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Increasing the VRAM of NVIDIA GPUs: a new frontier for artificial intelligence in China

Chinese companies are upgrading NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 series graphics cards with more VRAM to support the huge demand for AI computing power, with a special focus on cloud computing providers. The GeForce RTX 4090D, now equipped with 48 GB of VRAM, and the 32 GB RTX 4080 SUPER represent the latest innovations in this area, offering high-performance computing solutions at reduced cost to users.

Key points:

1. GeForce RTX 40 GPUs have been modified in China to offer more VRAM memory and support AI workloads.
2. The GeForce RTX 4090D with 48 GB of VRAM is available for rent for only $0.03/hour, which is surprisingly low.
3. These modified GPUs are particularly in demand by cloud computing providers in China.
4. Despite being accessible only in the Chinese market, these GPUs could be a response to U.S. restrictions on advanced technology exports to China.

Chinese companies, increasingly oriented toward AI and related workloads, have adopted an innovative strategy to boost the capabilities of NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 40 series GPUs by increasing VRAM through advanced modding processes. This practice, which is not new in the technology landscape, is experiencing a new phase of expansion thanks to the momentum of the AI market. Modified graphics cards, particularly the GeForce RTX 4090D with 48 GB of GDDR6X memory and the RTX 4080 SUPER with 32 GB, have become key tools for cloud service providers who need high computing power at low cost. These products, although not officially supported by NVIDIA, are responding to a growing demand for cost-effective and efficient computing solutions, especially in the context of recent U.S. restrictions on the export of advanced technology to China. Indeed, as a result of restrictions imposed on AI accelerator exports by the United States, NVIDIA has had to adapt its offerings for the Chinese market, leading to the development of specialized variants such as the RTX 4090D. However, unofficial solutions have also emerged, with modders working behind the scenes to increase the memory of GPUs intended for AI workloads. These modifications not only increase processing capacity, but also represent a cost-effective solution compared to alternatives available on the market, such as the RTX 6000 "Ada," which, while offering 48 GB of VRAM, has a significantly higher price tag. An interesting aspect is that these modified graphics cards are available for rental at incredibly low prices, with the 32 GB RTX 4080 SUPER offered at only $0.03 per hour. This offer, exclusively for the Chinese market, is not accessible to users outside of China, as it requires the use of a local phone number and ID to access services. Although there are no official images yet showing these modified GPUs, it is likely that Chinese modders have managed to develop a custom PCB capable of accommodating more GDDR6X modules. In the past, entire Chinese factories have been spotted dismantling the latest NVIDIA gaming GPUs to refit them with new PCBs and cooling systems, making them suitable to meet the needs of the artificial intelligence market. This phenomenon once again demonstrates the ability of Chinese companies to adapt quickly to new market challenges, offering innovative solutions that manage to overcome international restrictions. 

Ultimately, the continuing evolution of China’s technology sector, characterized by increasing demand for AI solutions, is leading to new modding practices that could have significant implications for the global market.

Innovation often comes from adaptation, and the Chinese GPU market is a clear example of this.