NVIDIA's laptop graphics processors are being held back - a modifier oversteps boundaries with a 250W RTX 5090 and unlocks an additional 40% performance
The review of the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (G835L) gaming laptop, equipped with the NVIDIA RTX 5090 Laptop GPU, revealed that the device did not perform as expected. However, a solution has emerged for those seeking to unlock the full potential of this high-end mobile graphics card.
Eluktronics and XMG, manufacturers of laptops, have been seeking NVIDIA's approval to configure GPU power draw based on specific supporting hardware. In the meantime, a technique known as shunt modding has been employed to push the RTX 5090 beyond its 175W power ceiling.
Shunt modding involves replacing a physical resistor inside the GPU to trick it into running at a higher wattage. The RTX 5090 Laptop GPU uses the GB203 chip, which is also found in the desktop and laptop versions of the RTX 5080.
In specific game testing, the shunted RTX 5090 performed better in Black Myth: Wukong, Hogwarts Legacy, Rainbow Six: Siege, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and The Witcher 3. In 3DMark Time Spy, the shunt-modded RTX 5090 Laptop GPU scored 33,056, a 27% increase compared to other RTX 5090 laptops running at 175W.
A Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (Gen 10) with an RTX 5080 Laptop GPU offered similar FPS performance in games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5, but for $1,000+ less. A video from Youtuber GizmoSlipTech demonstrates that the mobile RTX 5090 has more power available, but it is hidden away behind power allowances.
Advancements in system engineering, including thermal interface designs and liquid cooling solutions, have improved power and heat dissipation capabilities in mobile platforms. However, it is important to note that shunt modding is not recommended for individuals to attempt on their own due to potential risks and complications.
In 3DMark Steel Nomad, the difference between the shunt-modded mobile RTX 5090 and the stock 175W 5090 grew to 41%, demonstrating a significant performance improvement. To push the mobile RTX 5090 beyond its 175W power ceiling, a "shunt mod" was required, which is a technique that may not be suitable for those without extensive PC component tinkering experience.
Across a range of modern games, performance uplifts typically range from 15% to 29% at 250W, compared to the stock 175W profile. For example, Cyberpunk 2077 sees a 22% increase, The Witcher 3 a 29% increase, and Black Myth: Wukong a 23% increase. Gains are more modest in some titles (e.g., ~15% in Rainbow Six Siege and Hogwarts Legacy).
Merely increasing power does not guarantee peak gains; additional manual overclocking and voltage curve tweaks are often needed to fully realize the benefits of the elevated power envelope. A representative suite of games shows an average performance improvement of around 18%, but this figure can rise further with additional clock speed tuning and optimization.
However, it is crucial to be aware of the risks associated with shunt modding. Incorrect modding can permanently damage the GPU, motherboard, or other components. Running the GPU at 250W generates substantially more heat and requires robust cooling solutions beyond what most laptops provide. Thermal throttling or even overheating shutdowns are likely unless the system is specifically engineered to handle the extra load.
Consistently running components beyond their design limits may shorten the lifespan of the GPU and associated parts due to increased electrical and thermal stress. Instability issues, crashes, or artifacting may occur if the system cannot reliably deliver the extra power or manage the additional heat.
In conclusion, shunt modding the RTX 5090 mobile GPU to run at 250W can yield a 15–40% performance uplift depending on the application and tuning, with gaming typically seeing gains in the 18–30% range. However, this comes with significant risks, including hardware damage, heat management challenges, warranty voiding, and potential instability. Such mods are best left to experienced enthusiasts willing to accept these trade-offs for maximum performance.
- Two manufacturers, Eluktronics and XMG, are aiming to receive NVIDIA's approval to adjust GPU power draw based on specific hardware, as a solution for optimizing the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 (G835L) gaming laptop's performance.
- A technique called shunt modding has been applied to push the RTX 5090 Laptop GPU, with the GB203 chip found in its desktop and laptop counterparts, beyond its 175W power ceiling.
- In various game testing and 3DMark benchmarks, the shunt-modded RTX 5090 performed better than the stock version, demonstrating significant performance improvements.
- Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (Gen 10) with an RTX 5080 Laptop GPU offered competitive FPS performance in certain games at a lower price point.
- It should be noted that shunt modding, which is required to push the mobile RTX 5090 beyond its 175W power ceiling, involves risks such as hardware damage, thermal management challenges, and potential instability, making it unsuitable for individuals without extensive PC component tinkering experience.
