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Evaluating Mobile GPUs for Performance

General Report November 3, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU
  3. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU
  4. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU
  5. Intel Arc A770M Laptop GPU
  6. NVIDIA Quadro T500 Mobile GPU
  7. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • Analyzing the latest mobile graphics processing units (GPUs), this report offers an in-depth look at the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080, RTX 4050, RTX 4090, Intel Arc A770M, and NVIDIA Quadro T500. The purpose of this analysis is to provide consumers and professionals with critical insights into the capabilities and performance of these GPUs for both gaming and professional applications. Key findings highlight that the RTX 4090 leads in performance, especially for 4K gaming and demanding applications, while the RTX 4080 offers robust support for popular ray tracing and DLSS technologies. The RTX 4050 bridges the gap between budget and high-performance models with effective 1080p gaming. The Intel Arc A770M presents an alternative with mid-range performance, yet it lacks the top-tier capabilities of NVIDIA's higher-end options. Lastly, the NVIDIA Quadro T500 excels in professional scenarios, delivering effective performance for graphic-intensive tasks, despite its lack of ray tracing support.

2. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU

  • 2-1. Introduction to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080

  • The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU, codenamed GN21-X9, is a high-end notebook graphics card launched in early 2023. It is built on the Ada Lovelace architecture and is based on the AD104 chip, similar to the desktop RTX 4070 Ti.

  • 2-2. Architecture and Technical Specifications

  • The RTX 4080 features a maximum of 7,680 shader cores and a 192-bit memory bus with 12 GB of GDDR6 VRAM. The effective clock speeds range from 16 to 20 Gbps. The Total Graphics Power (TGP) varies from 60 to 150 Watts, with an additional dynamic boost of about 15 Watts from the CPU. The chip is manufactured using a 5nm process and contains approximately 35.8 billion transistors.

  • 2-3. Performance in Benchmarks

  • In synthetic benchmark tests, the average performance of the RTX 4080 Laptop GPU substantially surpassed the older RTX 3080 Ti Laptop GPU, placing it just behind the RTX 4090. It handles demanding games smoothly at QHD with ray tracing enabled and can also perform well in 4K gameplay in less demanding titles.

  • 2-4. Comparison with Previous Generations

  • The performance of the RTX 4080 Laptop GPU is notably better than its predecessor, the RTX 3080 Laptop GPU, and it is positioned between the RTX 4050 and RTX 4090 in terms of capability.

  • 2-5. Gaming Performance and Capabilities

  • With 232 Tensor cores of the 4th generation supporting DLSS 3 including frame generation, the RTX 4080 provides a significant performance boost, especially in games optimized for these features. It also includes 58 Ray Tracing cores from the 3rd generation.

3. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU

  • 3-1. Introduction to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050

  • The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU, codenamed GN21-X2, is a mid-range mobile graphics card introduced in early 2023. It is based on the AD107 chip (Ada Lovelace architecture) and features a 96-bit memory bus with 6 GB of GDDR6 VRAM operating at an effective speed of 16 Gbps. The Total Graphics Power (TGP) ranges from 35 to 115 Watts, with an additional 10 to 25 Watts available through Dynamic Boost from the CPU.

  • 3-2. Architecture and Technical Specifications

  • The RTX 4050 utilizes the AD107 chip manufactured using TSMC's 5nm process (4N). It has a boost clock range from 1605 MHz at 35 Watts to 2370 MHz at 115 Watts, significantly influencing its performance based on the thermal design power (TDP). This GPU comes equipped with 80 Tensor cores, which enhance performance in DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) 3 enabled titles by providing a speed boost while maintaining minimal quality loss. However, its 20 ray tracing cores are underutilized due to insufficient performance for practical ray tracing effects.

  • 3-3. Performance in Benchmarks

  • Benchmarks place the RTX 4050 between the RTX 3050 Ti and RTX 3060 in terms of performance. It is particularly suitable for gaming at 1920x1080 resolution with high to maximum detail settings depending on the specific game. Given ongoing comparisons, this GPU showcased competitive results in numerous title tests against its predecessors.

