Odd Lots Data Centers, Crypto Miners, and Gamers Are All Battling for Semiconductors
May 27, 2021
Brian Venturo, CTO and co-founder of CoreWeave, dives into the intense competition for semiconductors among gamers, crypto miners, and data centers. He shares insights on how crypto mining is tightening the chip market and affecting gamers' access to GPUs. Venturo also highlights CoreWeave's role in addressing fluctuating demands for cloud services, particularly in VFX and AI. Additionally, he explores the intricate supply chain dynamics, including challenges posed by scalpers and the overall impact of the semiconductor shortage on multiple industries.
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Cross-Country RAM Delivery
- Brian Venturo describes a time when CoreWeave needed 20 terabytes of RAM urgently.
- They flew someone from California to Chicago with the RAM to meet a client's deadline.
RAM Rush in China
- Brian Venturo recounts two instances where his RAM supplier sold their entire stock to a buyer in China.
- This was his first indication of the increasing difficulty in sourcing components due to increased crypto mining demand.
Filecoin's Feedback Loop
- Filecoin's unique staking requirements create a positive feedback loop, driving demand for both hardware and the coin itself.
- This makes it difficult for smaller players to enter the Filecoin mining market.