Time to discuss the Nvidia RTX 4090 Laptop mobile graphics chip released in early 2023, the most powerful dGPU option available so far for high-performance gaming and work notebooks.
The RTX 4090 is built on Nvidia’s Ada Lovelace architecture, with updated CUDA processing cores, improved Ray-Tracing capabilities, and DLSS 3, among multiple other novelties. Advanced Optimus and improved efficiency on battery use will also make a difference when running demanding loads on the go.
Of course, the devil’s always in the details, so you’ll need to go through thorough reviews before deciding on getting one of these RTX 4090 laptops (or in fact any of the new RTX 4000 configurations). Especially when considering the premium you’ll have to pay for a top-specced model, with 4090 notebooks expected to sell in the 3500 – 5000 USD/EUR range at launch.
Of course, you shouldn’t expect good value for your money with an RTX 4090 laptop. Instead, with these, you’re paying a premium and expecting the best performance available on a mobile computer. It’s as simple as that.
We will have comparisons with the RTX 4080 and 4070 mobile options on the site, as well as with the previous RTX 3080Ti/3080 Laptop chips, to help you better understand the performance differences between them and make the right buying decisions for your needs and budget.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU explained
First of all, here’s a complete specs sheet of the RTX 4090 Laptop chip next to the 2nd-best 2023 RTX 4080, and the top-tier Nvdia dGPUs of the previous two generations, the 3080Ti and the 3080.
| GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop dGPU |
GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop dGPU |
GeForce RTX 3080Ti Mobile GPU |
GeForce RTX 3080 Mobile GPU |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GPU Specs: | ||||
| CUDA Cores (ALUs) | 9728 | 7424 | 7424 | 6144 |
| Clock Speeds (Boost, MHz) |
1455 – 2040 MHz | 1350 – 2280 MHz | 810 – 1590 MHz | 780 – 1710 MHz |
| GPU Power (W) + Dyn Boost |
80 – 150 W + 25W | 80 – 150 W + 25W | 80 – 150 W + 25W | 80 – 150 W + 15W |
| Memory Specs: | ||||
| Memory | 16 GB GDDR6 | 12 GB GDDR6 | 8 or 16 GB GDDR6 | 8 or GB GDDR6 |
| Memory Clock | 2000 MHz, 16 Gbps effective |
2000 MHz, 16 Gbps effective |
2000 MHz, 16 Gbps effective |
1750 MHz, 14 Gbps effective |
| Memory Bus | 256-bit | 192-bit | 256-bit | 256-bit |
| Memory Bandwith | 512 GB/s | 384 GB/s | 512 GB/s | 448 GB/s |
| Technology: | ||||
| GPU Architecture | Ada Lovelace | Ada Lovelace | Ampere | Ampere |
| GPU Chip | AD103, TSMC 4nm | AD104, TSMC 4 nm | GA103, Samsung 8nm | GA104, Samsung 8nm |
| Tensor/AI Cores | 304, 4th Gen | 232, 4th Gen | 232, 3rd Gen | 192, 3rd Gen |
| RT Cores | 76, 3rd Gen | 58, 3rd Gen | 58, 2nd Gen | 48, 2nd Gen |
| TMUs | 304 | 232 | 232 | 192 |
| ROPs |
112 | 80 | 96 | 96 |
| DLSS | DLSS 3 | DLSS 3 | DLSS 2 | DLSS 2 |
| Encoder | 2x 8th Gen | 2x 8th Gen | 7th Gen | 7th Gen |
| Decoder | 5th Gen | 5th Gen | 5th Gen | 5th Gen |
The RTX 4090 (link to Nvidia’s official website) is the most advanced mobile dGPU ever made, with the highest number of CUDA, RT, and Tensor cores, as well as the latest generation updates of all these processing units. This makes the RTX 4090 the prime GPU option for 4K gaming on a modern notebook, especially for the most demanding AAA games.
At the same time, the 4090 is still available in a multitude of variants, with power packages between 80 to 150W and support for up to +25W extra with Dynamic Boost 2.0. The lower-power MaxQ variants are meant for ultraportable designs, while full-size laptops will get the full-power 150W variant, and the overall performance will vary between each implementation.
