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August 11
- Nvidia and AMD reportedly sharing 15% of their China GPU revenue in exchange for export licenses — 'unprecedented' export revenue sharing deal may have been struck
➀ Nvidia and AMD allegedly agreed to pay 15% of China-sourced GPU revenues to the U.S. government to unlock restricted AI chip exports, including H20 and MI308 models;
➁ The unprecedented revenue-sharing deal reflects a strategic shift in U.S. export controls, balancing security concerns with market competition;
➂ Chinese state media criticized Nvidia's H20 chips as 'unsafe,' mirroring Western scrutiny of Chinese semiconductors, amid rising AI chip rivalry.
- Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan expected to visit Trump to address China links — duo tipped to have 'wide-ranging' conversation to address national security concerns
➀ Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan is set to meet President Trump to address concerns over his ties to China and reaffirm Intel's commitment to U.S. semiconductor independence.
➁ Intel faces mounting challenges, including a 50% valuation drop, workforce reductions, and delayed Ohio plant development, compounded by political scrutiny over its CHIPS Act funding.
➂ Trump's stringent semiconductor policies, including 100% tariffs on non-domestic chip production and revenue-sharing demands for AI GPU exports to China, highlight escalating U.S.-China tech tensions.
- Back in stock, this MSRP-priced RTX 5080 OC is the 2nd most powerful GPU available and is now just $999 for the overclocked variant
➀ The PNY GeForce RTX 5080 OC, priced at $999, is back in stock with MSRP after initial shortages, targeting high-end gaming and 4K performance.
➁ It features 16GB GDDR7 VRAM, 10,752 CUDA cores, and boosts up to 2.62GHz, with triple-fan cooling and improved ray-tracing/DLSS 4 capabilities.
➂ Despite its premium cost, the GPU is a top choice for ultra-settings 4K gaming, though it demands a robust PSU and careful budget consideration.
- Rumored $599-$699 MacBook could be in the works — 12.9-inch model with iPhone 16 Pro SoC tipped for Q3 2025 production
➀ Apple's supply chain sources suggest a $599-$699 MacBook with a 12.9-inch display and iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro SoC may enter production in Q3 2025;
➁ The A18 Pro chip, built on TSMC's 3nm process, targets Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 but may trade performance for affordability;
➂ Apple aims to boost annual MacBook shipments by 30-40% by targeting budget-conscious users, potentially disrupting its MacBook Air lineup.
- Adaptec announces new RAID card that supports up to 32 NVMe PCIe 4.0 and 5.0 SSDs — offers up to 291GB/s read speeds at full capacity
➀ Adaptec SmartRAID 4300 RAID card supports 32 NVMe SSDs with PCIe 4.0/5.0 interfaces, achieving 291GB/s sequential read speeds;
➁ Software-defined storage architecture decouples hardware from software, enabling superior scalability and compatibility with mixed SSD configurations;
➂ Demonstrated 7x I/O performance improvement over previous generations, with RAID 5 array rebuilds hitting 32GB/s in Linux environments.
- CT scan peels back the layers of time to reveal the engineering within Intel’s iconic 386 CPU — exposing intricate pin mapping, hidden power planes, and more
➀ Ken Shirriff's CT scans reveal the Intel 386 CPU's intricate six-layer ceramic packaging, including gold bond wires and copper power planes.
➁ The packaging acted as a critical bridge between microscopic die features and macroscopic socket pins, enabling reliable performance.
➂ The 386's advanced design marked Intel's shift to high-pin-count packaging, crucial for early multitasking PCs.
August 10
- Newly discovered WinRAR exploit linked to Russian hacking group, can plant backdoor malware — zero day hack requires manual update to fix
➀ A critical directory traversal vulnerability (CVE-2025-8088) in WinRAR was exploited by the Russian-linked RomCom hacking group to plant backdoor malware via malicious archives;
➀ The flaw allows attackers to place executable files in Windows startup folders, enabling automatic execution and remote code control;
➁ WinRAR version 7.13 fixes the issue, but users must manually update as the software lacks auto-update functionality.
