Shunt Mod Boosts GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU Performance by Up to 40%, TGP Raised to 250W

GizmoSlipTech recently unveiled a captivating modification for the GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU, demonstrating a significant performance boost by increasing the Total Graphics Power (TGP) from 175W to 250W. This shunt mod, a popular technique among overclockers, allows for higher clock speeds by pushing the power limits of the graphics card. While this mod can lead to impressive performance gains, it is essential to note that it comes with risks and requires substantial electronics expertise, making it unsuitable for everyday users. The GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU uses the same GB203 silicon found in high-end desktop Blackwell series GPUs, such as the GeForce RTX 5080 and GeForce RTX 5070 Ti. Typically, the GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU operates with a TGP ranging from 95W to 150W, augmented by an additional 25W from Nvidia’s Dynamic Boost technology. By applying the shunt mod, GizmoSlipTech increased the TGP to 250W, a 43% hike from the standard 175W. To test the effectiveness of the shunt mod, GizmoSlipTech used an Eluktronics Hydroc 16 G2 gaming laptop equipped with an Intel Core i9 275HX CPU and a GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU. The laptop also featured 48GB (2x24GB) of DDR5-7200 memory. The results were striking: Black Myth Wukong: Performance increased by 22% Cyberpunk 2077: Performance increased by 41% Hogwarts Legacy: Performance increased by 9% Shadow of the Tomb Raider: Performance increased by 4% Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege: Performance increased by 23% The Witcher 3: Performance increased by 19% On average, the shunt-modded GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU delivered an 18% performance improvement over its stock configuration of 250W and a 40% improvement over its default 175W setting. Notably, the performance gains were most pronounced in GPU-bound games, with minimal improvements observed in CPU-bound titles like Shadow of the Tomb Raider. This mod highlights the potential of higher TGP limits in enhancing the performance of mobile GPUs, but it also underscores the risks involved. Overclocking beyond established limits can lead to hardware instability and potential damage. Additionally, performing such modifications requires specialized knowledge and precision. Laptop manufacturer XMG has shown interest in supporting higher TGP limits on Nvidia-powered devices, provided Nvidia endorses this approach. XMG’s current cooling solutions, both air and liquid, have demonstrated the capability to keep the GeForce RTX 5080 and GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPUs well within safe temperature ranges. These systems manage to keep the GPUs below 87 degrees Celsius, the recommended maximum temperature by Nvidia. However, even if some manufacturers can achieve the necessary cooling, it is important to remember that Nvidia sets specific guidelines for its products. Partners must adhere to these constraints to ensure reliability and compatibility across various systems. Bypassing these limits could result in unpredictable behavior and pose a threat to the longevity of the hardware. For those eager to explore the limits of their hardware, the video from GizmoSlipTech provides a detailed look at the process and results, offering insights into what might be possible with proper engineering and caution. Follow Tom's Hardware on Google News for the latest updates, analysis, and reviews in the tech industry.