What you need to know
- NVIDIA is debuting RTX SUPER graphics cards on laptops.
- The cards feature new Max-Q optimizations for eking out more efficiency while delivering better performance at the same time.
- RTX 2060-powered designs are available at $999 from ASUS, Acer, MSI, HP, and more.
NVIDIA is introducing its RTX SUPER graphics cards on laptops for the first time, with the GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER and 2070 SUPER now available for customization. Over 100 designs powered by the RTX 2080 SUPER, RTX 2070 SUPER, and the RTX 2060 will be available from NVIDIA's global partners starting from the week of April 15.
RTX SUPER graphics cards feature dedicated RT cores for real-time ray tracing, and NVIDIA is also touting significant enhancements to its Max-Q technology. As a refresher, Max-Q allows NVIDIA's partners to deliver the latest video cards in thin and lightweight designs, with the feature striking a balance between performance and efficiency.
Updates to Max-Q means you now get double the efficiency and better performance.
NVIDIA says Max-Q now delivers double the efficiency from previous designs thanks to new features like Dynamic Boost, which automatically balances power going to the GPU and CPU on a per-frame basis to deliver better performance without increasing energy consumption. Then there's increased memory efficiency via lower voltage GDDR6 memory, next-generation voltage regulators, and a more advanced Optimus mode that automatically determines which GPU is controlling the display.
Essentially, the updates to Max-Q will allow for better performance while taking up less energy. To that effect, NVIDIA is also enabling Deep Learning Super Sampling 2.0 (DLSS 2.0) on the new designs. The feature leverages dedicated Tensor Cores on the GPU to boost in-game frame rates while still retaining image quality.
NVIDIA's partners are rolling out RTX 2060-powered designs that debut at $999, and these include the Acer Nitro 5, ASUS ROG Strix G15, HP Omen 15, MSI GF65 Thin, the Lenovo Legion Y540 and 5i and the MSI GF65 Thin. More models will be announced at a later date, but for now that's a strong launch lineup.
NVIDIA is also touting 10 new RTX Studio laptops featuring the latest graphics cards and Intel's 10th-gen chipsets, with designs from Acer, Gigabyte, MSI and Razer. The dedicated RT cores in RTX graphics cards facilitate GPU-accelerated apps, with NVIDIA offering compatibility with 45 utilities, including Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, AutoDesk Arnold, Blender, and more.
The new laptops will be available to customers starting April 15. Be sure to check out our collection of the best graphics cards to see the top hardware available now.
Need more information on some of the new designs that are set to go on sale in the coming weeks? We have you covered:
