29 Sept 2025
This episode of Silicon reviews the latest computing hardware news, including new chips, folding laptops, and high-refresh-rate monitors. It also provides a comprehensive GPU buying guide and explores the implications of AI on industries like VFX, alongside discussions on future tech like infrared contact lenses and OpenAI's venture into hardware.
The 'Silicon' program, hosted by Hamid and the narrator, delves into last week's hardware news, primarily focused on computing, and features a GPU buying guide, alongside reading comments and answering questions from viewers.
Xiaomi introduced its first proprietary 3-nanometer chip, the X-Ring, featuring a 10-core architecture and second-generation TSMC technology, aiming to compete with major chip manufacturers. Initial performance claims of over 3 million AnTuTu points were significantly higher than actual benchmark results, which showed it performing below the S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The new Xiaomi chip will debut in the Xiaomi 15s Pro phone, equipped with a 6100 mAh battery, and a 14-inch OLED tablet, with the phone's full specifications otherwise mirroring the Xiaomi 15 Pro. Xiaomi's diverse and often confusing naming conventions across different markets indicate a strategy that might include market-specific releases for this phone, potentially in anticipation of future sanctions.
Huawei's MateBook Fold Ultimate Design is presented as the first folding-screen laptop, expanding to an 18-inch OLED display with a 3:3 resolution and a slim 7.3mm thickness when open. Running on HarmonyOS, the device boasts up to 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD, targeting users prioritizing portability and design despite a high starting price of $3,300 and concerns about the typing experience on a display keyboard.
Major brands like Acer, Gigabyte, and Asus introduced new monitors at Computex, standardizing around 500 Hz refresh rates, predominantly utilizing QD-OLED panels. Asus showcased a 610 Hz monitor, currently the fastest globally, achievable only on Super TN panels, raising questions about practical benefits for gaming and the trade-off between refresh rate and resolution, with resolution generally favored for overall experience.
AMD released the RX 960 XT graphics card, offering 8GB and 16GB versions, presenting a strong price-performance alternative to Nvidia's 4060 Ti, especially with its 16GB variant priced only $50 higher. AMD has also adjusted its GPU naming scheme to align with Nvidia's, aiming to reduce user confusion previously caused by similar names for CPUs and GPUs, a problem also observed with Intel's increasingly complex CPU naming.
Next-generation Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus processors are set to power new Windows Copilot+ PCs, bringing enhanced core configurations and new wireless technologies. However, initial adoption faces significant challenges regarding software optimization, as many essential applications are not yet compatible, and while NPUs are improving, their full potential remains untapped due to a lack of standardized AI algorithms and frameworks.
Artificial intelligence is profoundly reshaping the visual effects (VFX) industry, with recent AI-generated short films demonstrating capabilities indistinguishable from human-made content, prompting VFX artists to embrace AI tools or face professional obsolescence. While AI cannot replace roles like surgeons, its proficiency in creative content generation, such as image and video production from prompts, highlights an accelerating shift in creative fields.
ASUS introduced BitTiff ('Back to the Front') technology, designed to route all power and data cables to the rear of the motherboard, enabling cleaner PC builds. This innovation, while aesthetically appealing for modders, requires a full ecosystem of compatible components and is considered an added expense not necessarily justified for typical users, alongside new white versions of GPUs and updated gaming laptops.
A comprehensive GPU buying guide categorizes graphics cards by price-performance, recommending the RTX 4060 8GB (31-35 million Toman) as a strong entry-level choice for 1080p gaming and editing. For mid-range gaming, the AMD RX 9070 (73 million Toman) and RX 9070 XT (85 million Toman) offer superior value, while Nvidia cards like the 4070 (75 million Toman) are preferred for professional software due to better encoders and compatibility.
The guide warns against the RTX 4080, which has been discontinued and replaced by the 4080 Super due to its poor price-performance ratio relative to the 4070 Ti and 4090, and the RX 580, an outdated mining-era card still overpriced in the market. Sellers are noted for employing deceptive tactics to push old or less efficient high-end cards like the out-of-market 4090 at inflated prices.
