The Nvidia Max-Q is a graphics card technology (launched in 2017) that enables the higher-end graphics cards to fit in a thinner form factor more similar to typical laptops. The Max-Q allows the laptop to reduce its weight and thickness without compromising the features associated with gaming laptops such as high refresh rate, resolution, response time etc. At the time of this there is no alternative (from AMD or any other company) for Nvidia’s Max-Q Graphics.

Max-Q laptops are lighter, quieter and thinner than non Max-Q laptops and are generally less expensive (given that every other component is similar). In addition these laptops are more energy efficient, meaning that less heat is dissipated by the device and so the need for large (and loud) cooling systems is terminated.

One downside to the Max-Q graphics card is the fact that they are typically less powerful in comparison to their non Max-Q alternatives (a RTX 2080 gaming laptop gave almost a similar performance to a RTX 2070 gaming laptop), so a lower frame rate should be expected.

Laptop manufacturers that equip their laptops with Max-Q graphics include:

HP
Acer
Gigabyte
MSI
Lenovo
Dell
Asus,
Alienware
Razer

It should be noted that Max-Q GPU’s can only be found in laptops.

Working

To achieve the best performance, rather than ramping up the clock speed, voltages, and memory bus, they are tweaked to achieve the best performance within a certain temperature range or at a specific level of sound output.

Even though Max-Q laptops have cooling systems, their designers have carefully crafted the thermal and electrical designs, heatpipes, heatsinks, energy regulators, high-quality but quieter fans, and other components, tailored to Max-Q laptops needs.

If you want an energy efficient GPU, which is lighter and thinner than regular ones, without compromising on the refresh rate, then a low-profile graphics card is the one for you.

Pros

Thin and light design: Nvidia Max-Q graphics are designed to be used in thin and light gaming laptops, making them ideal for those who want to game on the go without sacrificing portability.
Efficient power consumption: Nvidia Max-Q graphics are optimized for power consumption, which can help extend battery life and reduce heat dissipation.
High performance: Despite their thin and light design, Nvidia Max-Q graphics can deliver high performance, providing a good gaming experience for most games.
Low noise levels: Nvidia Max-Q graphics are designed to run quietly, which can be beneficial for those who prefer a quieter gaming experience.

Cons

Limited overclocking potential: Nvidia Max-Q graphics are optimized for power consumption, which means that they may have limited overclocking potential compared to their desktop counterparts.
Reduced performance: Nvidia Max-Q graphics are designed to be more power-efficient, which means that they may not be able to deliver the same level of performance as their desktop counterparts.
Higher cost: Nvidia Max-Q graphics tend to be more expensive than traditional laptop graphics cards, which may be a drawback for some buyers.
Limited upgradability: Nvidia Max-Q graphics are typically soldered onto the motherboard, which means that they cannot be easily upgraded or replaced.

In short

Overall, Nvidia Max-Q graphics can be a good option for those who want a thin and light gaming laptop without sacrificing too much performance. However, they may not be the best option for those who demand high-end performance or the ability to upgrade their graphics card in the future.