Graphics chip maker Nvidia introduced Max-Q, a new design approach that will enable thinner, quieter, and faster gaming laptops.
Laptops using the new Max-Q designs will debut from all major computer makers starting June 27, according to an announcement by CEO Jen-Hsun Huang in a speech at the Computex trade show in Taiwan. Max-Q is a new approach to designing gaming laptops, and Nvidia is working with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and system builders to make high-end gaming laptops thinner, faster, and quieter. With Max-Q, everything in the design is precision-engineered — including the laptop, the graphics processing unit (GPU), the drivers, and the thermal and electrical components — to ensure peak efficiency.
Max-Q is a term taken from NASA’s mission to launch man into space. It is defined as the point at which the aerodynamic stress on a rocket in atmospheric flight is maximized. Thus, the design of the rocket is precision-engineered around Max-Q. Nvidia said it has applied a similar philosophy to designing gaming laptops, enabling original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to build laptops that are three times thinner with up to three times more performance of previous generation products.
The results of Max-Q technology, as applied to existing chips, is a high-performance gaming platform that is as small as 18 millimeters thick — as thin as a MacBook Air — with up to 70 percent more gaming performance than what is currently available.
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Above: Jen-Hsun Huang, CEO of Nvidia, shows the difference between an older gaming laptop and one with Nvidia Max-Q.
Laptops designed with Max-Q feature GTX 10-series GPUs manufactured on the leading-edge FinFET 16-nanometer process. They also use GDDR5X and GDDR5 memory.
Nvidia has also tuned its Game Ready drivers to deliver optimal system efficiency while delivering a great gaming experience. Max-Q designed laptops support the entire GeForce gaming platform, which includes the latest gaming technologies, Game Ready drivers, Nvdia G-Sync display technology, VR, 4K gaming and more.
Nvidia also introduced WhisperMode technology, which makes laptops run much quieter while gaming. WhisperMode paces the game’s frame rate while simultaneously configuring the graphics settings for optimal power efficiency. This reduces the noise that gaming laptops make. WhisperMode will be available soon through a GeForce Experience software update.
Max-Q designed gaming laptops equipped with GeForce GTX 1080, 1070 and 1060 GPUs will be available starting June 27 from the world’s leading laptop OEMs and system builders, including Acer, Aftershock, Alienware, ASUS, Clevo, Dream Machine, ECT, Gigabyte, Hasee, HP, LDLC, Lenovo, Machenike, Maingear, Mechrevo, MSI, Multicom, Origin PC, PC Specialist, Sager, Scan, Terrans Force, Tronic’5 and XoticPC. Features, pricing and availability may vary.
Huang showed a demo of a new Asus gaming laptop, called the Rog Zephyrus, with Max-Q, running a build of the upcoming Project Cars 2, which was created by Slightly Mad Studios for Bandai Namco. It supports a resolution of 12,000 pixels. It has 180 cars and 60 tracks that are accurately modeled. Huang said the Asus gaming laptop is 60 percent faster than the PlayStation 4 Pro video game console.
Above: Project Cars 2