The Cores clocks vary alongside the power settings as well (up to 1455 MHz at 80W, up to 2040MHz at 150W), but all the other features remain identical between them.
As far as performance goes, the 150W RTX 4090 Laptop chip should be capable of a 25+% boost in rasterization capabilities compared to a 150W 3080Ti Laptop, while the gains in RTX and DLSS performance should be notably more significant.
Furthermore, the transition to the Ada Lovelace architecture built on the improved TSMC 4nm node will translate into improved efficiency as well. That’s important if you plant to use your laptop on batter mode, on the go, and not always keep it plugged in on your desk.
In comparison, the RTX 4080 should perform closer to the previous-gen RTX 3080Ti, although the Ampere chip will maintain an advantage in certain situations due to the extra amount of memory and ROP units. At the same time, RTX 4080 laptops should be more affordable than 3080Ti notebooks at discount, while the latest 4090 will match the pricing of those 3080Ti models when new.
What to expect wityh the RTX 4090 dGPU built on the Nvidia Ada Lovelace architecture
RTX 4090 vs 4080, 3080Ti performance, benchmarks
I’m updating this section in the very near future, once the NDAs allow us to publish reviews and benchmark results for the 4090 and 4080 implementations. Stay close.
The few benchmarks leaked so far suggest a massive increase in performance for the RTX 4090 vs. the previous RTX 3080Ti top-tier mobile dGPU (even 2x the performance in some cases), yet those were released under Nvidia’s supervision and don’t paint an exact picture of real-use capabilities. Thus, I’ll wait for more real reviews of retail products before drawing conclusions.
Once we get our reviews done, we’ll compare those findings with a handful of top-tier platforms from the previous generations: the RTX 3080Ti and the RTX 3080, both in some of the most powerful implementations of their times.
–updating
| Benchmarks results | RTX 4090 175W, to be updated |
RTX 4090 125W, to be updated |
RTX 4080 175W, to be updated |
RTX 3080Ti 175W, (2022 Lenovo Legion 7i) |
RTX 3080 155W, (2021 MSI GE Raider) |
| 3DMark – Fire Strike Graphics | – | – | – | 32570 | 32205 |
| 3DMark – Port Royal | – | – | – | 8571 | 7624 |
| 3DMark – Time Spy Graphics | – | – | – | 13576 | 12696 |
| Uniengine Superposition, 1080p Extreme |
– | – | – | 8277 | 7957 |
| Blender 3.01 GPU Computer, CUDA, Optix |
– | – | – | 32.3s (CUDA), 19.3s (Optix) | 32.9s (CUDA), 21.2s (Optix) |
| SPECviewperf 2020 – 3DSMax | – | – | – | 143.71 | 131.49 |
| SPECviewperf 2020 – Maya | – | – | – | 340.37 | 355.24 |
And here are some gaming results on these platforms.
| Gaming results | RTX 4090 175W, to be updated |
RTX 4090 125W, to be updated |
RTX 4080 175W, to be updated |
RTX 3080Ti 175W, (2022 Lenovo Legion 7i), QHD+ 1600p resolution |
RTX 3080 155W, (2021 MSI GE Raider), QHD 1440p resolution |
| Battlefield V (DX 12, Ultra Preset, RTX OFF) |
– | – | – | 138 fps (47 fps – 1% low) | 134 fps (38 fps – 1% low) |
| Battlefield V (DX 12, Ultra Preset, RTX ON, DLSS OFF) |
– | – | – | 84 fps (46 fps – 1% low) | 88 fps (33 fps – 1% low) |
| Cyberpunk 2077 (DX 12, Ultra Preset, RTX OFF) |
– | – | – | 54 fps (42 fps – 1% low) | 58 fps (46 fps – 1% low) |
| Far Cry 6 (DX 12, Ultra Preset, TAA) |
– | – | – | 86 fps (54 fps – 1% low) | – |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 (DX 12, Ultra Optimized, TAA) |
– | – | – | 96 fps (68 fps – 1% low) | 98 fps (68 fps – 1% low) |
| Shadow of Tomb Raider (DX 12, Highest Preset, TAA) |
– | – | – | 107 fps (70 fps – 1% low) | 101 fps (38 fps – 1% low) |
— updating conclusions
The complete list of Nvidia RTX 4090 laptops
This first subsection lists the few compact thin-and-light designs available in each size category with RTX 4090 Laptop graphics. To keep things simple, I’m including sub-15-inch designs here, as well as 15-inch + models that weigh up to 5 lbs/ 2.2 kilos.