- AWS user’s data returned ‘because one human being inside AWS decided to give a damn’
➀ A software engineer's 10-year AWS data was restored after an internal employee intervened, despite previous claims by AWS support that all data was 'terminated';
➁ The incident exposed flaws in AWS support communication and the risks of its 'shared payer' model leading to abrupt account termination;
➂ The victim criticized AWS's 'gaslighting' responses but acknowledged the need for multi-cloud backups and urged AWS to improve customer safeguards.
August 9
- Enthusiast builds 'AMD gaming PC' entirely made of cardboard — specs include unreleased AMD 5800GT CPU, DDR8 RAM, PCIe 6.0 SSD, and 2,400W power supply
➀ A Reddit user showcased a fully cardboard-built gaming PC featuring fictional specs like an unreleased AMD 5800GT CPU, DDR8 RAM, and PCIe 6.0 SSD;
➁ The build mimics real PC assembly with detailed components, including a functional vacuum cleaner for cooling and RGB lighting;
➂ Despite non-functionality, the creative effort highlights enthusiast craftsmanship and humor, down to omitting thermal paste for a cardboard CPU.
- $3 keychain lets you carry a functioning keyboard switch and keycap with you wherever you go — fidget toy is compatible with Cherry MX switches and keycaps
➀ Japanese company Bit Trade One launches My Key Keychain, compatible with Cherry MX mechanical switches and keycaps.
➁ Priced under $3, it serves as both a customizable fidget toy and a tactile showcase for keyboard enthusiasts.
➂ Limited to Japan; alternative tech-themed keychains like Seasonic x Noctua collabs are highlighted.
- 3D-printed PCB made with PVA and liquid metal is fully recyclable — dissolves and separates when immersed in water, allowing for later re-use
➀ Researchers developed a recyclable 3D-printed PCB using PVA substrate and EGaIn liquid metal, which dissolves in water for material recovery;
➁ The method achieves 99.4% PVA and 98.6% EGaIn recovery rates, supported by a FreeCAD/KiCad integration tool for rapid prototyping;
➂ Suitable for labs and makerspaces, it reduces e-waste and costs, with 5A current and 10MHz signal capabilities.
- AMD quietly launches Radeon RX 7400 8GB budget gaming GPU — RDNA 3 goes another rung lower on the ladder
➀ AMD quietly introduced two RDNA 3-based GPUs: the Radeon RX 7400 for budget gaming and Pro W7400 for workstations.
➁ The RX 7400 uses Navi 33 silicon with 1,792 Stream Processors, 8GB GDDR6 (10.8 Gbps), and a 55W TBP, requiring no external power.
➂ Both GPUs target cost-sensitive markets, with AMD leveraging Navi 33's lower production costs to offer competitive pricing, though exact MSRPs remain unannounced.
August 7
- Framework Desktop review: AMD's Strix Halo in a petite, powerful, pricey PC
➀ The Framework Desktop showcases strong 1080p gaming performance with AMD's Strix Halo APU and integrated Radeon 8060S graphics;
➁ Limited upgradeability due to soldered RAM/CPU, but offers storage customization and front-panel modular ports;
➂ High price ($1,599+) positions it against gaming PCs with discrete GPUs, favoring niche users needing massive RAM for AI/creative workflows.
- Silicon Motion gives a glimpse of its PCIe 6.0 controller for client SSDs — 25+ GB/s sequential reads, 3.5 million random IOPS, coming 2028-2029
➀ Silicon Motion unveiled its Neptune PCIe 6.0 SSD controller for client PCs, targeting 25+ GB/s sequential reads and 3.5M IOPS;
➁ The controller uses a Separate Command Architecture (SCA) to reduce latency, but enterprise-grade SSDs(16 channels) will still outperform it;
➂ Mass production is slated for 2028, with consumer drives likely delayed until 2029-2030 due to high costs and OEM skepticism.
- Intel will retire rarely-used 16x MSAA support on Xe3 GPUs — AI upscalers like XeSS, FSR, and DLSS provide better, more efficient results
➀ Intel is phasing out 16x MSAA support on Xe3 GPUs, prioritizing AI upscalers like XeSS, FSR, and DLSS;
➁ Traditional anti-aliasing methods face performance and compatibility challenges, while AI-driven techniques offer better efficiency and image reconstruction;
➂ This shift reflects industry trends toward hybrid rendering strategies and could redefine Linux graphics driver standards.
