The Circuit

They dig into Intel's strong Q4 but cautious guidance tied to wafer capacity constraints. Listeners hear debate over foundry credibility, advanced packaging yield challenges, and whether Intel can win third‑party customers. The conversation also covers CPU demand for AI, ARM gaining server share, and how hyperscaler design choices shape the datacenter landscape.

The hosts dive into TSMC's recent earnings, unpacking the complexities of semiconductor cyclicality and the challenges posed by advanced packaging. They explore TSMC's cautious CapEx strategies amid rising AI demand and discuss the intricate relationship between wafer demand and manufacturing capacity. The conversation then shifts to OpenAI's partnership with Cerebras, examining new monetization efforts like ads and subscription tiers to address compute costs. They also analyze the fluctuating GPU pricing landscape and the implications for hyperscalers and enterprise clients.

Discover the buzzing highlights from CES 2023, featuring groundbreaking robotics and innovative AI infrastructure. Fans of tech will love the discussion on AMD, NVIDIA, and Intel, including AMD's Helios system and Intel's Panther Lake momentum. The hosts dive into the challenges of memory supply constraints and the evolving role of CPUs and DPUs in modern computing. Autonomy in vehicles gets a critical examination, and the exciting showcase of robotics, from exoskeletons to dexterous robotic hands, leaves listeners captivated.

Benedict Evans, an independent technology analyst known for insightful analysis on major tech shifts, joins the discussion to unravel the complexities of AI today. He draws parallels between current AI development and the late-90s internet era, sparking debates over whether we are in an AI bubble. Evans emphasizes the necessity of productization for widespread user adoption, highlights differing impacts across industries, and compares Nvidia to Sun Microsystems in light of future challenges. Misunderstandings about AI's capabilities and compute demand also take center stage.

Austin Lyons, a technology analyst and writer at ChipStrat, specializes in semiconductor and AI networking. He dives into the shift from traditional cloud networking to GPU-driven AI networks, emphasizing the need for new topologies for large AI models. The conversation contrasts copper and optical solutions, tackling their trade-offs in terms of performance and reliability. Austin also demystifies SerDes, explaining its crucial role in chip communication and system performance. Expect insights on the future of networking in the rapidly evolving tech landscape!

The hosts dive into the shifting landscape of semiconductor networking, spotlighting Marvell’s focus on optical interconnects. They compare copper and fiber in AI clusters, highlighting the challenges of optical deployment. Broadcom’s recent earnings spark debate over market reactions and the risks tied to custom silicon reliance. The discussion concludes with a year-end review of AI stock performance, marked by growing skepticism about the sustainability of current investments. Tune in for industry insights and a dose of cautious optimism!

Ben shares a health update before diving into Amazon's new AI-focused Tranium and its rivalry with Nvidia. They discuss Marvell's earnings and the challenges of custom silicon, alongside interesting developments in optical networking with Celestial's acquisition. Intel's role in advanced packaging and Apple’s leadership shifts are also featured. The conversation sheds light on the competitive landscape in AI and cloud computing, offering insights into emerging technologies and strategic moves in the tech world.

The conversation dives into NVIDIA's impressive earnings and what it means for the market. They explore the dynamics of cloud compute pre-purchases and NVIDIA's training strategies. The discussion shifts to the rapid evolution of AI-optimized data centers and the power of Google's TPUs. Ben shares exciting insights on NanoBanana's Notebook LM, which revolutionizes infographic creation from data and handwritten notes. They also touch on productivity implications and how multimodal experiences can drive broader user adoption.

The discussion highlights AMD's Analyst Day and its evolving strategies against competitors like NVIDIA. Insights into game theory reveal how AWS might pivot to AMD if its custom silicon underperforms. The hosts analyze neoCloud earnings, debating whether these companies act more like infrastructure landlords than true cloud providers. Key concerns around growing demand amidst operational challenges are addressed, along with the broader implications of GPU scarcity on the tech landscape.

Explore how AI bubbles can create lasting infrastructure for future innovations. Delve into ARM's impressive quarter, rising royalties, and hints of their chip ambitions. Qualcomm shines with a premium Android cycle while eyeing new markets like automotive and smart glasses. Understand the complexities of memory/storage tightness and the cyclical nature of the market. Discussions about the dangers of measuring AI economics solely in gigawatts reveal strategic pitfalls. Join in as the hosts navigate through tech trends that could reshape the landscape!