RTX 4090 Laptop vs Desktop: Who Wins?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Differences Between Desktop and Laptop GPUs
3. Specs Comparison: RTX 4090 Desktop vs Laptop
   • CUDA Cores
   • Power Limit
   • Memory Capacity and Type
4. Naming Conventions and Misleading Information
5. Performance Comparison: Gaming Benchmarks
   • Game 1: A Plague Tale Requiem
   • Game 2: Cyberpunk 2077
   • Game 3: Dead Space
   • Game 4: The Witcher 3
   • Game 5: Microsoft's Flight Simulator
   • Game 6: Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered
   • Game 7: Call of Duty
   • Game 8: APEX Legends
   • Game 9: Control
   • Game 10: Fortnite
   • Remaining Game Benchmarks
6. Performance Comparison: Content Creation Workloads
   • Blender
   • V-Ray CUDA
   • DaVinci Resolve
7. Price Difference and Value Analysis
8. Portability and Upgradeability Considerations
9. Conclusion
10. FAQ

The Differences Between Desktop and Laptop GPUs

When it comes to performance, a desktop PC equipped with an RTX 4090 graphics card greatly surpasses a gaming laptop with the same GPU. The disparity between the two is not even close. In this article, we will compare the performance of these two machines in 25 different games across various resolutions, including 4K, 1440p, and 1080p. By examining the differences in specifications, power limits, and other factors, we will explore why the performance gap between the desktop and laptop GPUs is so significant.

Specs Comparison: RTX 4090 Desktop vs Laptop

The specifications of the RTX 4090 desktop GPU and its laptop counterpart exhibit notable disparities. Firstly, the desktop graphics card boasts an impressive 68% more CUDA cores compared to the laptop version. Moreover, the max power limit of the desktop variant is three times higher than that of the laptop version, enabling it to achieve higher clock speeds. Additionally, the desktop card possesses 50% more memory capacity and utilizes faster GDDR6X memory with a larger memory bus.

CUDA Cores

With a staggering 68% more CUDA cores, the desktop RTX 4090 GPU outperforms its laptop counterpart. The higher number of CUDA cores allows the desktop GPU to handle more complex rendering tasks and deliver superior gaming performance.

Power Limit

The desktop RTX 4090 GPU operates at a much higher power limit compared to the laptop version. This higher power limit enables the desktop GPU to reach higher clock speeds, resulting in increased performance in games.

Memory Capacity and Type

The desktop RTX 4090 GPU boasts 50% more memory capacity than its laptop equivalent. Furthermore, it utilizes faster GDDR6X memory with a larger memory bus, enhancing data transfer rates. This higher memory capacity and faster memory greatly contribute to the overall performance AdVantage of the desktop GPU.

Naming Conventions and Misleading Information

Confusion arises due to the naming conventions used by Nvidia for their laptop and desktop GPUs. Although both the laptop and desktop GPUs are labeled as "RTX 4090," they are two distinctly different products. In terms of specifications, the laptop RTX 4090 GPU aligns more closely with a desktop RTX 4080. Nvidia's decision to remove the "M" designation, which was previously used to differentiate mobile GPUs, only adds to the ambiguity.

Performance Comparison: Gaming Benchmarks

To analyze the performance discrepancy between the desktop and laptop GPUs, we conducted 25 game benchmarks across various resolutions. By comparing the average frame rates and 1% lows, we can ascertain the true performance gap between the two.

Game 1: A Plague Tale Requiem

At 1080p max settings, the desktop RTX 4090 GPU exhibited a 69% faster average frame rate compared to the laptop GPU. At 1440p, the desktop GPU was 49% faster. Despite the laptop's reasonable performance at 1440p, it fell short at 4K, resulting in choppy gameplay. Enabling DLSS and frame generation on the laptop provided a noticeable boost, but it still couldn't match the desktop's performance.

Game 2: Cyberpunk 2077

The desktop RTX 4090 GPU delivered a 56% higher average frame rate at 4K ultra settings compared to the laptop GPU. At 1440p, the desktop GPU was 49% faster. Enabling DLSS and frame generation on both GPUs resulted in a substantial performance boost, but the desktop consistently outperformed the laptop.

Game 3: Dead Space

Despite noticeable stuttering issues on the laptop, the game's performance at 4K and 1440p remained acceptable. However, the 1% lows on the laptop were disappointingly low. Enabling DLSS on quality mode yielded a decent uplift in average frame rates but did not alleviate the poor 1% lows. The desktop GPU outperformed the laptop, especially in terms of the 1% lows.

Game 4: The Witcher 3

With the game's next-gen update and ray tracing enabled, the desktop RTX 4090 GPU achieved a 61% higher average frame rate compared to the laptop GPU at 1440p. Enabling frame generation support further widened the performance gap. Even at lower resolutions, the desktop consistently outperformed the laptop.

Game 5: Microsoft's Flight Simulator

Microsoft's Flight Simulator displayed minimal performance differences between the desktop and laptop GPUs. The desktop GPU was 29% faster at 1080p, 28% faster at 1440p, and 53% faster at 4K. However, considering the game's less demanding frame rate requirements, the laptop's performance at 4K max settings should still be sufficient.

