The GPU isn't that bad at all, and performs slightly slower than its competitor from the team Red. However, being capped at just 100W, it can't perform similar to a desktop variant.
Reviewer Tests Desktop RTX 4080M GPU With Mobile GPU Core and Finds Slightly Lower Performance vs RX 9700 GRE in Games
You may or may not be aware of such a graphics card, but it exists in the Chinese markets. This isn't the regular RTX 4080, but a variant that uses the RTX 4080 mobile chip. Yes, it's still a desktop graphics card that sells without a warranty in mainland China, and due to its affordable price point, it's still a popular GPU, especially for those who want low heat generation, compact footprint, and low power solution.
Despite using the core from the RTX 4080 mobile, the GPU is capped at 100W, which is lower than the official power rating for the GPU. One would assume that by converting into a desktop card, it should unlock more performance through a hefty cooling solution, but this isn't the case with the RTX 4080M. That said, the card seems promising when we check its performance against the current-gen RX 9700 GRE, which was initially launched for the Chinese market.
The reason for comparing these two is that they both are available for a similar price tag in China (around $400). Previously, the RTX 4080M was selling for around $300, making it one of the most affordable high-end GPUs for those who wanted something to fit easily in an SFF case. The RTX 4080M carries 12 GB VRAM, which is why it's being compared against the RX 9700 GRE.
The Bilibili reviewer said he got the RTX 4080M for just $300, which is a great price, given the current state of the GPU market. Nonetheless, when compared with the RX 9700 GRE, the GPU impresses us in a couple of titles like PUBG, where it managed to beat the RX 9700 GRE by a whopping 100 FPS. In Delta Force, 4K Ultra, the RTX 4080M managed to bring a decent 10% uplift, but as soon as the card was tested in modern triple-A titles, it started losing easily.
| Games | RTX 4080M | RX 9700 GRE |
| PUBG, 2K, ultra | 340 FPS | 240 FPS |
| Delta Force, 4K, ultra | 100 FPS | 90 FPS |
| Forza Horizon 5, 2K, low | 214 FPS | 297 FPS |
| Forza Horizon 5, 4K, high | 84 FPS | 107 FPS |
| Cyberpunk 2077, 2K, low | 171 FPS | 184 FPS |
| Cyberpunk 2077, 4K, high | 49 FPS | 76 FPS |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider, 2K, low | 268 FPS | 274 FPS |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider, 4K, high | 96 FPS | 107 FPS |
The difference was nearly 35% in Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K, while in others, the GPU was 20-30% slower. At 4K, it was clear that the GPU couldn't match the prowess of the RX 9700 GRE, and therefore, in Shadow of the Tomb Raider, we saw a much smaller gap at 2K, but a much higher performance difference at 4K. Overall, the RX 9700 GRE remains the winner. Perhaps if the 100W limit were removed from the GPU, the RTX 4080M could have done better, but the GPU appears ideal for smaller builds where heat generation can be a problem. The RTX 4080M also appears to be perfect in scenarios where there are power constraints.
News Sources: Bilibili, Tom's Hardware
About the author: Sarfraz Khan is a hardware reporter with a focus on PC components and the builder community. With years of experience writing about PC hardware and laptops, his work has been featured on several reputable technology publications. Sarfraz's hands-on experience is demonstrated through his first-person accounts of using and comparing different hardware configurations, providing practical and relatable insights for everyday users. His technical analysis is respected by peers in the enthusiast community and has been cited by specialized hardware sites such as Germany's Igor's Lab.
Follow Wccftech on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds.
