Nvidia Can’t Be Serious

Summary

In this episode of Hot News, Brad covers major tech updates as we approach the end of 2024. Topics include AMD’s flexible GPU power connector approach with the upcoming RX 9000 series, new RTX 50-series GPUs and their high pricing rumors, and advancements in solid-state cooling, including a demonstration by Airjet. Additionally, there are insights into upcoming deals and a look at Lenovo’s exclusive partnership with AMD for the Legion Go S. Brad also shares personal recovery updates and discusses production changes, while encouraging viewers to check out the channel's extensive library of long-form content.

Takeaways

• 😀 AMD's upcoming RX 9000 Series GPUs won't require the 16-pin power connector that NVIDIA mandates, giving manufacturers more flexibility in power setup choices.
• 😀 NVIDIA's RTX 5090 could be priced at $2,600, marking a significant increase from the RTX 490, with a 37% price jump in China, though this is still speculative.
• 😀 ASUS is working on new GPUs under their ROG Strix and Tough Gaming brands for both RTX 580 and RX 9700 series, with the possibility of additional variants launching.
• 😀 Solid-state cooling technology, like the **AirJet Mini** from Falcon Northwest, can improve laptop performance by 50%, but its mainstream adoption is still limited.
• 😀 The **Ryzen Z2 Go APU** in Lenovo’s Legion Go S handheld is an exclusive chip with 80% of the performance of the Z1 Extreme, providing an optimized portable gaming experience.
• 😀 Falcon Northwest continues to innovate, offering powerful custom PCs, such as their Talon and FragBox series, with options for gaming or workstation builds.
• 😀 A range of hot tech deals for the end of the year includes discounts on Crucial Pro DDR5 RAM, ASUS gaming monitors, and Corsair liquid coolers.
• 😀 AMD's strategy for pricing has often involved raising prices once market share is secured, similar to NVIDIA’s approach, with Ryzen 5 chips increasing from $199 to $299.
• 😀 Leaked details about NVIDIA’s next-gen GPUs suggest the 5090 could have 32GB of VRAM and a higher power requirement (likely over 600 watts), reflecting its more powerful design.
• 😀 The host shared a personal update about recovering from an infection after surgery, highlighting a commitment to preparing for CES 2024 despite recent health challenges.

Q & A

What is the significance of the 16-pin power connector mentioned in the script?

The 16-pin power connector is a new standard being used by Nvidia for their RTX 490 GPU series. This connector provides more power delivery to handle the increased power demands of next-gen GPUs. However, AMD is not mandating its use for their upcoming RX 9000 series GPUs, offering flexibility for manufacturers.

How does Falcon Northwest support users with power management for next-gen GPUs?

Falcon Northwest offers fully built PCs with power solutions tailored to upcoming GPUs. They ensure that systems are equipped with the appropriate power supplies and connectors, such as the 16-pin connector, to handle the requirements of next-gen GPUs like the RTX 490.

What is the primary benefit of solid-state cooling in laptops, as demonstrated in the video?

Solid-state cooling removes the need for traditional fans, allowing for better thermal management in laptops. This leads to increased performance, improved battery life, and more space for additional components, as shown by the demonstration of the Airjet system in a laptop.

What is the 'RX 970 Series' referenced in the script, and what are the key differences compared to Nvidia's offerings?

The RX 970 Series refers to AMD's next-generation graphics cards, expected to be part of the RX 9000 series. AMD is not requiring the 16-pin power connector for these cards, unlike Nvidia, which mandates it for their GPUs. This gives AMD users more flexibility in choosing power solutions.

Why is the upcoming RTX 590 expected to consume more than 450 watts of power?

The RTX 590 is expected to have high power consumption due to its large VRAM (32GB) and increased GPU core requirements. It is projected to consume up to 600 watts, driven by its higher VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) configuration, which is more robust than that of the RTX 490.

What is the leaked pricing for the RTX 5090, and how does it compare to the previous generation?

The leaked retail pricing for the RTX 5090 is expected to be around $2,600, which is a 37% increase over the RTX 490's pricing. The RTX 5090 is expected to be positioned in the premium market, with Nvidia pricing it in the Titan V category, which is higher than previous generations.

What is the significance of Lenovo's exclusive 'Ryzen Z2 Go' APU for their Legion Go S?

The Ryzen Z2 Go is a custom APU developed specifically for Lenovo's Legion Go S gaming handheld. It is based on the architecture of the Ryzen Z1 Extreme, but with certain features cut down. This APU will offer similar performance to the previous generation, but optimized for a portable gaming experience.

How does AMD's pricing strategy affect consumers, according to the comments shared in the video?

The comments highlight that AMD, like Nvidia, raises prices once it gains market share. The price increases, such as the one seen with the Ryzen 5 chips, reflect this strategy. While AMD is often seen as a more affordable alternative, it may raise prices in response to market dynamics, similar to Nvidia.

What is the potential impact of the RTX 590's power consumption on average consumers?

The high power consumption of the RTX 590, estimated to be around 600 watts, could make it less practical for average consumers. The cost of the GPU, coupled with the power requirements, may make it out of reach for many, leading to concerns about affordability in the PC gaming market.

What are the challenges related to implementing solid-state cooling in mainstream products?

While solid-state cooling offers significant advantages in terms of performance and space savings, it has not yet been widely adopted in mainstream products. This is partly due to the technology's current limitations and the challenges manufacturers face in integrating it into consumer products, as seen with the limited availability of solid-state cooled devices like the Zotac mini-box.