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September 17
- China bans its biggest tech companies from acquiring Nvidia chips, says report — Beijing claims its homegrown AI processors now match H20 and RTX Pro 6000D
➀ China's Cyberspace Administration (CAC) banned major tech firms like ByteDance and Alibaba from purchasing Nvidia’s AI chips, including the newly released RTX Pro 6000D and previously restricted H20.
➁ Beijing asserts that domestic AI chips from Huawei and Cambricon now rival Nvidia’s China-specific products, prompting companies like Tencent to accelerate local infrastructure development.
➂ Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang expressed disappointment but acknowledged geopolitical complexities, while China’s move aligns with efforts to reduce reliance on U.S. tech amid ongoing trade tensions.
- These are the top free Windows tools that I use on a daily basis to boost my productivity
➀ The article compiles a list of free Windows tools used daily by the author for productivity, content creation, and media management;
➀ Key tools include ScreenToGIF (GIF/video capture), GIMP/Inkscape (image editing), Notepad++ (coding), Rufus (bootable USB creation), VLC (media playback), and Handbrake (video conversion);
➂ These tools are highlighted for their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and cross-platform availability (Windows/Linux/macOS).
- Apple prepping touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro for 2026 — new report claims model will incorporate on-cell touch tech for the first time
➀ Apple plans to launch its first touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro in late 2026, incorporating on-cell touch technology, as reported by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo;
➁ The move signifies a strategic shift in Mac design philosophy, potentially impacting the iPad product line and addressing long-standing user demand for touch-enabled laptops;
➂ A more affordable MacBook with an A-series iPhone processor is also in development, slated for late 2025.
- How TSMC managed to increase efficiency of ASML's EUV tools: System-level optimizations and in-house pellicles —chipmaker boosted EUV-driven wafer production by 30x over six years while reducing power consumption by 24%
➀ TSMC increased EUV-driven wafer production by 30x since 2019 and reduced tool power consumption by 24% through system-level optimizations;
➁ The company developed proprietary EUV pellicles with 4x lifespan and 80x lower defects, planning to retrofit a 200mm fab for mass production;
➂ TSMC enhanced photomask accuracy, planarization, and energy efficiency techniques to solidify its dominance in advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
September 16
- Start-up hails world's first quantum computer made from everyday silicon — fits in three 19-inch server racks and is touted as 'quantum computing's silicon moment'
➀ Quantum Motion unveils the world's first full-stack quantum computer built using standard CMOS silicon technology, aiming to integrate into existing server infrastructure.
➁ The system, housed in three 19-inch server racks, leverages silicon spin-qubit processors and supports mainstream quantum software frameworks like Qiskit.
➂ Despite claims of scalability, performance metrics remain undisclosed, pending validation by the UK's National Quantum Computing Centre.
- Google terminates 200 AI contractors — 'ramp-down' blamed, but workers claim questions over pay and job insecurity are the real reason behind layoffs
➀ Google laid off 200 AI contractors working on Gemini and AI search improvements, citing project 'ramp-down'; some allege retaliation over pay disputes and unionization attempts.
➀ Contractors from Hitachi-owned GlobalLogic claimed their expertise was replaced by AI rating tools, while Meta and xAI also cut AI annotation teams amid industry shifts.
➀ Despite AI industry expansion, low-skilled roles face instability as firms pivot to automated solutions and prioritize high-profile hires over grassroots workers.
- Nvidia tipped to be TSMC's first 16A customer, ahead of Apple — Feynman GPUs could make full use of GAA transistors and backside power
➀ NVIDIA reportedly becomes TSMC's first A16 node customer for its Feynman AI GPUs, breaking Apple's decade-long tradition of adopting TSMC's leading-edge processes with iPhones;
➁ A16, TSMC's 1.6nm-class process, integrates GAA transistors and backside power delivery, offering 8-10% speed gain and improved power efficiency, tailored for AI/HPC applications;
➂ NVIDIA's strategic move to skip N2 for A16 could secure a full-node advantage over AMD and Intel, positioning Feynman GPUs as pioneering AI chips with cutting-edge architecture by 2028.