There are only very few such options available, at least for the time being.
| Model | Screen | Hardware | Graphics | Weight |
| 2023 Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 GA402 | 14-inch 16:10 IPS or miniLED QHD+ 165Hz matte | up to Ryzen 9 7940HS / max 48 GB DDR5 RAM | up to RTX 4090 (125W), MUX | 3.65 lbs / 1.65 kg |
| hardware update of the 2022 model reviewed here; lightweight magnesium build; RGB backlit keyboard; 16:10 screens with updated mini LED panel and FHD camera; 1x memory slot + 8/16 GB soldered RAM, single M.2 PCIe gen4 SSD; AMD Ryzen 7000 CPUs and Nvidia GPUs, up to 4090 125W; vapor-chamber cooling; 76 Wh battery, 280W charger; quad-speakers | ||||
| Price: – | ||||
| Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 GU604 | 16-inch 16:10 miniLED QHD+ 240Hz matte | up to Core i9-13900H / max 48 GB RAM DDR4-3200 | up to RTX 4090 (145W), MUX | 4.64 lbs /2.1 kg |
| new 2023 model, somewhat thicker and heavier than the previous M16; clean magnesium and aluminum build, with optional Anime Matrix; RGB backlit keyboard; 16:10 display with miniLED or IPS panels; up to i9 and RTX 4090 145W with updated tri-fan cooling; 2x RAM sticks, 2x M.2 gen4 SSDs; easily serviceable; 90 Wh battery + 280W charger; 6x speakers | ||||
| Price: – |
With those out of the way, let’s go over the reminding full-size gaming and creator/workstation laptops that can be configured with up to an RTX 4090 Laptop dGPU.
Most of these pair the RTX 4090 dGPU with the most advanced Core i9 HX (Intel 13th-gen) and Ryzen 9 HX (AMD Ryzen 7000) hardware platforms. Some are the latest 18-inch laptop format.
These options are listed alphabetically.
| Model | Screen | Hardware | Graphics | Weight |
| Aorus 17X 2023 | 17.3-inch QHD IPS 240Hz | up to Core i9-13950HX / max 64 GB RAM DDR5-5200 | up to RTX 4090 (175W), MUX | 6.2 lbs /2.8 kg |
| 2023 hardware refresh of the previous chassis; per-key RGB keyboard; QHD 16:9 display; multiple configurations – up to i9-13950HX + 4090; 2x RAM and 2x SSD slots; 99 Wh battery + 330W charger, dual speakers | ||||
| Price: – | ||||
| Alienware m16 | 16-inch 16:10 IPS QHD 240Hz | up to Core i9-13980HX / max 64 GB RAM DDR5-5200 | up to RTX 4090 (175W), MUX | 5.4 lbs /2.45 kg |
| new 2023 model; premium design with Cherry MX RGB keyboard and several screen options; several configurations, up to i9 + RTX 4090 175 (250W total power design) and AMD Advantage variants; 2x RAM, 4x gen4 SSD; complex quad-fan cooling module; 86 Wh battery, 280W charger, dual-speakers | ||||
| Price: – | ||||
| Alienware x16 | 16-inch 16:10 IPS, up to QHD 240Hz | up to Core i9-13980HX / max 32 GB RAM DDR5-5600 | up to RTX 4090 (175W), MUX | 6 lbs /2.7 kg |
| new 2023 model; premium thin design, but not lightweight; Cherry MX RGB keyboard and several screen options; several configurations, up to i9 + RTX 4090 175; soldered RAM, 2x gen4 SSD; dual-fan vapor chamber cooling module; 90 Wh battery, 280W charger, 6x speakers | ||||
| Price: – | ||||
| Alienware m18 | 18-inch 16:10 IPS QHD 240Hz | up to Core i9-13980HX / max 64 GB RAM DDR5-5200 | up to RTX 4090 (175W), MUX | 7.3 lbs /3.3 kg |
| new 2023 model; 18-inch version of the Alienware m16, with larger cooling and 97 WH battery | ||||
