaborated extensively with the US government. The company sought to ensure that the new graphics card would meet all necessary export controls and regulations. By engaging with the government throughout the process, Nvidia demonstrates its commitment to compliance and its willingness to adapt to evolving trade restrictions.
The RTX 4090D is set to launch in China in January and will be priced at ￥12,999 (approximately $1,836 USD). This cost-effective alternative provides Chinese consumers with a viable option that balances performance and compliance. The availability of this GPU is expected to alleviate some of the demand and counteract the market’s reliance on repurposed banned graphics cards.
The launch of Nvidia’s RTX 4090D represents a strategic move to comply with US export controls while addressing the demand for high-performance graphics cards in China. By developing a slightly less powerful version of its flagship GPU, Nvidia offers a compliant alternative that meets the needs of Chinese consumers. The company’s collaboration with the US government throughout the development process demonstrates its commitment to adhering to trade restrictions. The introduction of the RTX 4090D is an important step towards achieving a balance between technology innovation and international regulations.
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