The S25 Edge is described as an innovative, aesthetically pleasing, and lightweight phone, though its user experience is hindered by numerous bugs. Featuring a Snapdragon X Elite chip, the phone employs aggressive thermal throttling to maintain cool operation, a strategy that results in approximately 15% lower performance compared to flagships like the S25 Ultra, despite its impressive design.
A community survey revealed that the majority of users (40%) utilize RTX 30 series GPUs, recognized for their excellent price-performance at launch, while a significant portion still relies on older cards like the RX 580 and GTX 1050/1650 for gaming. The survey highlights that high-end cards are not necessary for playing older games, and warns against purchasing outdated models like the RTX 1650 due to poor value.
Upcoming technologies include Chinese-developed contact lenses that provide infrared (night) vision by converting infrared light into visible light, with potential applications for color-blind individuals. Additionally, OpenAI's acquisition of Jony Ive's design company for $6.5 billion signals an aggressive push into AI-focused hardware products, expected to launch late next year.
Researching parts, understanding their approximate price, brand, and warranty is crucial before making a purchase, as uninformed buyers are susceptible to sales tricks.
| item | description | details |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi X-Ring Chip | First proprietary 3nm chip with 10-core architecture, competing with Apple/Qualcomm. | Claimed 3M+ AnTuTu, actual real-world 2.6M (below S25 Ultra/iPhone 16 Pro Max). |
| Huawei MateBook Fold Ultimate Design | First folding-screen laptop featuring an 18-inch OLED display. | Base price $3,300, runs HarmonyOS (still developing optimization), 7.3mm thin (open). |
| High Refresh Rate Monitors | New 500-610 Hz QD-OLED/Super TN monitors from Acer, Gigabyte, Asus. | Practical gaming benefit questionable; resolution often prioritized over refresh rate on TN panels. |
| AMD RX 960 XT GPU | Introduced as a competitive alternative to Nvidia's 4060 Ti. | Available in 8GB and 16GB versions; 16GB model offers significant value for an extra $50. |
| Snapdragon X Processors | New CPUs for Windows Copilot+ PCs, improving core config and connectivity. | Faces software optimization challenges; NPU potential is currently limited by lack of standardized AI frameworks. |
| AI in VFX Industry | AI is rapidly creating realistic content, making manual VFX work challenging. | VFX artists are advised to integrate AI tools to remain competitive; AI's generative capabilities are transformative. |
| ASUS BitTiff Technology | Enables cable-free PC builds by routing connectors to the motherboard's rear. | Niche appeal for modders; requires compatible components and adds extra cost. |
| Nvidia RTX 4060 8GB GPU | Recommended entry-level GPU for balanced price-performance. | Suitable for 1080p medium-to-high gaming and editing tasks; priced around 31-35 million Toman. |
| AMD RX 9070/9070 XT GPUs | Mid-range options providing superior gaming price-performance. | RX 9070 (73M Toman) and RX 9070 XT (85M Toman) are highly recommended for gamers. |
| Nvidia GPUs for Professional Work | Preferred for creative software (AutoCAD, Premiere) due to specialized features. | Offers better encoders, software compatibility, and generally lower power consumption compared to AMD for productivity. |
| Outdated/Overpriced GPUs | Warning against buying RX 580 (mining card) and discontinued RTX 4080/4090. | RX 580 not worth over 5M Toman; 4080/4090 often sold with deceptive tactics at inflated prices due to scarcity. |
| Chinese Infrared Contact Lenses | Future tech providing night vision by converting infrared light to visible light. | Tested on mice, potential applications for color-blind individuals; mechanism with closed eyes needs clarification. |
| OpenAI's Hardware Venture | OpenAI acquired Jony Ive's design company for $6.5 billion. | Signals OpenAI's intention to enter AI-focused hardware products, with first product expected late next year. |