| Price: – | ||||
| Asus ROG Strix SCAR 16 G634 | 16-inch 16:10 miniLED QHD+ 240Hz | up to Core i9-13980HX / max 64 GB RAM DDR5-5200 | up to RTX 4090 (175W), MUX | 5.5 lbs /2.5 kg |
| new 2023 model, premium 16-inch performance laptop, per-key RGB keyboard and various screen options, including miniLED; multiple configurations, up to Core i9-13980HX + RTX 4090 with tri-fan cooling module and 7 heatpipes; 90W battery + 330W charger; quad speakers. | ||||
| Price: Price: from $3749 for 4090 model | ||||
| Asus ROG Strix Scar 17 | 17.3-inch 16:9 FHD+ 165 Hz / QHD+ 240 Hz matte | up to Ryzen 9 7945HX / max 64 GB DDR5 RAM | up to RTX 4090 (175W), MUX | 6.5 lbs / 3 kg |
| 2023 update of the 2022 ROG Scar 17 SE chassis; premium-tier design and build; per-key RGB keyboard; FHD+ or QHD+ 16:10 screens up to 100% DCI-P3 colors; various AMD + Nvidia configurations, up to Ryzen 9 + RTX 4090 175W, 2x RAM, 2x gen4 SSD; vapor-chamber cooling; 90 Wh battery, up to 330W charger, quad-speakers | ||||
| Price: – | ||||
| Asus ROG Strix SCAR 18 G634 | 18-inch 16:10 IPS QHD+ 240Hz | up to Core i9-13980HX / max 64 GB RAM DDR5-5200 | up to RTX 4090 (175W), MUX | 6.9 lbs /3.1 kg |
| detailed review – new 2023 model, larger version of the 16-inch Scar 16, without a miniLED display and with a bigger cooling module | ||||
| Price: from $3899 for 4090 model | ||||
| Asus ROG Strix G16 G614 | 16-inch 16:10 IPS QHD+ 240Hz | up to Core i9-13980HX / max 64 GB RAM DDR5-4800 | up to RTX 4090 (175W), MUX | 5.5 lbs /2.5 kg |
| new 2023 model, mid-tier 16-inch performance laptop; simpler design and no RGB, zone RGB keyboard and various IPS screen options; multiple configurations, up to Core i9-13980HX + RTX 4090 with tri-fan cooling module; 90W battery + 330W charger; quad speakers | ||||
| Price: – | ||||
| Asus ROG Strix G18 G814 | 18-inch 16:10 IPS QHD+ 240Hz | up to Core i9-13980HX / max 64 GB RAM DDR5-4800 | up to RTX 4090 (175W), MUX | 6.9 lbs /3.1 kg |
| new 2023 model, the larger 18-inch version of the 16-inch Strix G16, with an ampler cooling module | ||||
| Price: – | ||||
| Asus ROG Zephyrus DUO 16 | 16-inch 16:10 miniLED QHD+ 240 Hz matte | up to Ryzen 9 7945HX / max 64 GB DDR5 RAM | up to RTX 4090 (165W), MUX | 5.9 lbs / 2.7 kg |
| 2023 hardware refresh of the 2022 model reviewed here; metal build with updated ScreenPad sliding mechanism; dual screens with QHD miniLED or UHD dual-spec panels, 16:10 format; per-key RGB backlit keyboard; multiple configurations available, tops at Ryzen 9 with RTX 4090 165W; 2x RAM, 2x M.2 storage; 90 Wh battery and 330W charger; 6x speakers | ||||
| Price: – | ||||
| HP Omen 17 | 17.3-inch IPS FHD/QHD 165 Hz matte | Core i9-13900HX / max 64 GB RAM DDR5-4800 | up to RTX 4090 (175W ??), MUX | 6.2 lbs / 2.8 kg |
| 2023 refresh of the previous generation, 17-inch performance/gaming laptop; 4-zone RGB keyboard, 16:9 displays; full IO and inputs, multiple configuration options, up to i9 and RTX 4090; 83 Wh battery + 330W charger; dual speakers | ||||
| Price: – | ||||
| Lenovo Legion Pro 7 | 16-inch 16:10 QHD+ 240 Hz matte | up to Ryzen 9 7945HX / max 64 GB DDR5 RAM | up to RTX 4090 (175W), MUX | 6.2 lbs / 2.8 kg |
