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Singapore case against three on AI chip fraud charges adjourned until Aug 22

Singapore case against three on AI chip fraud charges adjourned until Aug 22

Reuters8 hours ago

SINGAPORE, June 27 (Reuters) - Singapore's case against three men linked by local media to the illegal transfer of Nvidia's (NVDA.O), opens new tab AI chips from Singapore to Chinese artificial intelligence firm DeepSeek has been adjourned until Aug 22, the court ruled on Friday.
At a hearing on Friday, the prosecution said the police would need more time to review new documents and seek responses from overseas parties in the investigations into the three men, Singaporeans Aaron Woon Guo Jie, 41, and Alan Wei Zhaolun, 49, as well as the Chinese national Li Ming, 51.
They were earlier charged with committing fraud by making false representations to unnamed server suppliers about the end users of goods purchased in 2023 and 2024.
The United States banned the export of high-end chips from Nvidia to China in 2022 amid concerns that they could be used for military purposes. A senior U.S. official said that AI firm DeepSeek is aiding China's military and intelligence operations, Reuters reported on Monday.
Singapore Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam said in March that the authorities had ascertained that servers involved in the fraud case may contain Nvidia chips, and that they had investigated the case independently after an anonymous tip-off.
The servers were supplied by Dell Technologies (DELL.N), opens new tab and Super Micro Computer (SMCI.O), opens new tab to Singapore-based companies before they were sent on to Malaysia, although it was not clear if Malaysia was the final destination for the servers, he said.
The Singapore case is part of a broader police investigation into 22 individuals and companies suspected of false representation, amid concerns that nations like Singapore have been involved in organised AI chip smuggling to China.
In 2024, Singapore was Nvidia's second-biggest market after the United States, accounting for 18% of its total revenue in its latest fiscal year, a February filing by the chipmaker shows.
Actual shipments to the Asian trading hub, however, contributed less than 2% of total revenue, as customers use it as a centre for invoicing sales to other countries.

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DeepSeek faces expulsion from app stores in Germany

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Outsider vs veteran: Who will lead Thailand's central bank?

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Tiny RTX 5000 eGPU Turns Handhelds into Gaming Powerhouses
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Tiny RTX 5000 eGPU Turns Handhelds into Gaming Powerhouses

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From its impressive specs—like 8GB of VRAM and 100W USB-C fast charging—to its innovative design, this device is packed with features that could transform how we think about handhelds and laptops. However, it's not all smooth sailing; we'll also dive into the hurdles that need addressing, such as driver optimization and cooling. Whether you're a gamer, a creative professional, or just someone who values portability without sacrificing power, this prototype offers a glimpse into the future of mobile performance. The question is: how close are we to that future? RTX 5000 eGPU Overview Key Features and Specifications At the heart of the prototype is a desktop-class RTX 5060 GPU equipped with 8GB of VRAM, offering a substantial boost in graphics performance for portable devices. This eGPU supports multiple connectivity standards, making sure compatibility with a variety of devices: Thunderbolt 4: High-speed data transfer and low-latency performance. 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A 280W power adapter capable of meeting the GPU's energy demands. USB-C Fast Charging: Supports 100W charging, allowing users to power their laptops or handheld devices while using the eGPU. This dual functionality enhances its practicality, particularly for users who prioritize portability and efficiency. The inclusion of Oculink further broadens its appeal for niche applications, though its adoption remains limited. RTX 5000 eGPU Specs, Features & Performance Insights Watch this video on YouTube. Expand your understanding of External GPU (eGPU) with additional resources from our extensive library of articles. Performance and Thermal Management Performance testing reveals the eGPU's ability to handle demanding workloads with ease. In synthetic benchmarks such as 3DMark Time Spy, it achieves competitive scores, while real-world gaming tests demonstrate its capability to run modern titles like Cyberpunk 2077 at medium to high settings. However, performance varies depending on the game: Optimized Titles: Games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5 run smoothly, showcasing the GPU's potential. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Forza Horizon 5 run smoothly, showcasing the GPU's potential. Challenging Titles: Games such as Doom: The Dark Ages and Spider-Man 2 encounter occasional frame drops at higher settings, likely due to early-stage driver or game optimization issues. The GPU's power consumption peaks at 145W, with temperatures reaching 86°C under load. While these figures are within acceptable ranges, the current thermal management system struggles to maintain optimal temperatures during extended use. Refining the fan curve and cooling design will be critical to making sure long-term reliability and consistent performance. Design and Usability The eGPU's compact design is comparable to other small form factor devices, making it an attractive option for users with limited desk space or those frequently on the move. It features multiple output options, including: Two HDMI Ports: Ideal for connecting external monitors or TVs. Ideal for connecting external monitors or TVs. Two DisplayPorts: Suitable for high-resolution, multi-monitor setups. While the eGPU can enhance the performance of a laptop or handheld display, using an external monitor is recommended for the best visual experience. The inclusion of USB 4 and Oculink interfaces further enhances its versatility, making it a valuable addition to portable setups for gaming, video editing, and other graphics-intensive tasks. Challenges and Development Goals Despite its strengths, the eGPU prototype faces several challenges that must be addressed to maximize its potential: Thermal Management: The current cooling system struggles to maintain optimal temperatures under heavy loads, which could impact performance and reliability over time. The current cooling system struggles to maintain optimal temperatures under heavy loads, which could impact performance and reliability over time. Driver Optimization: Early-stage drivers and firmware result in inconsistent performance across certain games, highlighting the need for further refinement. Early-stage drivers and firmware result in inconsistent performance across certain games, highlighting the need for further refinement. Future-Proofing: The lack of Thunderbolt 5 support may limit its appeal as newer connectivity standards become more prevalent. To address these issues, the development team is actively working on refining the cooling system, optimizing drivers, and expanding compatibility with a broader range of devices and applications. Looking Ahead: Enhancements and Innovations The development team is exploring several innovative features to enhance the eGPU's appeal and functionality. One potential addition is battery-powered operation, which would significantly improve portability for users who frequently travel or work in environments without easy access to power outlets. Other planned improvements include: Expanded Testing: Conducting extensive testing with a wider range of devices and games to ensure consistent performance and compatibility. Conducting extensive testing with a wider range of devices and games to ensure consistent performance and compatibility. Improved Firmware: Addressing current limitations through regular updates to drivers and firmware. Addressing current limitations through regular updates to drivers and firmware. Enhanced Cooling Solutions: Developing more efficient thermal management systems to maintain optimal performance under load. These efforts aim to refine the eGPU's design and functionality, making sure it meets the needs of its target audience while addressing current limitations. Final Thoughts The RTX 5000 series eGPU prototype represents a significant advancement in portable graphics technology. Its compact design, robust performance, and versatile connectivity options make it a compelling choice for users seeking desktop-class graphics in a portable form factor. While challenges such as thermal management and driver optimization remain, ongoing development efforts are expected to address these issues, paving the way for a more refined and reliable product. As the prototype evolves, it has the potential to bridge the gap between portability and performance, offering a versatile solution for gamers, professionals, and content creators alike. With further refinement, this eGPU could redefine how users approach portable computing, delivering a seamless blend of power and convenience. Media Credit: ETA PRIME Filed Under: Gaming News, Hardware, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.

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