The upcoming Galax RTX 4090 20th Anniversary Edition graphics card is one of a kind. Featuring an HDMI retimer chip, which enhances long-distance HDMI connections, it's the first desktop graphics card to feature such a component.
HD retimer chips ensure that high-bandwidth connections can function properly by removing jitter and noise from signals, making them more reliable for long-distance connections. Unlike computer graphics cards that are usually connected to nearby monitors, devices like gaming consoles and laptops that require longer connections to external displays, like TVs, need an HDMI retimer.
Image credit: Weibo
According to VideoCardz, the Galax RTX 4090 20th Anniversary Edition graphics card has a Parade PS8419 chip that enables an ultra-high bandwidth of 48 Gbps (total HDMI 2.1 bandwidth) with a Fixed Data Link of 12 Gbps. This is essential for attaining greater uncompressed resolutions above 4K60, making the card fully compatible with the HDMI 2.1 standard. Even if the RTX 4090 GPU doesn't require it, this functionality may eliminate the need for extra devices.
Despite its retimer capability being limited to one HDMI port, the card still has three DisplayPort 1.4a connectors. In terms of hardware architecture, the PCB has a 24+4 power stage arrangement that powers the 24GB of GDDR6X memory and the AD102-301 GPU.
Apart from its impressive hardware configuration, the RTX 4090 20th Anniversary card has a triple-fan design, with one fan on the back (similar to Nvidia FE cards). It also has a hidden 12VHPWR connector, which can be found under a magnetically attached cover. However, one major drawback of this card is its limited availability. According to Galax, this model is solely intended for the Chinese market and is not expected to be released worldwide.
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KitGuru says: Do you think other AIB partners will start implementing HD retimer chips into their graphics cards?