NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090D Driver Update: Progress or Problem?

NVIDIA recently launched a new 546.34 WHQL driver for its GeForce RTX 4090D graphics card, specifically tailored for the Chinese market. This release, being the first to officially support the new card, has sparked mixed reactions among users. The update, exclusively meant for the RTX 4090D, has led to questions about the appropriateness of such an approach. While some suggest this specialized update signifies NVIDIA’s aim for closer integration with the Chinese market, others view it as a limitation for the global user community.

The GeForce RTX 4090D itself is a scaled-down version of the Ada Lovelace GPU found in the RTX 4090. It boasts 14,592 CUDA cores, a boost clock of up to 2520 MHz, 24 GB of GDDR6X memory at 21 Gbps, a 384-bit bus interface, and a TGP of up to 425W. Despite offering performance comparable to the RTX 4090, it has 11% fewer CUDA and Tensor cores and lacks overclocking support. These constraints, coupled with a price similar to the RTX 4090 (about 12,999 RMB or approximately $1,800), cast doubts on the value proposition of the new model for end-users.

Experts believe that such decisions by NVIDIA might be driven by recent changes in US trade policy towards China, leading to the creation of specialized products for this market. However, critics argue that this approach could intensify a divide between Chinese and international consumers, as well as question NVIDIA’s strategy in creating universal and accessible products.

The new driver supports technologies such as DLSS 3, but its narrow focus on a single GPU model and limited availability might raise concerns among a broader audience. This update opens a discussion on NVIDIA’s future direction and its interaction with different markets, particularly in light of its recent strategic partnership with China.