- Trump calls for Intel CEO to resign — claims Lip-Bu Tan is 'conflicted'
➀ Former President Trump demands Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan resign, citing 'conflicted' ties to Chinese entities;
➁ Republican Senator Tom Cotton criticizes Tan's past leadership at Cadence Design Systems and links to Chinese military-linked firms, questioning Intel's CHIPS Act grant eligibility;
➂ Intel defends Tan's commitment to U.S. security amid broader tensions over semiconductor tariffs and supply chain control.
- Amazon Prime members can grab this RTX 5090 for it's lowest-ever price
➀ NVIDIA's RTX 5090 GPU, specifically the Zotac Gaming Solid OC variant, is available at its lowest-ever price of $2,399 for Amazon Prime members, marking a $400 discount from its launch price.
➁ Equipped with 32GB GDDR7 VRAM and 21,760 CUDA cores, this GPU delivers 25% better performance than the RTX 4090, making it ideal for gaming and AI-driven tasks.
➂ The card requires a robust power supply and remains a premium investment despite increased availability post-launch.
- SanDisk and SK hynix join forces to standardize High Bandwidth Flash memory, a NAND-based alternative to HBM for AI GPUs — Move could enable 8-16x higher capacity compared to DRAM
① SanDisk and SK hynix collaborate to standardize High Bandwidth Flash (HBF), a NAND-based memory technology offering 8-16x higher capacity than DRAM-based HBM.
② HBF combines NAND's high density with HBM-like bandwidth, targeting energy-efficient AI inference and edge deployments while reducing thermal and cost challenges.
③ Prototype showcased at Flash Memory Summit 2025; sample modules expected by late 2026, with potential integration into AI hardware in 2027, signaling industry shifts toward hybrid memory stacks.
- Trump announces 100% semiconductor tariffs — 'There's no charge' for chips built in the U.S
➀ President Trump imposed 100% tariffs on foreign-made semiconductors to boost U.S. chip production;
➁ TSMC's Arizona fab (already sold out until 2027) and Samsung's Texas plant face challenges amid investments under the CHIPS Act;
➂ Concerns rise over supply shortages and consumer inflation due to tariff impacts across industries.
- Back-to-school PC peripherals you didn't know you needed — hot deals on headsets, mice, keyboards, speakers, and more
➀ Multiple gaming and productivity peripherals from brands like Razer, SteelSeries, and HyperX are on sale for back-to-school season, including mice, keyboards, headsets, and speakers;
➁ Highlighted deals include Razer Basilisk V3 gaming mouse at 43% off, Cooler Master MK770 wireless keyboard at 34% discount, and HyperX QuadCast microphone dropping to $68;
➂ Products emphasize ergonomics, versatility, and dorm-friendly setups, with detailed reviews of features like adjustable switches, RGB lighting, and immersive audio.
August 6
- At only $649, this RTX 4060-powered Asus TUF A15 is the best value gaming laptop out there
➀ The Asus TUF A15 with RTX 4060 GPU is on sale at Staples for $649, offering a $250 discount;
➁ Features include AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS, 16GB DDR5 RAM, upgradable 512GB SSD, and a 144Hz 1080p display;
➂ A budget-friendly option for gaming and productivity, despite using last-gen GPU tech.
- Apple I replica can run ChatGPT — Macintosh Founding Father uses Wi-Fi module to turn relic into AI assistant
➀ Daniel Kottke, an original Apple engineer, demonstrated a retrofitted Apple I replica at the Vintage Computer Festival West, running ChatGPT via a Wi-Fi module;
➁ The project highlights cloud computing's ability to enable legacy hardware (1976-era 1 MHz CPU) to access cutting-edge AI;
➂ Debates edge-AI privacy vs. cloud-AI latency, suggesting future AI ubiquity across devices.
- Two Chinese nationals arrested in the U.S. over GPU smuggling worth 'tens of millions of dollars' — over 20 shipments of AI chips and numerous illicit payments tracked
➀ Two Chinese nationals face up to 20 years in prison for illegally exporting AI GPUs worth tens of millions to China via shell company ALX Solutions Inc., bypassing U.S. export controls;
➁ Shipments were routed through Singapore and Malaysia, with payments traced to Hong Kong and Chinese entities;
➂ The GPUs, speculated to be NVIDIA’s H100 or B200, were labeled fraudulently to avoid detection.
