On November 17, Hong Kong-based GPU giant PC Partner (000725.SZ) announced its decision to relocate its headquarters to Singapore and establish PC Partner Singapore PTE Ltd. This announcement follows the company's successful listing on the Singapore SGX Mainboard under the ticker "PCT" on November 15. The move is seen as a strategic decision to maintain its competitive edge amid tightening U.S. export controls on high-tech products to China.

As part of the relocation, PC Partner will shift its GPU production lines from China to Indonesia. This transition is expected to facilitate the release of highly anticipated high-end graphics cards, including the GeForce RTX 5090, under its well-known sub-brands such as Zotac, INNO3D, and Manli. According to HKEPC, PC Partner, when combined with all its sub-brands, now ranks as the world's second-largest graphics card manufacturer.

The decision to move headquarters to Singapore is driven by several factors. It allows PC Partner to secure a more stable supply of advanced GPUs from NVIDIA, ensuring the company remains competitive in the high-end segment of the global GPU market. While potential hardware tariffs played a role, the company emphasized that the relocation's primary motive was strategic alignment to access cutting-edge technology.

Reports also suggest that NVIDIA is currently reviewing the structural changes at PC Partner to ensure compliance with U.S. Department of Commerce regulations, a key step for continued access to NVIDIA's advanced GPUs. NVIDIA's participation in PC Partner's recent listing ceremony suggests the company is optimistic about approval.

The Anticipated Release of the GeForce RTX 5090

Adding to the excitement, recent leaks suggest that the upcoming GeForce RTX 5090, expected to be produced by PC Partner's sub-brands, will feature impressive specifications. The GPU is said to utilize NVIDIA's Blackwell GB202-300-A1 core with 21760 CUDA cores, a 30% increase in core count compared to the RTX 4090. Clock speeds are rumored to reach 2900 MHz, significantly boosting performance. The card is also expected to include 32GB of GDDR7 memory with a bandwidth of 1792 GB/s and a TDP of up to 600W, requiring advanced cooling solutions.

Industry Developments and Product Launch Timelines

Cooling technology will be a crucial aspect of the RTX 5090 series due to its higher power consumption. Auras Technology, a Taiwan-based cooling components supplier, has revealed that some of its key products, such as cold plates and manifolds, have been included in NVIDIA's recommended list for the upcoming RTX 50 series (Blackwell) GPUs. While Auras and other sources speculate that the new GPU lineup could launch as early as December, most experts expect the official release to occur at CES 2025 in January.

Pricing for the RTX 5090 is anticipated to be significantly higher than its predecessor, the RTX 4090, which debuted at $1,599. With enhancements in performance and the introduction of GDDR7 memory, the RTX 5090's price is likely to fall between $1,899 and $1,999.

Strategic Positioning in a Shifting Market

PC Partner's headquarters shift and production realignment highlight the company's adaptive strategy in response to global market changes and geopolitical challenges. With U.S. export restrictions tightening and ongoing U.S.-China tensions, the company's move to Singapore positions it to maintain access to crucial technologies and continue its growth trajectory.

The relocation, combined with PC Partner's existing strengths in the GPU market, is expected to reinforce its global standing. The company aims to continue delivering high-quality graphics cards and expanding its influence in the high-performance segment.