In a bold move that pushes the boundaries of portable computing, a Chinese modder has created a monstrous laptop that houses full desktop components, including NVIDIA's flagship GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card and AMD's top-tier Ryzen 9 7950X3D processor.
This behemoth of mobile computing, weighing in at over 15 pounds (about 8kg), challenges the very definition of a laptop. The creator, known as Newbie who loves overclocking on the Chinese video platform Bilibili, has managed to cram some of the most powerful desktop components available into a portable form factor.
An impressive high-performance gaming laptop showcasing desktop components, emphasizing the cutting-edge nature of portable computing |
Specs that Defy Laptop Norms
The specifications of this unique device are nothing short of impressive:
- Graphics: Desktop NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D (desktop AM5 socket)
- RAM: 32GB DDR5-6800
- Storage: Intel Optane P5800 SSD
- Motherboard: Mini-ITX form factor
Performance That Rivals Desktops
Despite its unconventional form factor, this portable powerhouse doesn't compromise on performance. In 3DMark Time Spy, the system scored 28,490 points, which is remarkably close to the average desktop RTX 4090 score of 30,482. This result significantly outperforms the average RTX 4090 laptop GPU score of 20,459, highlighting the performance gap between mobile and desktop variants of the same-named GPU.
A visual representation of the benchmarking score and performance metrics of the innovative laptop, highlighting its desktop-class capability |
Thermal Management and Power Consumption
Surprisingly, the desktop RTX 4090 manages to maintain relatively cool temperatures in this compact chassis. The creator reports that during a 27-hour gaming session, the GPU averaged 70 degrees Celsius while consuming between 440W and 475W. This thermal performance is impressive given the confined space and high power draw.
Practicality and Portability
While the device can technically fit in a backpack, its 15-pound weight and 2.75-inch thickness make it more of a luggable than a true laptop. Additionally, the power requirements of the desktop components mean that this machine is dependent on wall power, as no laptop battery could sustain the RTX 4090's power draw for any meaningful duration.
The Mobile GPU Controversy
This project seems to be a direct response to the controversy surrounding NVIDIA's mobile RTX 4090. Many enthusiasts have criticized the significant performance gap between the desktop and mobile versions of the RTX 4090, despite sharing the same name. The mobile variant's specifications and performance are closer to a desktop RTX 4080 or even a previous-generation RTX 3090.
Looking Ahead
As we approach the next generation of GPUs, it remains to be seen how NVIDIA will address the naming and performance discrepancies between desktop and mobile variants. The upcoming Blackwell architecture may offer opportunities to narrow this gap, particularly in mid-range offerings.
While this 15-pound laptop may not be practical for most users, it serves as an impressive demonstration of what's possible when pushing the limits of mobile computing. It also highlights the ongoing debate about performance expectations and marketing practices in the world of gaming laptops.