Nvidia has had it with laptop makers not fully disclosing what buyers need to know about their laptops’ graphics capabilities. Nvidia is now requiring all companies selling laptops housing its new RTX 30-series graphics chips to report clock and power specs.
“We’re requiring OEMs to update their product pages to the Max-Q technology features for each GeForce laptop, as well as clocks and power — which communicates the expected GPU performance in that system,” an Nvidia spokesperson told The Verge.
We fully support this decision. Many laptop manufacturers leave out important spec information in their marketing. The Verge suspects this move will encourage consumers to make an educated purchase decision earlier. Typically, consumers wait for reviewers to weigh in on the devices. Nvidia’s new disclosure requirements will probably help people feel more comfortable with deciding on their own. It makes it much easier for consumers to understand what the machine offers.
Nvidia won’t require companies to disclose if the chips are Max-Q variants
A Nvidia spokesperson told The Verge laptop companies don’t need to disclose the chips are Max-Q variants. “Max-Q is no longer part of the GPU name.” Max-Q is now used to inform consumers about laptops, fitted with an RTX 30-series graphics chip. Max-Q lets people know these laptops include features like Whisper Mode 2, Dynamic Boost 2, and Advanced Optimus. Before, Max-Q let people know what a laptop’s average performance would be without needing to know its exact clock speeds.
Some companies have already updated their product information pages
According to Nvidia, manufacturers are beginning to share more information about their laptop’s graphics. Consumers need to receive full disclosure regarding the specs of the device they’re looking to purchase. All of this is a step in the right direction.
