China doesn't want me to have this GPU - Moore Threads MTT S80
Science & Technology
China doesn't want me to have this GPU - Moore Threads MTT S80
Please note that the following article is a paraphrased version of a video script.
In my hand, I have what is considered to be the scariest GPU in the world. This Chinese GPU has become so threatening that President Biden is reportedly reaching out to semiconductor manufacturers, urging them to stop working with China. The GPU, called the Moore Threads MTT S80, is entirely homegrown, from the shroud to the silicon, which has created concern among Western countries. Despite its secretive development, the GPU has finally been released to the public, and it's creating quite a buzz.
Moore Threads has quickly gained attention since its launch in 2021. Founded by James Zhang, the former VP and General Manager of Nvidia's Chinese Division, the company has raised half a billion US dollars and already has five different SKUs listed on their website. While it may seem surprising how a relatively unknown company can compete against established players like Nvidia and AMD, Moore Threads' funding from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Zhang's industry experience may give them a fighting chance.
It was difficult to obtain a Moore Threads GPU for testing, as the company was unresponsive to Western media's inquiries. However, we managed to find one through an individual who had won a purchase code through a lottery system. Upon unboxing, we noticed a unique feature: the GPU uses an adapter that goes from dual PCIe 8-pin to an 8-pin EPS connector, typically used for motherboards. This design choice is uncommon in gaming GPUs but is often seen in server GPUs. The GPU's build quality feels light compared to other top-tier cards, but it is rated for 255 watts total board power.
The Moore Threads MTT S80 offers modern features, including a triple fan shroud and ample display outputs. It also boasts the first PCIe Gen 5 x16 interface, 16GB of GDDR6 memory, and 4096 compute cores clocked at 1.8GHz. However, its raw performance is comparable to an RTX 3060 or 3060 TI, which is slightly disappointing considering the hype. The GPU also supports various encoding formats, including vp9, h.264, h.265, and av1. Its architecture, called the Chunchow architecture, is based on their server GPU, the MTT S3000, with slight modifications for gaming.
Although Moore Threads has made advancements in GPU technology, their gaming GPU falls short in several areas. First, it only supports a limited number of motherboards and has compatibility issues with many games due to driver checks and calls at startup. Additionally, there are reports of performance inconsistencies and lackluster productivity performance. These drawbacks raise concerns about the overall reliability and compatibility of the Moore Threads GPU.
Keywords: Chinese GPU, Moore Threads MTT S80, gaming GPU, Chunchow architecture, PCIe Gen 5, gaming performance, compatibility issues
FAQ
Q: Is the Moore Threads GPU available in North America?
A: There is uncertainty about the GPU's availability in North America. Political tensions between China and the US, along with potential import restrictions, may impact its distribution.
Q: How does the Moore Threads GPU compare to established players like Nvidia and AMD?
A: Despite some promising features, the Moore Threads GPU falls short in terms of gaming performance and compatibility. It is not a direct competitor to top-tier GPUs from Nvidia and AMD.
Q: Does the Moore Threads GPU support AI applications?
A: While it is likely that the Moore Threads GPU supports AI applications, we were unable to test its AI performance during our review. Further information regarding its capabilities in this domain is currently unavailable.
Q: Is the Moore Threads GPU a homegrown Chinese product?
A: The Moore Threads GPU utilizes licensed IP from imagination Technologies, a UK-based company. However, imagination Technologies is indirectly funded by the Chinese central government, making it technically a Chinese GPU.
Q: Can the Moore Threads GPU be easily purchased and used in other countries?
A: Purchasing the Moore Threads GPU may be challenging due to limited availability and compatibility issues with various motherboards and games. It is uncertain whether the GPU will be widely accessible outside of China.
Please note that the information provided in this article is based on available sources and our interpretation of the video script. Factors such as geopolitical tensions and ongoing developments in the tech industry may affect the accuracy and relevance of the information presented.