RTX 5070 / RX 9070 XT reviews, New Macs/iPads, US chip production + more!

Summary

TechLinked Podcast Summary Episode: RTX 5070 / RX 9070 XT Reviews, New Macs/iPads, US Chip Production + More! Release Date: March 6, 2025

The latest episode of TechLinked by Linus Media Group delves into a multitude of pressing topics in the tech and gaming spheres. From the latest GPU releases to Apple's new product lineup and the ongoing debates surrounding US chip production, the hosts Linus Sebastian and Riley navigate through the intricate landscape of modern technology with insightful commentary and engaging discussions.

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1. GPU Showdowns: Nvidia RTX 5070 vs. AMD RX 9070 XT

The episode kicks off with an in-depth comparison of Nvidia's newly released RTX 5070 and AMD's RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT GPUs. The Linus Tech Tips (LTT) team has conducted comprehensive reviews, highlighting the competitive performance and pricing strategies of both giants.

Performance and Pricing: Linus Sebastian notes, “The LTT team found that the RX 9070 and 9070 XT trade blows with the RTX 5070 and 5070 Ti respectively in Raster performance for way cheaper” (00:55). This price-performance ratio is particularly appealing amidst the current instability in GPU pricing.

Technological Advancements: AMD has introduced significant enhancements in ray tracing and their proprietary FSR4 upscaling technology. However, despite these improvements, AMD’s FSR4 still falls short of Nvidia's DLSS4 in certain aspects. Linus humorously adds, “It's not using frame gen as long as like Indiana Jones, you like artifacts” (00:56), referring to the occasional graphical imperfections introduced by frame generation techniques.

Market Strategy: A notable point of contention is AMD's pricing strategy for the RX 9070 XT. Riley remarks, “It belongs in a museum” (01:59), criticizing AMD for making the $600 RX 9070 XT too attractive compared to the $550 RX 9070, thereby undermining their product tiering.

Availability and Launch Success: While AMD's GPUs seem to offer better value, availability remains a challenge for Nvidia's RTX 5070 Founders Edition, which experienced last-minute delays. Linus points out, “As for the third party cards, despite the bad reviews, they sold out immediately” (02:00), emphasizing the high demand and swift sell-out rate despite mixed reviews.

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2. Apple’s Surprise Launch: Upgraded Macs and iPads

In a shift from traditional launch events, Apple has unveiled its latest lineup of Macs and iPads through a minimalistic approach—primarily via press releases and brief communications from CEO Tim Cook.

New MacBook Air: The base model MacBook Air is now equipped with the M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and enjoys a $100 price reduction, starting at $1,000. Linus suggests, “Depending on your situation, this could be a no brainer upgrade” (02:38), highlighting its enhanced performance and affordability.

iPad Air and Base Model Updates: The new iPad Air features an M3 chip with the same core count as its predecessor, the M2, and introduces support for Apple’s "floaty" Magic Keyboard. However, Riley quips, “Aw, I wanted a big event” (02:49), expressing a desire for a more significant unveiling. The base iPad has been updated with an A16 chip, although it lacks support for Apple's touted "Apple Intelligence" feature, leading Linus to comment, “But I just can't hear them” (03:53).

Mac Studio Enhancements: Apple has also announced new Mac Studio models powered by the M4 Max and the innovative M3 Ultra—essentially two M3 chips fused together. Linus humorously notes, “Something they won't be doing with the M4 apparently” (03:53), referencing the absence of the Ultra Fusion connector in the M4 variant.

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3. US Chip Production and Political Tensions

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the contentious issue of US chip production, focusing on President Donald Trump's condemnation of the CHIPS Act—a Biden-era initiative aimed at subsidizing semiconductor manufacturing in the United States.

Political Stance: Trump has vehemently opposed the CHIPS Act, calling it “a horrible, horrible thing. Worst we've ever seen” during his address to Congress (03:53). This opposition includes efforts to undermine the Act by firing nearly half of the staff responsible for distributing subsidies, thereby hampering its implementation.

Industry Response: Despite political turmoil, TSMC remains steadfast in its commitment to invest $100 billion in US chip manufacturing over the next two decades. Linus points out, “You just need to throw threaten these companies with tariffs, not help them do the thing you want them to do” (03:53), critiquing the administration’s approach.

Feasibility and Economic Implications: Research from the Consumer Technology Association suggests that relocating all tech manufacturing to the US is not feasible. Additionally, reducing CHIPS Act subsidies would not significantly benefit struggling American chipmaker Intel. Linus elaborates, “TSMC still says they won't make their most advanced chips in the US… bringing all tech manufacturing back to the US is not feasible” (03:53).

Tariff Wars: The discussion also touches on the potential escalation of trade tensions, with Trump hinting at additional tariffs on Taiwanese goods, which could drive up chip prices for US consumers. Existing retaliatory tariffs from Mexico and Canada add another layer of complexity to the situation. Riley humorously summarizes, “You can’t keep up with this stuff unless you watch our show” (04:00), underscoring the chaotic nature of international trade negotiations.

