High End GPU Smuggling to China
August 18th, 2025This is a fascinating look into how GPU smuggling networks are getting around U.S. export restrictions to China.
This is long and probably not of much interest to most of you, but some will find it very interesting.
The part I found most incredible is how gaming-grade GPU silicon is being pulled from existing cards and built into new cards (on custom PCBs) with double the VRAM. Doubling the VRAM makes the cards more suitable for AI applications.
The most ridiculous/hilarious part of the story is the fact that some of the systems that aren’t allowed to be sold in China are made in China. So, while most of the cards get exported, some number of units are going out the side door and winding up in the domestic market.
Update: Mirror
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Via: Gamer’s Nexus:
The ridiculous is commonplace these days.
The Taliban opposes growing opium poppies and using their products, but Afghanistan is the opium poppy-growing capitol of the world.
Following the link to the GPU modification lab, where nano meets meat space—I vote, absolutely fascinating.