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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.