It is generally known that GPU for laptops are less powerful than its desktop counterparts. Even though the performance difference has been significantly reduced as of late, it is still quite noticeable. For example, the differences of performance between NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M and GTX 980 is around 20%.
This happens for plenty of reasons but NVIDIA has just unveiled its solution though, by making the desktop version of its GTX 980 graphics card small enough to be fitted into a laptop. Yup…believe it.
Despite the reduction in size, users will not lose any of the processing power that the GTX 980 has, which includes 2,048 CUDA Cores, a base clock of 1,126 MHz, and memory clock speed of 7 Gbps. Coming with either 4GB or 8GB GDDR5 memory, NVIDIA claims that it only used select GTX 980 GPU chips for its notebook implementation as well as implementing 4 to 8 phase power supplies for it to provide adequate headroom for overclocking.
Speaking about overclocking, the chip comes with an unlocked clock speed and memory speed although results will vary from one notebook to another. Interestingly, NVIDIA stated that users will be able to control the speed of cooling fans on a GTX 980-based laptop even though the company is letting its OEM partners to decide and design their own thermal solutions.
To be made available in both MXM and non-MXM variants, NVIDIA claimed that the GTX 980 for laptops will have no problem delivering satisfactory frame rates at maximum graphics settings for most of the games out there at 1080p. It is also powerful enough to deliver NVIDIA Surround experience across three full HD monitors in addition to virtual reality headsets.
Here are some examples of what the GTX 980 for notebooks able to deliver through a number of brief demonstration that NVIDIA showed us during a recent regional briefing for the new GPU:
Despite this interesting development, NVIDIA stated that the company has no plans to discontinue its mobile GeForce GPU series at the moment. Additionally, it also has no information whether any of its OEM partners have plans to implement the smaller sized GTX 980 into AIOs or small form factor PCs.
Among the early batch of laptops that will feature GTX 980 are the newly announced liquid cooled ASUS RoG GX700 as well as the AORUS X7 DT, Clevo P775DM, Clevo P870DM, MSI GT72, and MSI GT80. All of these laptops will also come with G-SYNC capability as well with the exception of GT80 but it does come with SLI configuration.
You should be able to see GTX 980-based laptops in Malaysia soon enough, so keep a look for them at your favourite retailers. For more information, head on to geforce.com.
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