The product has been designed to fully adhere to U.S. export regulations. It reportedly performs 5% slower in gaming and creating compared to the banned RTX 4090.
U.S. chip-maker Nvidia recently introduced a modified version of an advanced gaming chip tailored to comply with U.S. export controls targeting China. This new chip, named the GeForce RTX 4090 D, is set to be available to Chinese customers starting January. Reportedly, this chip represents a significant advancement in performance, efficiency, and AI-driven graphics.
The development of the GeForce RTX 4090 D was in direct response to the U.S. government’s export controls. The product has been designed to fully adhere to these regulations as Nvidia engaged extensively with the U.S. government during its development. This launch marks the first China-specific chip released by Nvidia since the Biden Administration’s export rules were unveiled in October. These rules led to the blocking of two modified AI chips intended for the Chinese market, the A800 and H800, as well as a high-end gaming chip, the RTX 4090.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Raimondo stated that while Nvidia can continue to sell AI chips in China, it is restricted from selling those with the highest processing power. The new RTX 4090 D chip, designed specifically for the Chinese market, reportedly performs 5% slower in gaming and creating compared to the banned RTX 4090. Priced at 12,999 yuan ($1,842), the RTX 4090 D is slightly more expensive than the second most advanced chip in the product series available in China.
In early November it was speculated that Nvidia might announce three new AI chips targeted at the Chinese market. However it was later revealed that Nvidia informed its Chinese customers of a delay in launching one of these chips until the first quarter of the next year, with the other two chips not yet appearing on Nvidia’s China website.
Nvidia has been a dominant force in China’s $7 billion AI chip market, holding over 90% market share. However, the U.S. restrictions could potentially open doors for local companies like Huawei Technologies to expand their presence in this market.