  • 3-4. Comparison with RTX 3050 Ti and RTX 3060

  • In comparison with the RTX 3050 Ti and RTX 3060, the RTX 4050 demonstrates enhanced performance capabilities, effectively bridging the gap between the two. Gaming performance reflects improvements, enabling higher graphic settings and smoother frame rates in various gaming scenarios. The RTX 4050 outperforms the 3050 Ti, making it a viable choice for gamers seeking better performance without opting for high-end models.

  • 3-5. Gaming Performance and Capabilities

  • While the RTX 4050 is designed primarily for 1080p gaming, it manages to deliver satisfactory performance when gaming at higher resolutions, albeit with certain limitations. Real-world gaming tests indicate that users can expect good frame rates in mainstream titles, particularly those optimized for NVIDIA's DLSS technology. However, demanding games utilizing extensive ray tracing capabilities may challenge the GPU's limits, requiring settings adjustments for optimal performance.

4. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU

  • 4-1. Introduction to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090

  • The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU, codenamed GN21-X11, is a high-end notebook graphics card introduced in early 2023. It utilizes the AD103 chip based on the Ada Lovelace architecture, providing up to 10,752 shaders and a 256-bit memory bus with 16 GB of GDDR6 memory, operating at an effective speed of 20 Gbps.

  • 4-2. Architecture and Technical Specifications

  • The RTX 4090 features a TGP (Total Graphics Power) range between 80 to 150 watts, significantly lower than the desktop RTX 4080's 320 watts. It can achieve clock speeds from 1455 MHz at 80W up to 2040 MHz at 150W. The architecture includes 45.9 billion transistors and is manufactured using the 5nm process at TSMC.

  • 4-3. Performance in Benchmarks

  • In synthetic benchmarks, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU displays superior performance, outperforming its predecessor, the RTX 3080 Ti Laptop GPU, clearly leading in several tests. Notebooks with a power limit of 125 watts may see a performance decrease of up to 20%.

  • 4-4. Comparison with Previous Generations

  • The performance of the RTX 4090 is notably above that of the RTX 4080 Laptop GPU and previous generations like the RTX 3080 Ti, driven by its enhanced specifications and performance benchmarks.

  • 4-5. Gaming Performance and Capabilities

  • The RTX 4090 Laptop GPU delivers exceptional gaming performance, enabling smooth gameplay in demanding titles at 4K resolution. In games utilizing ray tracing, such as F1 23, the use of DLSS technology is recommended for optimal performance.

5. Intel Arc A770M Laptop GPU

  • 5-1. Introduction to Intel Arc A770M

  • The Intel Arc A770M is a dedicated mid-range graphics card designed for laptops. It is based on the ACM-G10 chip and consists of 32 Xe cores, which includes 512 ALUs and 32 Ray-Tracing Units. The A770M supports up to 16 GB of GDDR6 memory over a 256-bit memory interface.

  • 5-2. Architecture and Technical Specifications

  • The A770M features a manufacturing process of 6nm by TSMC (N6 process) and includes 21.7 billion transistors within a die size of 406 mm². It offers clock speeds ranging from 300 MHz to 2050 MHz (Turbo), with a typical gaming frequency of 1650 MHz. The total graphics power (TGP) of the A770M varies between 120 and 150 watts, depending on the specific model.

  • 5-3. Performance in Benchmarks

  • The performance of the Intel Arc A770M is positioned in the upper mid-range segment of dedicated laptop graphics cards. Although exact performance metrics are still being clarified, it is estimated to perform slightly below that of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070.

  • 5-4. Comparison with NVIDIA GPUs

  • In terms of comparative performance, the Intel Arc A770M is designed to fit into the mid-range GPU market segment. It may not reach the performance benchmarks of higher-end offerings like the NVIDIA RTX 4090 or RTX 4080 but provides a competitive option for those seeking capable graphics solutions.

  • 5-5. Gaming Performance and Capabilities

  • The Intel Arc A770M is equipped to handle various gaming scenarios effectively, but its capabilities may vary significantly depending on the specific titles and settings used. While it is expected to deliver satisfactory results in mid-range gaming, there may be limitations under more demanding gaming conditions.

