In a move to adhere to U.S. export controls targeting China, leading chipmaker Nvidia has introduced a modified version of its advanced gaming chip. The company claims that the new chip, named the GeForce RTX 4090 D, brings a “quantum leap in performance, efficiency, and artificial intelligence-driven graphics.” This China-focused chip is set to hit the market in January 2024.
Nvidia emphasizes that the GeForce RTX 4090 D has been meticulously designed to fully comply with U.S. government export controls. Throughout the development process, the company engaged extensively with U.S. authorities to ensure adherence to regulations.
This launch follows the unveiling of export rules by the Biden Administration in October. The rules impacted Nvidia’s previous offerings tailored for the Chinese market, including the A800 and H800 AI chips. The RTX 4090 gaming chip also faced restrictions. As a response, Nvidia introduces the GeForce RTX 4090 D to cater specifically to the Chinese customer base.
The latest chip marks a notable development as the first China-focused chip Nvidia has officially launched since the introduction of the export rules. The company had hinted at the possibility of announcing new AI chips for the Chinese market as early as November, but the plans were delayed.
The October export rules have significantly impacted Nvidia’s position in China’s AI chip market, where it previously commanded over 90% share. Analysts predict that these restrictions could create opportunities for domestic players like Huawei Technologies to make strides in the market.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Raimondo clarified in a December 11 interview that Nvidia can still sell AI chips to China, with the condition that they do not possess the highest processing power. The move reflects the delicate balance between technological innovation and regulatory compliance in the global semiconductor landscape.
Compared to its predecessor, the banned RTX 4090, the China-focused RTX 4090 D is reported to be marginally slower by about 5%, providing an alternative for Chinese gamers and tech enthusiasts.
As Nvidia adapts to evolving regulatory landscapes, the tech industry watches closely to see how these developments shape the dynamics of international trade and technological collaboration.
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Credit: Eduardo Baptista; Michael Perry