- Researchers embed digital 'fingerprints' into 3D printed parts — tech may make future ghost guns more traceable
➀ Washington University researchers developed SIDE technology to embed traceable digital fingerprints in 3D-printed objects, enabling forensic tracking of printer metadata;
➁ The innovation targets ghost gun regulation but faces challenges like firmware modifications and fingerprint removal tactics;
➂ Critics argue the method may be circumvented through model simplification, open-source printer modifications, or physical alterations to prints.
September 15
- Enthusiast didn't like the Framework 13's mushy keyboard, so he built a custom version with a full mechanical keyboard — also added mechanical dials to control volume, brightness, and backlighting
➀ A keyboard enthusiast built a custom 13-inch laptop using Framework 13 components, replacing its membrane keyboard with a low-profile mechanical KL Chalk switch design for superior typing feedback;
➁ The DIY project involved designing a scratch-built aluminum chassis, custom PCB, and rotary dials for volume/brightness control, along with an integrated USB hub (which initially failed);
➂ Demonstrates the potential of modular laptops for extreme customization, though requiring advanced machining and electronics skills.
- Nvidia Rubin CPX die shot reveals graphics-specific hardware blocks not needed for an AI GPU — Rubin CPX may form the foundation of next-gen RTX 6090
➀ Rubin CPX die shot reveals dedicated ROP units and display engines, which are redundant for AI workloads;
➁ Speculation arises that it could serve as the foundation for RTX 6090 with 28,672+ CUDA cores and GDDR7 memory;
➂ Planned 2026 release aligns with potential CES 2027 consumer GPU launch, suggesting dual AI/gaming architecture strategy.
- China accuses Nvidia of anti-monopoly law violations, raising prospect of heavy fines — company could be fined 10% of revenue from China
➀ China accuses NVIDIA of violating anti-monopoly laws, with potential fines up to 10% of its annual revenue from the Chinese market;
➁ The allegations coincide with ongoing US-China trade talks in Spain, implying the investigation may be a negotiation tactic to secure better terms for AI chip access;
➂ China intensifies efforts to reduce reliance on foreign tech, promoting domestic chip production and urging companies to avoid NVIDIA GPUs for national AI independence.
September 14
- China launches anti-dumping probe into U.S. analog chips used in PCs and routers
➀ China initiates anti-dumping probe targeting 40nm+ analog chips from the U.S., alleging price suppression and market flooding;
➁ Investigation focuses on ICs critical for PCBs, routers, and power systems, with provisional duties possible before 2026;
➂ Texas Instruments' price cuts post-2023 and broader post-COVID oversupply complicate China's injury claims amid escalating tech trade tensions.
- Acer Predator Connect T7 mesh router review: Expensive and outclassed
➀ The Predator Connect T7 suffers from limited hardware specs with only two 1Gbps LAN ports, making it uncompetitive at $329/node;
➁ Software syncing issues between the app and WebGUI, plus complex satellite pairing, hamper user experience;
➂ Competitors like TP-Link Deco BE68 offer superior ports (10G/2.5G) and better performance at lower prices.
- TSM-Bee? TSMC gets into the honey business after working with local beekeepers to establish hives around its fabs
➁ TSMC partnered with local beekeepers to produce ‘Ji Mi’ honey, utilizing restored ecosystems around its fabs;
➂ The company's environmental efforts include 90% water recycling and 97% waste reuse rates, aligning with sustainability goals;
➃ Native species like fireflies and silver goby returned, signaling restored ecological balance near TSMC facilities.
- Enthusiast builds entire PC setup with Lego-style bricks — Includes desktop terminal-style OLED monitor & keyboard, with an iPhone 6-powered desk clock
➀ Reddit用户Choi用乐高积木打造了一套完整的PC系统，包含定制机箱、1080p OLED显示器、机械键盘及iPhone 6驱动的桌钟；
➁ 这是他首次组装自定义PC，硬件采用AMD Ryzen 5 5600G APU，搭配16GB内存和ITX主板，机箱外置120mm风扇辅助散热；
➂ 创意延伸至复古Commodore风格显示器机箱、乐高鼠标等配件，展现低成本但高创意的DIY精神。
September 13
- DNA ‘cassette tape’ research hints at petabyte-scale cartridges and multi-century lifespan on paper — petabytes-per-meter density possible, but today it writes at kilobytes per hour
➀ Chinese researchers developed a prototype DNA-based storage system mimicking magnetic tape, achieving theoretical petabyte/km density but currently limited to 156KB/hour speeds;
➁ The system uses barcode-addressed polyester-nylon tape with ZIF-protected DNA payloads, claiming 300+ year shelf life at room temperature;
➂ Despite automated cartridge loading and addressing capabilities, commercial viability remains hampered by slow DNA synthesis/sequencing bottlenecks.