6. NVIDIA Quadro T500 Mobile GPU

  • 6-1. Introduction to NVIDIA Quadro T500

  • The NVIDIA Quadro T500, previously known as Quadro T500, is a professional mobile graphics card specifically designed for laptops. It is based on the Turing architecture, utilizing the TU117 chip, and offers capabilities suited for various professional applications.

  • 6-2. Architecture and Technical Specifications

  • The architecture of the Quadro T500 is derived from the consumer GeForce MX450, featuring 896 cores and a 64-bit memory bus. The GPU is available with either 2GB or 4GB of graphics RAM, utilizing GDDR5 or GDDR6. Its thermal design power (TDP) ranges from 18 to 25 Watts, depending on the specific variant. Furthermore, it supports PCIe 4.0 and is manufactured using 12nm FinFET technology at TSMC.

  • 6-3. Performance in Benchmarks

  • In terms of performance, the Quadro T500 exhibits enhanced capabilities, especially in compute-heavy workloads. The redesigned cores and caches lead to up to 50% more instructions executed per clock cycle, boosting performance while being 40% more power-efficient compared to the Pascal architecture. However, unlike higher-end Quadro RTX cards, the Quadro T500 does not support ray tracing or Tensor cores.

  • 6-4. Use Case Scenarios in Professional Workloads

  • The NVIDIA Quadro T500 is tailored for professional workloads, particularly in environments that require robust graphic processing. It is effective in applications such as CAD, 3D modeling, and graphic design, where its specifications allow for efficient rendering and processing.

  • 6-5. Comparison with Other Mobile GPUs

  • When compared to other mobile GPUs, the Quadro T500 stands out in its niche for professional applications. While it may not compete in gaming performance against dedicated gaming GPUs, it holds a unique position among professional graphics cards, focusing on stability and reliability required in professional settings.

Conclusion

  • The report's findings illuminate the potent capabilities of NVIDIA's RTX range, particularly the RTX 4090, which stands at the forefront of mobile GPU technology with unmatched 4K gaming proficiency and high-powered performance. The RTX 4080 impresses with its capacity to manage demanding tasks using DLSS, thus positioning it as an ideal choice for both gamers and creatives. Meanwhile, the RTX 4050 provides an excellent option for those prioritizing performance efficiency at 1080p. Intel's Arc A770M offers a commendable mid-range option and serves as a cost-effective alternative, albeit falling short in high-end gaming performance compared to NVIDIA's offerings. The Quadro T500 emerges as the preferred GPU for professional workloads but is not optimized for gaming due to its focus on stability and efficiency in tasks like 3D modeling and graphic design. To maximize the potential of these GPUs, users should align their choice with their specific needs, whether for immersive gaming experiences or professional creative tasks. Future developments may see improvements in power efficiency and broader ray tracing applications, expanding the applicability of these GPUs further across various sectors.

Glossary

  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 [Graphics Card]: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 is a high-end laptop GPU based on the Ada Lovelace architecture, featuring advanced ray tracing and DLSS capabilities. It is designed for gamers and creative professionals, offering superior performance in demanding applications.
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 [Graphics Card]: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 is a mid-range laptop GPU that provides a balance between performance and power efficiency. It is suitable for 1080p gaming and supports DLSS technology for enhanced frame rates.
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 [Graphics Card]: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 is the top-tier mobile GPU available, designed for extreme gaming performance. It features a high core count and memory bandwidth, making it capable of running the latest games at high settings.
  • Intel Arc A770M [Graphics Card]: The Intel Arc A770M is a dedicated mid-range laptop GPU that competes with NVIDIA's offerings. It features ray tracing capabilities and is positioned to provide a solid performance for gaming and creative tasks.
  • NVIDIA Quadro T500 [Graphics Card]: The NVIDIA Quadro T500 is a professional mobile GPU designed for workstation use. It is based on the Turing architecture and optimized for performance in compute-heavy workloads, although it lacks ray tracing capabilities.

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