- AMD posts record $7.685 billion revenue despite massive inventory charge — $800 million MI308 write-off not enough to stop biggest ever quarter
➀ AMD reports record $7.685B Q2 2025 revenue driven by 69% YoY growth in client CPUs and 73% surge in gaming GPUs;
➁ An $800M write-off from MI308 GPU export restrictions to China slashed gross margins to 40%, but net income still rose 229% YoY;
➂ Projects Q3 revenue of $8.7B±$300M, fueled by MI350 AI accelerators and holiday season demand.
- PCI-SIG announces PCIe 8.0 spec with twice the bandwidth — 1TB/s of peak bandwidth, 256 GT/s per lane, and a possible new connector
➀ PCI-SIG announces PCIe 8.0 with 256 GT/s per lane, enabling 1 TB/s bi-directional bandwidth;
➁ Challenges in copper-based implementations drive exploration of optical interconnects and advanced packaging;
➂ Targeting AI servers, data centers, and HPC, with consumer adoption expected post-2030.
August 5
- Two former TSMC employees arrested, could face up to 12 years in jail, $3 million fine over alleged attempt to leak 2nm chip details — first case under Taiwan's amended National Security Act cites 'serious suspicions of violating national security laws'
➀ Two former TSMC engineers face charges under Taiwan’s National Security Act for attempting to leak 2nm chip technology to rivals, marking the first case under the 2022 law;
➀ The suspects allegedly stole proprietary semiconductor IP linked to national security, triggering an investigation involving Japanese chip toolmaker Tokyo Electron;
➂ TSMC dominates global advanced chip production, producing 90% of cutting-edge chips, while China’s SMIC and Huawei lag at 7nm, intensifying geopolitical tensions over tech sovereignty.
- Enthusiast spends 6 years building 'world's most impractical display' — 1,000-pixel wood panel uses a hacked-apart CNC machine to change a single pixel just 10 times a minute
➀ Engineer Ben Holmen spent six years creating a 1,000-pixel wooden display using a repurposed CNC machine, capable of changing one pixel every six minutes;
➀ The device rotates stained wood blocks with black/white faces to form images, controlled by a web app with a queue system for public submissions;
➀ Originally conceptualized with ping pong balls, the project shifted to wood for durability and precision, involving 3D printing and custom fabrication.
August 4
- AMD's Z2 Extreme flies past Intel's Lunar Lake in new gaming benchmarks — MSI Claw 8 running at 17W favors the Z2E by roughly 8.5%, lead drops to 6% at 30W
➀ AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme outperforms Intel's Lunar Lake by 8.5% in 17W gaming benchmarks on MSI Claw handheld devices, with smoother 1% lows;
➁ At 30W, AMD maintains a 6% lead despite Intel's higher power scaling, leveraging Zen 5 architecture and RDNA 3.5 GPU efficiency;
➂ Z2 Extreme's hybrid core design and 4nm process redefine handheld gaming performance, though Intel retains ultra-low power advantages (<10W).
August 3
- Botched GPU baking job is fixed by a maestro chef — Northwest Repairs resuscitates a dead graphics card by reballing its core and memory
➀ A severely damaged AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT, previously subjected to a failed DIY oven reflow attempt, was expertly repaired by Northwest Repairs through GPU core and VRAM reballing;
➁ Thermal imaging and memory tests revealed short circuits and faulty VRAM chips, requiring meticulous component replacement and pad repairs;
➂ The restoration highlights the technical mastery of professional repair services in salvaging high-end hardware, emphasizing sustainability and the value of skilled craftsmanship in DIY culture.
- Nintendo Switch 2 thermal limits mean you need air conditioning if you want to play in a hot climate — Big N advises against use in environments above 35 degrees Celsius (95F) due to overheating risk
➀ Nintendo confirms Switch/2 risks overheating above 35°C (95°F), advising usage only within 5-35°C environments;
➁ Users report Switch 2 fan noise, crashes even in handheld mode while playing lightweight games like Pokémon;
➂ Global warming and underpowered hardware may worsen thermal challenges, especially in regions with extreme heat.