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4. Quick Bits: YouTube, Google AI, and Revolutionary Biotech

YouTube's Premium Lite: YouTube has introduced a new subscription tier, Premium Lite, priced at $8 per month, which removes ads from most videos while retaining them for music content. Linus jokes, “Stay tuned for the plan that goes the other way. YouTube Premium Ultra. It removes everything, including the videos” (06:11), highlighting the humorous possibilities of service tiers.

Google’s AI Enhancements: Google has updated its AI-driven search feature to utilize the Gemini 2.0 model, expanding access to teens and non-signed-in users. Additionally, an experimental AI mode for search aims to offer a more conversational and interactive experience. Linus quips, “It's more fun” (06:52), referencing the playful side of AI integrations.

Biotech Innovations: The episode explores groundbreaking developments from Colossal Sciences, a biotech company working on de-extincting species like woolly mammoths and genetically engineered woolly mice. Linus humorously predicts, “They're just gonna stop doing that and be like a hair replacement therapy company” (07:09), while discussing the ethical and environmental implications of such advancements. Furthermore, Australian company Cortical Labs has unveiled the CL1, touted as the world's first biological computer, leveraging human neuron cells integrated with silicon hardware. Linus reflects, “It’s genuinely cool research. As long as the chips aren't conscious and trying to escape” (07:10), musing on the futuristic potential of biological computing.

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5. Closing Remarks and Sponsors

While the primary focus remains on the core content, the episode also includes brief segments promoting Jawa—a platform for buying and selling gaming gear and PC components. Riley emphasizes the benefits of using Jawa, especially in a market where new GPUs are scarce and overpriced, encouraging listeners to consider purchasing used GPUs to maximize value.

Finally, Linus offers a light-hearted apology for his earlier language, transitioning into the recap of quick bits and upcoming topics, ensuring a seamless wrap-up of the episode.

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Conclusion

This episode of TechLinked provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in GPU technology, Apple’s product updates, and the intricate dynamics of US chip production amidst political tensions. Complemented by intriguing segments on AI advancements and biotech innovations, Linus Sebastian and Riley deliver a nuanced and engaging analysis, making complex topics accessible and entertaining for their audience.

For those keen on staying abreast of the ever-evolving tech landscape, this episode serves as an essential listen, packed with valuable insights and timely information.

Transcript

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[Linus Sebastian]

Tech news river can run pretty dry and then Nvidia and AMD and Apple coming in blow up the dam. Woo. Come on, get your wetsuits on. We having dinner tonight? Reviews went live for Nvidia's RTX 5070 yesterday and AMD's RX 9070 and 9070 XT this morning, finally giving GPU testers a chance to sleep. Riley I didn't know you could wear a suit.

[Riley]

I clean up nice.

[Linus Sebastian]

The LTT team found that the RX 9070 and 9070 XT trade blows with the RTX 5070 and 5070 Ti respectively in Raster performance for way cheaper, he says. As if GPU prices are stable at all right now. That's what I do. I narrate my life in the third person. Team Red also delivered big improvements in ray tracing and the new RX9000 exclusive FSR4 upscaling frame gen technology, although it still falls short of matching Nvidia's DLSS4. The biggest complaint with AMD's new cards seems to be that AMD has pulled their own 7900XTX trick again and made the $600 9070 XT too good of a deal compared to the $550 9070. But at least AMD didn't claim their base 70 tier card is equivalent to an RTX 4090. I mean sure in some games the RTX 5070 can use multi frame generation to put out more frames then a 4090. That's not using frame gen as long as like Indiana Jones, you like artifacts.

[Riley]

It belongs in a museum.

[Linus Sebastian]

Speaking of frames, hardware on box notes that the RX9070XT's cost per frame is much better than the new Nvidia options, mostly because the AMD cards are an option, with all signs pointing to retailers actually having MSRP versions in stock. The same can't be said for the RTX 5070 Founders Edition, which no one has found Nvidia delayed it at the last second yesterday. As for the third party cards, despite the bad reviews, they sold out immediately, ultimately making this an Nvidia launch that really could have just been an email.

[Riley]

Why am I here? Why did you pull me in?

[Linus Sebastian]

Interestingly, that is the approach Apple took this week when they launched upgraded Macs and iPads with nothing more than a press release and a couple tweets from CEO Tim Cook or his assistant.

[Riley]

Aw, I wanted a big event.

[Linus Sebastian]

It was Siri the new base model MacBook Air is getting an M4 chip, 16 gigabytes of RAM and $100 price drop starting at 1000 USD. Depending on your situation, this could be a no brainer upgrade. The same can't be said for the new iPad Air, which seems to be literally the same device, but with an M3 chip with the same amount of cores as the M2 and support for Apple's floaty looking magic keyboard. It does look quite floaty though. The base model iPad has also been updated. It's getting an A16 chip which lacks support for Apple Intelligence, the killer feature I'm sure everyone's using and talking about, but I just can't hear them. The beefiest upgrade Apple announced though, was the new Mac Studio models available with an M4 Max or the brand new M3 Ultra, which is Apple's term for when they take two Macs chips and fuse them together. Something they won't be doing with the M4 apparently. Maybe later, because it lacks the Ultra Fusion connector. Oh, so not later.