| new 2023 model; premium-tier design and metal build; per-key RGB keyboard; QHD+ 16:10 screen with 100% sRGB colors; various AMD Ryzen HX + Nvidia configurations, up to Ryzen 9 7945HX (16C/32T) + RTX 4090, 2x RAM, 2x gen4 SSD; 99 Wh battery, up to 330W charger, dual-speakers | ||||
| Price:- | ||||
| Lenovo Legion Pro 7i | 16-inch 16:10 IPS QHD+ 165-240 Hz | up to Core i9-13900HX / max 64 GB RAM DDR5-6000 OC | up to RTX 4090 (175W), MUX | 6.2 lbs / 2.8 kg |
| new 2023 design, high-performance notebook; premium metallic build, per-key RGB keyboard; multiple configurations – up to i9-13900HX + RTX 4090 (235W total power), with vapor chamber cooling; easily serviceable; 2x RAM and 2x SSD slots; 99 Wh battery + 330W charger, dual speakers | ||||
| Price: – | ||||
| MSI Raider GE78HX | 17-inch IPS 16:10 QHD+ 240Hz | up to Core i9-13980HX / max 64 GB RAM DDR5-6000 | up to RTX 4090 (175W), MUX | 6.9 lbs / 3.1 kg |
| new 2023 model, high-performance 17-inch gaming notebook; premium metallic build and RGB elements; 16:10 display; up to Core i9 HX and RTX 4090 175W (250W total power), 2x RAM slots, 2xM.2 PCIe; 99 Wh battery + 330W charger; 6x speakers | ||||
| Price: $3999 for i9 + 4090 – configurations and updated prices | ||||
| MSI Stealth 17 Studio | 17.3-inch 16:9 IPS or miniLED, matte | up to Core i9-13900H / max 64 GB RAM DDR5-5200 | up to RTX 4090 (105W), MUX | 6.2 lbs /2.8 kg |
| refresh of the 2022 chasiss; premium metal design; per-key RGB keyboard and excellent IO; multiple 16:9 display options, up to 4K miniLED 144Hz; up to i9 and RTX 4090 105W specs, 2x RAM, 2x SSDs; 99 Wh battery + 240W charger; 6x speakers | ||||
| Price: – | ||||
| MSI Titan GT77HX 13V | 17.3-inch miniLED 4K 144Hz | up to Core i9-13980HX / max 128 GB RAM DDR5-6000 | up to RTX 4090 (175W), MUX | 7.3 lbs / 3.3 kg |
| 2023 refresh, high-performance 17-inch gaming notebook; premium metallic build and RGB elements; cherry MX mechanical keyboard; 4K 144Hz miniLED matte screen; up to Core i9 HX CPU + RTX 4090 – 250W total power design, 4x RAM slots, 4xM.2 PCIe; easily serviceable; 99 Wh battery + 330W charger; quad speakers | ||||
| Price: $4599 for i9 + 4090 – configurations and updated prices | ||||
| Razer Blade 16 | 16-inch 16:10 miniLED dual-spec UHD/FHD | up to Core i9-13950HX / max 64 GB RAM DDR5 | up to RTX 4090 (175W), MUX | 5.4 lbs / 2.45 kg |
| detailed review – new 2023 model, premium all-purpose laptop; per-key RGB keyboard; 16:10 IPS QHD or miniLED display with dual-spec UHD 120Hz/FHD 240Hz modes; various configurations, up to i9 and RTX 4090 175W, dual-fan cooling, 2x RAM sticks, 2x M.2 gen4 SSDs; easily serviceable; 96 Wh battery; 4x speakers | ||||
| Price: $3999 for i9 + 4090 model | ||||
| Razer Blade 18 | 18-inch 16:10 IPS QHD+ 240Hz | up to Core i9-13980HX / max 64 GB RAM DDR5-5200 | up to RTX 4090 (175W), MUX | 7.1 lbs / 3.2 kg |
| new 2023 model, larger variant of the Blade 16 with 5MPx camera, tri-fan cooling, 92 battery, and 6x speakers | ||||
| Price: $3999 for i9 + 4090 model | ||||
| XMG Neo 16, Eluktronics MECH-16 GP2 |
16-inch 16:10 IPS QHD+ 240 Hz matte | i9-13900HX / max 64 GB RAM DDR5-6400 | up to RTX 4090 (175W), MUX | 5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg |
