Nvidia Rebrands Reduced-Spec RTX 5090D as 5090D V2 for China Market

Nvidia's upcoming China-specific gaming GPU, initially referred to as the "RTX 5090DD" or "Double D," has been rebranded as the "RTX 5090D V2" according to the latest leaks. This rebranding comes as a response to the ongoing U.S. export restrictions on advanced technology to China, which have been a significant challenge for the tech industry. The RTX 5090D V2 uses the same GB202 graphics chip as the standard RTX 5090, featuring 21,760 CUDA cores and a 384-bit memory bus. However, it has been downgraded from 32GB to 24GB of VRAM, reducing its memory bandwidth from 1,792 GB/s to 1,344 GB/s. Despite these changes, the card retains a 575W TDP, indicating it will still deliver high performance, though slightly reduced compared to the full-spec model. Nvidia first introduced the RTX 5090D a few months ago to comply with the export restrictions imposed by the Trump administration. These restrictions were designed to limit China's access to high-performance computing technology, particularly GPUs. The RTX 5090D had identical performance to the standard RTX 5090 but was designated as China-exclusive to adhere to the new trade policies. However, recent delivery halts have led to speculation that another round of restrictions is looming. The RTX 5090D V2 is thus the third variant of the RTX 5090, following the original and the RTX 5090D. The reduced VRAM and narrower memory bus are likely intended to make the card less powerful while still meeting the demands of the Chinese market. In gaming scenarios, the differences may be negligible due to the ample VRAM available, and the card should remain competitive for high-end gaming and some professional tasks. China remains a crucial market for Nvidia, and the company is taking significant steps to maintain its presence despite the challenging regulatory environment. By continuously launching variants of its high-end GPUs tailored to comply with export restrictions, Nvidia aims to protect its market share and revenue streams. This strategy reflects the company's determination to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape and sustain its leadership in the tech sector. Industry insiders note that Nvidia's approach is a pragmatic solution to the export limitations, albeit one that requires ongoing adaptation. The lack of direct competition from AMD in the high-end GPU market further solidifies Nvidia's position. Commentators suggest that while the rebranding and spec adjustments may seem like a stopgap measure, they highlight Nvidia's commitment to serving the Chinese market and maintaining its technological edge. Nvidia's history of innovation and its dominant market position in both consumer and professional GPU segments make it uniquely suited to weather these challenges. The company's ability to rapidly adjust its product lineup to comply with international regulations demonstrates its agility and strategic foresight. As tensions between the U.S. and China continue, Nvidia's proactive measures underscore their dedication to remaining a global leader in semiconductor technology.