[Riley]

It just didn't have one.

[Linus Sebastian]

US President Donald Trump called for an end to the Chips Act, a Biden era law that subsidized chip makers efforts to build facilities in the US Chip during the president's address to Congress this week, calling the CHIPS Act a horrible, horrible thing. Worst we've ever seen. That last part was me. Just in case the act doesn't get repealed through Congress, the Trump administration is firing nearly half of the staff that would dish out the subsidies anyway. Because as evidenced by TSMC's recent commitment to build $100 billion worth of chip making facilities in the US over the next 20 years, you just need to throw threaten these companies with tariffs, not help them do the thing you want them to do. However, TSMC still says they won't make their most advanced chips in the US and research by the Consumer Technology association concluded that bringing all tech manufacturing back to the US Is not feasible. And cutting Chips act subsidies also wouldn't help American chip maker intel, who's not exactly swimming in profits right now. Trump also said he could still levy tariffs on Taiwan, which would make chips more expensive for US consumers, adding on the effect of a now 20% tariff on Chinese goods. Meanwhile, Mexico and Canada, that's US announced retaliatory tariffs in response to Trump's tariffs, which are supposed to go in effect today, although the talks are still ongoing, with a pause on vehicle related tariffs being approved just hours ago. You can't keep up with this stuff unless you watch our show. You never know what's gonna happen when you play Tariffs, the fun flip flopping game where nobody wins and everything's expensive. If you want to win, check out.

[Riley]

Our sponsor Jawa, the place where gamers like you can buy and sell gaming gear, PC components and custom rigs from experienced builders at amazing prices. Which is no small thing in a world where AMD and especially Nvidia's newest GPUs are either impossible to find or offensively overpriced. Hey, here's an idea. Buy a used GPU for cheap. They're a way better value per dollar than the new stuff anyway. And you can offset the cost by selling your old GPU on Jawa. Heck, Jawa will just buy it off you directly. Get an instant quote by following the steps on their site. No need to make your posts or listings. It's super simple and frankly it feels good. Go to LMG GG selltojawa and get an instant offer for your old graphics card.

[Linus Sebastian]

I'm sorry for saying damn in the intro. That was crass and vulgar. Let me atone by offering these quick bits. YouTube has finally launched its rumored Premium Lite subscription in the US which will cost 8 bucks for a month instead of the 14 charged for full premium. It'll remove ads from most videos, but keep them on for music content. It's a subscription tier that's just a little bit premium. Stay tuned for the plan that goes the other way. YouTube Premium Ultra. It removes everything, including the videos. Stay home. Google has announced its AI Overview search feature has been updated to use the Gemini 2.0 model and can now be used by teens and non signed in users.

[Riley]

This'll be fine.

[Linus Sebastian]

The tech giant is also rolling out a new experimental AI mode for search that seems like a middle ground between a normal Google search and just using Gemini. Because so many people were asking how do I make searching the web more like asking someone to do it for me who's high out of their mind?

[Riley]

It's more fun.

[Linus Sebastian]

According to Android Authority, Google's also updated Android Auto, with preliminary support for Gemini, which usually warns users that it may make mistakes and tells them to verify the answers, which might not be easy to do when you're driving. Scientists at biotech company Colossal Sciences have genetically engineered woolly mice with hair much thicker and longer than normal mice as part of their efforts to bring woolly mammoths back into the world. Hold on, I'm calling it now. They're just gonna stop doing that and be like a hair replacement therapy company. That's it. Just give bald people wooly hair? Look like a caveman, they say. They're not just doing this as the setup to a movie where literally everything goes wrong. There is some evidence that adding mammoths or large animals back to arctic environments could protect the permafrost, which could have knock on effects on the economy or something. Colossal is also trying to bring back other extinct animals, including the dodo, the Tasmanian tiger, and who knows what else. But founder Ben Lamb insists, quote, it wouldn't end like Jurassic Park. I promise the mice are in cages, literally. What could go wrong? And an Australian company called Cortical Labs has launched the CL1, a module that they call the world's first biological computer. That's us. Because it can run computations using human neuron cells attached to silicon hardware, customers will be able to rent computing time on the chips or buy a CL1 unit for themselves. And trust me, using a calculator app hits different when it's powered by wet, squishy stuff maintained with tubes and valves instead of just dead circuits. Look, I don't mean to disparage this. It's genuinely cool research. As long as the chips aren't conscious and trying to escape.

[Riley]

They have no mouth and they must scream. But they can't. What are they gonna do?

[Linus Sebastian]

Like, some people will pay extra for this, but don't you try to escape. Coming back here on Friday for more tech news. Cause I won't let you. Nope, nope. Never mind. Come here.