Sharp Tech with Ben Thompson Why Nvidia Wants to Sell Chips to China, Answering Intel Objections, KPop Demon Hunters Conquers the World
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Aug 29, 2025 Nvidia's record earnings come with questions about its future in China, highlighting the complexities of U.S. export regulations. The discussion also delves into the potential government investment in semiconductors, weighing national security against market autonomy. On a cultural note, K-pop's darker themes shine in the popular film 'Demon Hunters,' which has taken Netflix by storm. The podcast even touches on innovative ergonomic setups for multi-monitor workspaces, blending tech insights with personal productivity tips.
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Nvidia Growth Is Supply‑Constrained
- NVIDIA's revenues are largely determined by supply constraints rather than demand signals right now. The company controls which customers get GPUs and can throttle distribution to preserve margins and leverage.
Why Nvidia Wants China To Use CUDA
- Selling chips to China preserves NVIDIA's software moat because CUDA network effects depend on global developer adoption. Banning sales risks China building an alternative that could spread worldwide and erode NVIDIA's advantage.
Prefer Equipment Controls Over Chip Bans
- Allowing China to buy the best American chips can force pragmatic decisions in Beijing and slow indigenous substitution. Use targeted export controls on equipment instead of blanket chip bans to preserve leverage and global software dominance.