- Redditor fishes a fully-functional Core i5-9400F and GTX 1660 PC gaming rig out of the trash
➀ A Reddit user retrieved a functional gaming PC with Intel Core i5-9400F and Nvidia GTX 1660 from the trash;
➁ The system includes Asus motherboard, 16GB RAM, and NVMe SSD, potentially upgradable to a Core i9-9900 and newer GPUs;
➂ Critics argue such finds are unremarkable, with skepticism about the story's authenticity and news value.
September 12
- Netgear Orbi 370 Wi-Fi 7 mesh router review: Dual-band Wi-Fi 7 hardware finally makes Orbi affordable
➀ Netgear Orbi 370 enters the entry-level Wi-Fi 7 mesh market with strong 5 GHz performance (avg. 1,390 Mbps) but struggles on 2.4 GHz (30 Mbps at 25ft);
➁ Priced competitively at $349 for a 3-pack, it faces tough competition from TP-Link Deco BE5000, which offers similar specs at a lower price;
➂ Setup is quick via WebGUI or app, though the dated interface and single satellite LAN port may deter power users.
- The new frontier: Meet the power players cashing in on the AI gold rush
➀ Tech leaders like Jensen Huang (NVIDIA) and Larry Ellison (Oracle) saw their wealth skyrocket due to massive AI investments, with Huang's net worth peaking at $243B in 2025.
➁ NVIDIA dominates the AI GPU market, powering Meta, OpenAI, and xAI, while Oracle's $300B OpenAI deal propelled Ellison to become the world's richest man.
➂ Meta's shift to AI superintelligence and Musk's xAI ambitions, including plans for 50M GPUs, highlight the intensifying race for AI dominance despite financial and technical hurdles.
- Intel Xeon chief architect leaves just 8 months after appointment — Ronak Singhal latest departure in ongoing shakeup
➀ Ronak Singhal, Intel's Xeon CPU chief architect, departs after just 8 months, following a series of leadership exits in the Data Center Group;
➀ This marks Intel's second Xeon chief architect departure in under a year amid CEO Lip-Bu Tan's restructuring efforts;
➂ Singhal's exit raises questions about the future direction of Xeon CPUs as Intel reorganizes its data center strategy under new executives.
- Nvidia and Kioxia target 100 million IOPS SSD in 2027 — AI server drives aim to deliver 33 times more performance
➀ Kioxia and NVIDIA aim to launch 100M IOPS SSDs for AI servers by 2027, achieving 33x faster performance than current drives;
➁ The SSD will use PCIe 7.0 and XL-Flash SLC NAND to optimize small-block random reads critical for AI workloads;
➂ Technical challenges include overcoming NAND scaling limits, with potential adoption of High Bandwidth Flash (HBF) to boost parallelism.
September 11
- ASRock X870 Nova WiFi Motherboard Review: Lots of storage, not without sacrifice
➀ ASRock X870 Nova WiFi主板提供5个M.2接口（2个PCIe 5.0）、高端Realtek ALC4082音频解码器及支持Wi-Fi 7网络，定价$299.99；
➁ 主板采用视觉设计语言，配备紫色装饰条和底部RGB灯带，但存在严重通道共享问题：启用M.2_2接口会导致USB4端口速率减半、占用M.2_3时将失去所有SATA端口；
➂ ASRock正在通过BIOS更新优化AM5插槽烧毁风险，但用户仍需谨慎调节SOC电压设置以保证稳定性。
- Nano11 compresses Windows 11 install footprint to as little as 2.8GB — 'extreme experimental script' is 3.5 times smaller than Tiny11 and comes with 'none of the fluff'
➀ NTDEV's Nano11 Builder reduces Windows 11 ISO size by up to 3.5× through aggressive component stripping.
