Overview
The team conducted an extensive investigation into the Nvidia GPU black market in China, documenting the supply chain, key actors, and the illicit demand for banned AI GPUs. They are producing a full-length movie, set to release August 15th, and are seeking crowdfunding to support final production costs.
Investigation Summary and Key Findings
- The team spent three weeks in China and one week in Taiwan interviewing smugglers, middlemen, and end-users of banned Nvidia GPUs.
- Obtained on-camera interviews (with identities protected) from individuals within the black market supply chain.
- Discovered ease of purchasing banned GPUs in China, with high demand for AI use.
- Uncovered operations repurposing defective Nvidia PCBs into high VRAM GPUs not officially offered by Nvidia.
- Documented recent US government arrests of Chinese nationals for GPU smuggling.
- Investigated Nvidia's awareness and response to the ongoing black market.
Production Process and Team Efforts
- The investigation required months of research, including 2,300 miles of travel within China and coordination with sources in Taiwan.
- Team member Tannon underwent rapid, intensive training to handle filming and audio during the trip.
- Research efforts included assembling a 450+ page document, with over four months of collective team work.
Crowdfunding Campaign and Backer Rewards
- A Kickstarter-style campaign is launched to cover remaining production expenses, with a release date set for August 15th.
- Backer rewards include exclusive videos, Q&A sessions, themed t-shirts and merchandise, digital wallpapers, and physical artwork.
- Stretch goals involve publishing an extensive GPU ban timeline and ad-free research articles.
Reflections on the Black Market Phenomenon
- The black market for GPUs, typically used for gaming, now rivals traditional contraband markets due to high AI and server demand.
- Nvidia’s products are manufactured in China but are restricted from Chinese markets by US export bans, fueling the illicit trade.
- The investigation highlights the paradox of export restrictions and the resilience of the supply chain.
Decisions
- Release full-length investigative movie on August 15th.
- Launch crowdfunding campaign to support production and research costs.
Action Items
- August 14th – Team: Finalize backer credits for highest tier supporters.
- August 15th – Team: Launch the documentary video publicly.
- TBD – Team: Publish GPU ban timeline and research articles if stretch goals are met.
Key Dates / Deadlines
- August 14th: Last day for highest-tier backers to receive video credit.
- August 15th: Scheduled release date for the full-length documentary.