Image : Nvidia
Geeks love to dig deep into their hardware, either literally or using software. Overclocking is generally safe and manufacturers expect it to some degree. A method that is unorthodox for laptops with discrete Nvidia RTX graphic cards can be extremely powerful…and dangerous. It’s called “shunt mod” and it’s basically a way to get the graphics card to run at power inputs way beyond what it’s designed to run. Shunt modding requires active soldering of the GPU, which is a complex physical process. If done correctly, however, it can increase the power going into the graphics card by a large margin. This can increase the power input of some of the most powerful RTX Laptop cards from a spec maximum 150-175 watts up to 250 watts with a similar difference in performance.
Why and how is this possible? It’s complicated. It’s complicated. Due to the “binning” of these chips, the best chips are used in the most powerful desktop cards. The chips that didn’t win the “silicon lotto” may be used for laptops. The chips should be able to handle more power than a laptop with a battery-saving configuration.
GizmoSlipTech, a specialist in desktop and laptop GPUs has gathered data from professional and enthusiast users that have tried this complex process. VideoCardz.com). The results are impressive. One test on an RTX5090 laptop showed a 41 percent increase in 3DMark Steel Nomad when the card was modified so that it ran at 250 watts. In-game results were less dramatic, but a 20 percent increase in Cyberpunk was not to be sniffed at.
Before you grab a screwdriver and start modifying, you may want to give it some thought. We’re dealing with some pretty serious hardware modifications. This is not something that anyone should attempt unless they have a solid foundation in electronics. This is way beyond basic desktop assembly, or even laptop repair. Cracking your laptop open to access the discrete graphic card may void the warranty, but the complete process involves using a soldering gun to modify the firmware and then modifiying the capacitors. This could melt your gaming laptop. If it happens, you’ll be out of luck for any warranty support. Even if your GPU fails, I imagine any technician who notices this modification will immediately declare the laptop out-of-warranty due to user modification.
These are Some of the most powerful and expensive gaming laptopsare available right now. A shunt mod involves gambling with thousands of dollar worth of hardware to get a performance boost. It’s a nice boost, but I don’t think it’s worth the risk, even if you possess the technical skills.
However, the fact that the modification is possible – and that it’s gaining popularity with the bravest users – indicates that these discrete laptops cards might have more power than they are currently using. Some laptop manufacturers have done similar mods on their gaming models, without telling anyone. (They then had to release a patch to undo the changes). GizmoSlipTech suggests that Nvidia increase power limits on some laptops using the latest thermal management technology to deliver more performance.
Michael Crider is a Staff Writer at PCWorld
Michael has been in technology journalism for 10 years, covering everything from Apple and ZTE. He is the resident keyboard nut at PCWorld, always testing out a new keyboard for a review. In his spare time he builds a mechanical board or expands his desktop “battlestation” . Michael has written for Android Police, Digital Trends Wired, Lifehacker and How-To Geek. He’s also covered live events like CES or Mobile World Congress. Michael lives in Pennsylvania and is always looking forward to the next kayaking trip.
