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Shunt-Modded RTX 4090 Laptop Matches RTX 5090 in Benchmarks as Power Jumps to 240W

By adding a 1 mΩ parallel shunt that makes the GPU underreport draw, the Zephyrus M16 pulled about 240W, posting roughly 19% higher synthetic scores than typical 4090 units at notable warranty and longevity risk.

Overview

  • The mod placed a 1 mΩ resistor in parallel with the stock 5 mΩ shunt, cutting effective resistance to ~0.83 mΩ and tricking the controller into reporting 40–45W while the GPU actually drew around 240W, bypassing the 150W TGP limit.
  • Across 3DMark tests, the laptop averaged a 19.2% uplift versus other RTX 4090 M16 systems and about a 3.5% edge over average RTX 5090 laptops, including a 35.5% lead in Solar Bay Extreme with mixed results in a few tests.
  • Cooling was upgraded with Honeywell PTM 7950 phase-change TIM and Upsiren UX Pro Ultra VRM pads, with the user reporting 80–84°C on the GPU without throttling and roughly 90°C on the CPU.
  • To stabilize behavior under the higher power draw, the user capped the GPU at about 800 mV during gaming to curb excessive boosting.
  • Coverage from Tom's Hardware and Wccftech highlights significant safety trade-offs and warranty voiding, framing the approach as a high-risk tweak that may appeal to skilled hobbyists, especially given the modder’s $1,600 secondhand purchase.