Sharp Tech with Ben Thompson
(Preview) 72 Hours of DeepSeek Hysteria, What DeepSeek Means for Big Tech, Lessons on the Efficacy of Chip Controls
Jan 27, 2025
DeepSeek stirs a whirlwind of reactions, spotlighting its hefty model training costs and transparency issues. The conversation shifts to the tech industry's trust dilemmas and the fallout from chip bans, comparing the performance of H800 and H100 chips. Innovative AI modeling techniques come to the fore, showcasing advanced strategies and their implications for chip costs. Pricing tactics from major players like OpenAI and Anthropic are dissected, urging listeners to critically assess claims in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
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Quick takeaways
- DeepSeek's claimed efficiency breakthroughs are met with skepticism regarding their training costs and possible alternative methods to navigate chip bans.
- The competitive dynamics in the AI industry are shifting as DeepSeek’s low pricing strategies contrast sharply with established players like OpenAI and Anthropic.
Deep dives
Discussion on DeepSeek's Training Costs
The efficiency of DeepSeek in training models has sparked debate regarding the authenticity of their reported training costs. There are concerns that the company may be misleading the public about the $5.5 million expense, especially given the potential implications of the ongoing chip ban. This raises questions about whether they could be using alternative methods, such as training through foreign data centers, to bypass restrictions. The conversation emphasizes the need for scrutiny concerning the actual resources DeepSeek utilizes in their operations, alongside considerations about the handling of American technology by foreign entities.
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