Game 6: Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered

The laptop and desktop GPUs exhibited similar performance in CPU-heavy games like Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered. At 4K, the desktop GPU achieved a 56% higher average frame rate while maintaining a significantly higher 1% low. The laptop experienced occasional stuttering issues, making the desktop a smoother gaming experience. Enabling DLSS and frame generation provided performance improvements, but the desktop still outperformed the laptop.

Game 7: Call of Duty

In Call of Duty, the desktop RTX 4090 GPU outperformed the laptop GPU by 40% at 1440p and 52% at 4K. The game's benchmark prevented the desktop from reaching its full potential at lower resolutions due to a frame rate cap. At 4K, the desktop's advantage became more pronounced, highlighting the substantial performance gap.

Game 8: Apex Legends

Apex Legends' 300 FPS frame cap limited the visible performance difference between the desktop and laptop GPUs at 1080p and 1440p. However, at 4K, the desktop GPU achieved a staggering 105% higher average frame rate. The desktop significantly outperformed the laptop, emphasizing the benefits of the desktop's superior hardware.

Game 9: Control

At 1080p, Control displayed similar performance on both the desktop and laptop GPUs due to a frame rate cap on the desktop. However, the desktop outperformed the laptop in terms of 1% lows. Fortunes changed at 4K, where the desktop achieved a higher average frame rate and a much larger boost to its 1% lows.

Game 10: Fortnite

Despite the laptop's ability to run above 100 FPS at 4K max settings without upscaling, the desktop GPU achieved a 70% higher average frame rate. At 1440p, the desktop was 53% ahead. Even the desktop's 1% lows were comparable to the laptop's average FPS, showcasing its overall superiority.

Remaining Game Benchmarks

For the remaining 15 games, please refer to the video or pause the screen to get a closer look at the detailed benchmarks. Our comprehensive selection of games provides a more accurate average result, enabling us to draw more reliable conclusions regarding the performance gap between the desktop and laptop GPUs.

Performance Comparison: Content Creation Workloads

In addition to game benchmarks, we also evaluated performance differences in various content creation workloads, including Blender, V-Ray CUDA, and DaVinci Resolve. The desktop RTX 4090 GPU consistently outperformed the laptop GPU in all tests. Although the differences in some benchmarks were smaller than expected, considering the significantly higher number of CUDA cores and power limits, the desktop GPU consistently delivered better results.

Price Difference and Value Analysis

The price difference between an RTX 4090 desktop PC and an RTX 4090 gaming laptop is considerable. At present, a new desktop PC with similar components to the one tested in this article is priced around $4000 USD. Conversely, the laptop equipped with an RTX 4090 costs $5300, which is approximately $1300 more. Although the laptop includes a built-in screen, keyboard, and mouse, even considering the additional cost of peripherals, the desktop PC still provides better value for money.

Portability and Upgradeability Considerations

The decision between a desktop PC and a gaming laptop ultimately depends on individual needs. If portability is essential, a gaming laptop offers the advantage of being more compact and easier to carry. However, it is important to note that laptop components, such as the CPU and GPU, are not typically upgradeable. On the other HAND, a desktop PC offers easier upgradability, allowing users to replace individual components when necessary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is a significant performance disparity between an RTX 4090 desktop GPU and its laptop counterpart. The specifications, power limits, and overall design of the desktop GPU contribute to its superior gaming performance and content creation capabilities. Although the RTX 4090 laptop GPU is still capable and offers portability, it falls short in comparison. Considering the price difference and overall value, the desktop GPU provides a more cost-effective solution for high-performance gaming and content creation needs.

FAQ

Q: Are there any advantages to choosing an RTX 4090 laptop over a desktop PC?

A: Yes, the primary advantage of choosing an RTX 4090 laptop is portability. If You need a powerful gaming machine that you can take with you wherever you go, a gaming laptop provides the convenience and flexibility that a desktop PC cannot offer.

Q: Can the RTX 4090 laptop GPU be upgraded in the future?

A: No, most gaming laptops do not support individual component upgrades. Once you purchase a gaming laptop with an RTX 4090 GPU, you are typically unable to upgrade the GPU or other major components in the future.

Q: Is the price difference between an RTX 4090 desktop PC and a gaming laptop worth it?

A: From a price-performance perspective, an RTX 4090 desktop PC offers better value for money compared to a gaming laptop with the same GPU. However, if portability and convenience are of utmost importance, some users may be willing to pay the premium for a gaming laptop.

Q: Can a gaming laptop with an RTX 4090 GPU deliver sufficient gaming performance?

A: Yes, a gaming laptop with an RTX 4090 GPU is capable of delivering high-performance gaming experiences. However, when compared to an RTX 4090 desktop GPU, the laptop GPU falls short due to its lower power limits and hardware limitations.

Q: Are there alternatives to the RTX 4090 for high-performance gaming on a laptop?

A: Yes, there are alternative GPU options available for high-performance gaming on a laptop. Nvidia offers a range of RTX 30 series GPUs with varying performance levels, providing users with options depending on their specific needs and budget.