In recent weeks, the tech world has been buzzing with speculations regarding the return of Nvidia’s Super variants for select current-generation GPUs. Originally unveiled with the RTX 2000-series, these Super variants provided a notable performance boost over their non-Super counterparts, often accompanied by adjusted price points. It remains a mystery why Nvidia refrained from introducing Super variants for the RTX 3000-series, but if information from respected industry insider @kopite7kim on Twitter holds true, we may soon witness their resurgence in the upper mid-range models and the much-anticipated RTX 4080.
Notably, Kopite7kimi suggests that the Total Graphics Power (TGP) for these Super cards will likely remain consistent with their non-Super counterparts, indicating a focus on refining performance rather than increasing power consumption. For instance, the RTX 4080 Super cards are rumored to feature a 320 W TGP, while the RTX 4070 Ti Super is expected to retain its 285 W TGP. However, a minor deviation is anticipated for the RTX 4070 Super models, which may require an additional 20 W over the 200 W TGP of the non-Super variants. It’s worth noting that these TGP specifications may primarily apply to Nvidia’s Founders Edition models, as custom boards produced by AIB (Add-In-Board) partners often come with higher power requirements and enhanced clock speeds.
While Nvidia’s RTX 4000-series GPUs have yet to witness significant price reductions, recent reports indicate that the RTX 4090 cards may even experience a price increase. The introduction of Super models aims to alleviate these pricing concerns by potentially driving down costs of the non-Super variants, enhancing competitiveness in the upper mid-range segment and putting Nvidia in a better position to challenge AMD’s upcoming RDNA3 graphics cards.
Regrettably, these price adjustments may not be realized in time for this year’s holiday season. Discussions with certain AIB partners suggest that the Super variants are likely to make their debut in the first quarter of 2024, aligning with Nvidia’s strategy as they prepare for the expected launch of the next-generation Blackwell cards in the fourth quarter of 2024.
As Nvidia enthusiasts eagerly await official announcements, these rumored developments could have a significant impact on the GPU market, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape for both gamers and content creators in the near future.