To comply with U.S. export restrictions on AI and high-performance computing, Nvidia offers special “D” variants of its GPUs exclusively for the Chinese market. These models are designed to meet regulatory requirements while keeping the same specs as their global versions. For example, the GeForce RTX 5090D is based on the GB202 Blackwell GPU and features the same core count, memory configuration, and power limits as the standard RTX 5090, but with hardware-level limits on AI inference performance.

However, Nvidia’s position in China’s high-end graphics card and accelerator market may be in trouble. After the indefinite ban on its H20 AI chips, sources from Board Channels now claim the company is no longer allowed to sell the RTX 5090D in China either. This means that aside from the RTX 5080, which is based on the GB203 GPU, there will be no GB202-based graphics cards available in the region.

The ban is already in place

Now, Nvidia hasn't officially confirmed the RTX 5090D's availability status in China, but following the H20 ban, local distributors had already started limiting sales of the card in anticipation that it might also be affected. According to the Board Channels report, the new restrictions take effect in Q2, meaning the ban is already active.

The NVIDIA RTX 5090D series has been essentially finalized, but no GPUs will be available in Q2. This means the RTX 5090D cannot be sold in the Chinese market, and board partners will be unable to receive GPU shipments.

NVIDIA has effectively confirmed that orders for the RTX 5090D series will not be accepted during Q2. All previously placed orders for 5090D chips that have not yet been delivered have been temporarily canceled. In effect, the RTX 5090D is now officially under a full sales ban.

Source: Board Channels [translated]

If this proves accurate, Nvidia faces reduced sales in the Chinese market. Just like the previous restrictions on its H20 GPUs, which reports expected to cost the company as much as US$5.5 billion this quarter, a similar impact could follow with the 5090D. We say this because Nvidia currently has no clear alternative to offer in the Chinese market. As a result, we could easily see gamers and buyers turning to other options like AMD, which already seems to be giving Nvidia a tough time.

Recent reports of Nvidia gearing up for a Super refresh with more VRAM remain speculation for now, but it seems like the right direction to move in. We think it’s the best way Nvidia can redeem the series following several mishaps.

About the Author

Hassam Nasir

Hassam boasts over seven years of professional experience as a dedicated PC hardware reviewer and writer.