➁ The minimal installation footprint can reach 2.8GB using Windows 11 LTSC as base, optimized for VM testing environments.
➂ This experimental tool removes non-essential features like Windows Hello and pre-installed apps but isn't recommended for daily use.
- Apple's A19 Pro beats Ryzen 9 9950X in single-thread Geekbench tests — iPhone 17 Pro chip packs 11-12% CPU performance bump, GPU performance up 37% over predecessor
➀ Apple's A19 Pro achieves a 11-12% single-thread performance gain over its predecessor and outperforms AMD's Ryzen 9 9950X by 11.8% in Geekbench 6;
➁ The GPU sees a massive 37% improvement, rivaling AMD's Radeon 890M and Apple's M2/M3 iPad GPUs;
➂ Built on TSMC's N3P node with optimized cooling, though clock speeds remain conservative for thermal management.
September 10
- Slot an 8TB WD Black SN850X into your PC now that it's at one of its lowest-ever prices of $539 — Install all your favorite games on one drive
➀ The 8TB WD Black SN850X SSD drops to $539.99, matching the cost of two 4TB drives;
➀ Delivers PCIe Gen 4.0 speeds up to 7,200/6,600 MB/s with 4,800TBW endurance;
➂ Ideal for gaming PCs with limited M.2 slots needing massive storage for AAA games and video files.
- Nvidia claims software and hardware upgrades allow Blackwell Ultra GB300 to dominate MLPerf benchmarks — touts 45% DeepSeek R-1 inference throughput increase over GB200
➀ NVIDIA's Blackwell Ultra GB300 NVL72 achieves 45% higher inference throughput than GB200 in MLPerf's DeepSeek R1 test, leveraging upgraded tensor cores and software optimizations;
➀ The system uses NVFP4 quantization to shrink model sizes and NVLink 1.8TBps interconnect for sharding Llama 3.1 405B across 72 GPUs;
➂ NVIDIA positions GB300 as a cost-efficient solution for 'AI factories,' with shipments beginning this month to drive tokenized data center workflows.
- How to make graphical Python apps the EasyGUI way
➀ Introducing EasyGUI, a user-friendly Python library for creating GUI applications with minimal code;
➁ Step-by-step tutorial on building a cross-platform To-Do List app with JSON data storage;
➂ Demonstration of key EasyGUI features including dialog boxes, file I/O operations, and application packaging.
- Intel confirms Arrow Lake refresh set for 2026, Nova Lake later that year — company admits there are 'holes to fill on the desktop front,' says it is 'confident in the roadmap'
➀ Intel confirms Arrow Lake refresh for 2026 and Nova Lake launch by late 2026, extending into 2027;
➁ Acknowledges desktop performance gaps but remains confident in its roadmap;
➂ Faces competition from AMD's Zen 6 CPUs, with potential socket compatibility issues for Nova Lake.
- Nvidia Rubin CPX forms one half of new, "disaggregated" AI inference architecture — approach splits work between compute- and bandwidth-optimized chips for best performance
➀ NVIDIA introduces Rubin CPX GPU, a purpose-built chip targeting long-context AI workloads like video generation, using a 'disaggregated' architecture splitting tasks between compute-optimized and bandwidth-focused GPUs;
➁ Rubin CPX handles compute-intensive context phases with 30 petaFLOPs NVFP4 and 128GB GDDR7, while standard Rubin GPU (50 PFLOPs FP4, 288GB HBM4) manages memory-heavy generation phases;
➂ The Vera Rubin NVL144 CPX rack (2026) combines both GPUs, delivering 8 exaFLOPs NVFP4 performance and 7.5x speedup over current systems, promising $5B revenue potential per $100M investment.
September 9
- Corsair HX1500i (2025) ATX 3.1 power supply review
➀ The Corsair HX1500i (2025) delivers Platinum-level efficiency, ATX 3.1 compliance, and advanced iCUE monitoring, making it ideal for high-performance systems.
➁ Despite its premium $390 price and 200mm oversized chassis, the PSU excels in silent operation, thermal resilience, and robust component quality with Japanese capacitors.
➂ Compromises include a basic accessory bundle, though its dual 12V-2x6 connectors and 10-year warranty solidify its value for enthusiasts needing 1500W+ power delivery.