NVIDIA Confirms GeForce RTX 5090D: Exclusive Variant Tailored for the Chinese Market
NVIDIA is making waves with the announcement of the GeForce RTX 5090D, a special variant of its flagship RTX 5090 GPU. Leaked details from the reliable MEGAsizeGPU confirm the existence of this China-exclusive model, which has been designed to navigate U.S. export restrictions on high-performance graphics hardware.
A Closer Look at the RTX 5090D
The RTX 5090D follows in the footsteps of the RTX 4090D (available now on Amazon), which launched last year with a lower core count and reduced power limits. The approach allows NVIDIA to comply with regulatory requirements while still offering high-performance GPUs in restricted regions. Despite the reduced specifications, the RTX 5090D is expected to deliver performance levels that closely rival the global RTX 5090.
One notable limitation, however, is the lack of overclocking capability, a measure implemented to discourage end-users from bypassing factory-imposed restrictions. Nevertheless, as with the RTX 4090D, enthusiasts expect the 5090D to perform on par with the standard variant under certain workloads.
Why “5090D”?
The “D” in the RTX 5090D stands for “Dragon,” a nod to its exclusive availability in China. While 2025 marks the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac, the GPU’s branding aligns with the Year of the Dragon, which officially ends on January 28, 2025. This suggests the GPU will hit shelves before this date, solidifying its connection to the Chinese market.
Market Dynamics and Restrictions
The RTX 5090D’s exclusivity isn’t limited to China—it also applies to other regions facing similar restrictions, including Country Groups D1, D4, and D5, such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Vietnam. Israel is notably excluded from these restrictions.
NVIDIA’s strategy with these “D” variants reflects its ability to adapt to geopolitical and regulatory challenges while continuing to serve key markets. However, enthusiasts in restricted regions might still find themselves searching for creative solutions to access global models.
The Bigger Picture: GPU Manufacturing and Corporate Shifts
NVIDIA’s approach mirrors wider trends in the industry. Companies like ZOTAC have already adjusted their operations, moving their headquarters out of Hong Kong to Singapore to minimize exposure to geopolitical risks. GPU assembly lines are also being relocated, with Indonesia emerging as a new manufacturing hub.
That said, GPU production remains concentrated in China, making NVIDIA’s ability to deliver region-specific variants like the RTX 5090D critical to its success in maintaining a global footprint.
What’s Next?
While NVIDIA has yet to officially announce the GeForce RTX 5090D, the confirmed leaks leave little doubt about its imminent arrival. The card is poised to offer a unique solution to a complex regulatory environment, ensuring that high-performance gaming and AI applications remain accessible to users in restricted markets.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the official launch window, expected before the Chinese New Year in January 2025.
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