AMD has GONE MAD... 64 Core Threadripper! - WAN Show June 14, 2019

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: The episode centers on Linus Media Group's response to YouTube viewership changes, a strategy shift toward diversification across channels, and a mixed bag of tech news and product commentary. Linus discusses hiring more writers, possible algorithmic changes, and moving away from relying solely on his own face for growth. The show also covers AMD’s rumored 64-core Threadripper, Microsoft’s Xbox Scarlett and Game Pass for PC, LTX planning, merch updates, and several Super Chat questions.

Main Topics: YouTube algorithm changes and LTT viewership decline (Priority: 5/5): Linus and Luke debate whether YouTube’s recommendation changes, niche-content suppression, or altered click-through dynamics caused LTT’s viewership dip. They compare possible platform incentives and note that back-catalog performance was hit hardest. Diversification strategy across LMG channels (Priority: 5/5): Linus concludes that the business should rely less on LTT alone and more on channels like TechLinked and TechQuickie, which can offset declines elsewhere and reduce dependence on his personal on-camera role. Hiring and organizational restructuring (Priority: 4/5): Linus is finishing a long writer search and plans to expand the writing team by two to three people. He also discusses repurposing existing staff capacity and using new hires to support multiple channels and passion projects. Tech news: AMD Threadripper 64-core rumor (Priority: 4/5): The hosts examine a rumor that AMD may launch a 64-core, 128-thread Threadripper. They question its practicality, argue it may be more of a halo/product positioning move, and compare it to EPYC/Rome. Microsoft ecosystem updates: Xbox Scarlett and Game Pass PC (Priority: 4/5): They discuss Xbox Scarlett’s rumored specs, holiday 2020 launch, 120Hz/8K marketing claims, and the new Xbox Game Pass for PC service, while criticizing vague console marketing metrics. LTX event planning and community support (Priority: 3/5): They outline LTX logistics, guest lineup, VR/PC activities, and a shoutout to Free Geek Vancouver for supporting booths and materials. The segment emphasizes community and local hardware recycling support. Merchandising, sponsorships, and transparency (Priority: 3/5): The hosts read sponsor spots for Ridge Wallet, Savage Jerky, and Display, and discuss LMG merch quality, pricing, sourcing constraints, and the importance of full disclosure around sampled hardware.

Key Arguments: YouTube may not have made obvious public changes, but its recommendation system could still have subtly shifted in ways that affected niche creators and back-catalog discovery. Relying on one flagship channel is fragile; LTT underperformed while TechLinked absorbed much of the lost watch time and revenue, proving diversification is strategically safer. Audience trust requires transparency about samples and sponsorships; Linus argues it is better to disclose free hardware than pretend it was purchased. A 64-core Threadripper would be hard to justify as a practical workstation chip because EPYC already covers that territory; the only clear reason would be to embarrass Intel on benchmarks. Console marketing claims like “4K,” “120Hz,” or “8K” are meaningless without specifying resolution, settings, and workload; performance numbers must be contextualized. Free Geek’s role is essential to the PC community because it supplies recycled parts and educational opportunities that make events and DIY tech accessible. Merch quality and fit matter more than hype; LMG is prioritizing comfort and consistency over rapid expansion or lower standards.

Data Points: YouTube unique visitor reporting: Over 2 billion per month - Luke says YouTube will no longer report unique visitor increases because the platform is already above this scale. LMG writing team expansion: 2 to 3 people - Linus says he is hiring additional writers, increasing team size significantly. Team growth percentage: 40% to 60% - He estimates the writing team will grow by roughly this amount, though he jokes the math is uncertain. TechLinked subscriber count: 700,000 to 800,000 subscribers - Used to highlight that TechLinked gets roughly half a million views per video despite a sub count below a million. TechLinked views per video: About 500,000 - Presented as typical performance for the channel. LTT channels size comparison: LTT has about 10x the staff of other channels - Linus uses this to show the resource imbalance and why diversification matters. Threadripper rumor core count: 64 cores / 128 threads - The rumor under discussion for a possible 2019/2020 launch. Threadripper rumor price range: $2,500 to $3,000 - Estimated pricing for the rumored 64-core part. Xbox Scarlett performance claim: 4x more powerful than Xbox One X - Microsoft’s announced claim from E3 2019. Console display claim: 120 Hz and 8K compatibility - Mentioned as marketing language that needs more detail to be meaningful. Xbox Game Pass for PC: $10/month standard; $5/month beta; $1 trial/promo - Subscription pricing discussed during the segment. Game Pass for PC catalog size: Over 100 PC games - At launch, according to the discussion. LTX VR booth hardware: 8 HTC Vive headsets - A major increase from last year’s 3 headsets. LTX volunteer processing: Ongoing, one by one - Colton is handling volunteer signups. Free Geek support: 20+ cases - Free Geek supplied cases for the case toss booth. Free Geek support: 20+ computers - Used for the PC build workshop. Free Geek support: Hundreds of dead motherboards - Used for the motherboard house of cards booth. Free Geek support: 15,000 artists / 260,000 designs - Display wall art platform stats mentioned in sponsor copy. Ridge Wallet discount: 10% off with code LTT - Sponsor offer Display discount: 15% off with code LTT - Sponsor offer Savage Jerky promo: Buy 3 bags, get 1 free - Sponsor offer

Pivotal Quotes: "maybe if we build our business correctly it just doesn't matter" — Linus: On diversifying the business so LTT performance matters less as a single point of failure. "YouTube has taken the click-through ratio that you get with your title and thumbnail and it has shifted the axis" — Linus (describing Derek’s theory): Explaining a possible change in recommendation sensitivity to CTR. "the only reason that I can think of for them to do it would be to just put the screws to intel" — Linus: Discussing why AMD might launch a 64-core Threadripper.

Implications: The episode suggests LMG is shifting from personality-driven growth to a more resilient multi-channel structure. For creators, it reinforces transparency, niche focus, and audience trust. For the industry, it highlights uncertainty in YouTube discovery and increasingly aggressive hardware marketing.