| new 2023 model, 16-inch mid-range design, barebone gaming laptop; 4-zone RGB or per-key CherryMX mechanical keyboard; 16:10 IPS display; multiple configuration options, up to i9 HX and RTX 4090, 2x RAM, 2x SSD; dual-fan cooling module with Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut liquid metal on CPU/GPU + optional liquid cooling; 99 Wh battery + 330W charger; dual speakers | ||||
| Price: ~ 4000 USD/EUR for 4090 configurations | ||||
| XMG Neo 17, Eluktronics MECH-17 GP2 |
17-inch 16:10 IPS QHD+ 240 Hz matte | i9-13900HX / max 64 GB RAM DDR5-6400 | up to RTX 4090 (175W), MUX | 6.2 lbs / 2.8 kg |
| new 2023 model, 17-inch mid-range design, barebone gaming laptop; slightly larger version of the 16-inch variant discussed earlier | ||||
| Price: ~ 4000 USD/EUR for 4090 configurations | ||||
| XMG Ultra 17 | 17.3-inch 16:9 IPS FHD 300Hz or 4K matte | i9-13900HX / max 128 GB RAM DDR5 | up to RTX 4090 (175W), MUX | 9.9 lbs / 4.5 kg |
| hardware refresh, 17-inch full-size design, Clevo X370 barebone gaming laptop; multiple configurations, including i9 + RTX 4090, 4x RAM, 3x SSD including 1x gen5 slot, 97 WH battery and dual chargers | ||||
| Price: – |
Best RTX 4090 laptops in 2023 (portable, gaming, workstations)
If you’re after a powerful portable and compact laptop with a 4090 inside, the 2023 update of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is your single and best option right now.
This is unmatched in its class and implements an advanced vapor chamber cooling module, but it is nonetheless constrained by its size and won’t match the performance capabilities of the larger options, as shown earlier in the Benchmarks section.
The ROG Zephyrus M16 is an interesting middle-grounder, a 16-inch laptop more compact and lightweight than the other full-size options, and that makes it a solid all-purpose laptop. This does get a tri-fan thermal module with oversized radiators, but it’s still only a mid-powered implementation of the Intel Core i9 HX platform and the RTX 4090 Laptop dGPU.
With those out of the way, if you’re OK with a larger and heavier computer, there are a lot of excellent full-size options running Mobile RTX 4090s at their full capacity (150W TGP + up to 25W with Dynamic Boost).
I’m still waiting to review them all before drawing conclusions, but I incline toward recommending the ROG Scar models with either Intel or AMD platforms, the updated MSI Raider and Titan notebooks, and the completely revamped Razer Blades as contenders for the “Best in Class” prize. The Blades in particular have that pristine build quality and non-gaming design on their side, which none of the other options can match.
These are all expensive, though, so if you’re looking for a 4090 Laptop that’s a tad more affordable than most, the Omen 17X from HP and those barebone designs from XMG or Eluktronics should be on your list. Especially the NEOs with the 16:10 displays and liquid-metal cooling accessories. Just don’t expect with these barebone chassis the same build quality and features that you’ll get with some of the other brands.
Wrap-up
Well, that’s about it for our coverage of top-tier performance laptops specced with Nvidia RTX 4090 Laptop graphics.
I’m keeping this up-to-date with new info and products as they become available.