# Episode 53: Supply Chain Demand Help and Dueling Mega Cycles

- Show: [The Circuit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit)
- Published: 2024-02-12
- Length: 38m
- Episode: 55
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2024-02-12-episode-53-supply-chain-demand-help-and-dueling-mega-cycles
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/fa81c999

## Summary

Hosts Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg analyze Sam Altman's reported plan to raise $7 trillion for semiconductor infrastructure, interpreting it as a public negotiation tactic with Nvidia and TSMC rather than a serious fundraising effort. They discuss the simultaneous 'dueling mega cycles' of AI compute demand and spatial computing (Apple Vision Pro), noting how hardware constraints are slowing software innovation. The conversation shifts to Intel's Foundry Services (IFS) strategy, debating the economic viability of its heavy investment in high-NA EUV technology versus the need for efficient, competitive manufacturing to capture wafer scale customers.

## Outline

1. Introduction: Sam Altman's $7 Trillion Semiconductor Plan
2. Negiation Tactics: OpenAI, Nvidia, and TSMC
3. Dueling Mega Cycles: AI Compute and Spatial Computing Constraints
4. Technical Breakthroughs vs. Commercialization Challenges
5. Intel IFS Strategy: High-NA EUV and Economic Efficiency
6. Market Outlook: Advanced vs. Mature Process Capacity

## Topics

- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Growth, exits & acquisitions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/growth-exits-and-acquisitions)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- Sam Altman (other)
- OpenAI (company)
- Nvidia (company)
- TSMC (company)
- Intel (company)
- Samsung (company)
- H100 (chip)
- B100 (chip)
- Apple Vision Pro (product)
- Quest Pro (product)
- high-NA EUV (tool)
- Intel Foundry Services (company)

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- [Bonkers Birthday Badinage](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2012-06-18-bonkers-birthday-badinage) (The Amp Hour)
- [Part Choice Triathlon](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2015-10-30-part-choice-triathlon) (The Amp Hour)
- [How Much is Enough for Hyperscale Companies?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2019-07-26-how-much-is-enough-for-hyperscale-companies) (EE Times Current)
- [OSHW, Makerbot & Memristo - Maundering Memristor Mathematicaster](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-10-11-oshw-makerbot-memristo-maundering-memristor-mathematicaster) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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