Intel unveils new AI chip to compete with Nvidia and AMD

Technology
Thursday, December 14th, 2023 8:11 pm EDT

Key Points

  • Introduction of Gaudi3 AI Chip: Intel unveiled its latest computer chips, including the Gaudi3, which is an artificial intelligence chip specifically designed for generative AI software. Set to launch next year, Gaudi3 aims to compete with rival chips from Nvidia and AMD, targeting the market for large and power-hungry AI models.
  • Competition with Nvidia and AMD: The article emphasizes the competitive landscape in the AI hardware market, where Nvidia’s GPUs have been dominant, particularly in cloud-based AI models such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The competition has prompted companies like AMD and Intel to introduce chips like Gaudi3 to attract AI companies and challenge Nvidia’s position. The Gaudi3 is positioned to rival Nvidia’s H100 and AMD’s upcoming MI300X.
  • Expansion into AI PC Market: Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger highlighted the significance of generative AI and announced the company’s vision for AI PCs, naming it the “star of the show for the upcoming year.” In addition to Gaudi3, Intel introduced Core Ultra processors designed for Windows laptops and PCs. These processors, built on Intel’s 7-nanometer process, include a specialized AI component (NPU) to enhance AI program execution. The Core Ultra chips also offer improved gaming capabilities and graphics performance, contributing to faster operation of programs like Adobe Premier.

Intel unveiled its latest computer chips, introducing Gaudi3, an artificial intelligence chip designed for generative AI software. Set to launch next year, Gaudi3 aims to compete with rival chips from Nvidia and AMD, both major players in the AI hardware market. The announcement reflects Intel’s strategy to challenge Nvidia’s dominance in the AI space, where Nvidia GPUs have been a popular choice for running large and power-hungry AI models, including prominent ones like OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Gaudi3 is positioned to rival Nvidia’s H100 and AMD’s upcoming MI300X, emphasizing Intel’s entry into the competitive market of chips that power AI applications. The Gaudi line of chips has been in development since Intel’s acquisition of chip developer Habana Labs in 2019.

Intel’s CEO, Pat Gelsinger, highlighted the growing importance of generative AI and expressed confidence in the potential of AI PCs. In addition to Gaudi3, Intel introduced Core Ultra processors and fifth-generation Xeon server chips. The Core Ultra chips are designed for Windows laptops and PCs, featuring a specialized AI component known as an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for accelerated AI program execution. While not intended for running complex AI models offline, these chips are capable of handling smaller tasks and offer improved power efficiency through Intel’s 7-nanometer process.

Gelsinger’s strategy includes catching up to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. in chip manufacturing capabilities by 2026. The Core Ultra chips also enhance gaming capabilities and graphics performance, contributing to faster operation for programs like Adobe Premier.

On the server front, Intel’s fifth-generation Xeon processors are geared toward large organizations, including cloud companies. The new Xeon processors are expected to excel in inferencing, the less power-intensive phase of deploying AI models, providing an alternative to Nvidia GPUs in server configurations used for generative AI training and deployment. Intel did not disclose pricing details for the latest Xeon processor.

This move by Intel is part of a broader trend among traditional processor makers, including rivals like AMD and Qualcomm, to pivot product lines and address the increasing demand for AI-centric computing solutions.

For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/14/intel-unveils-gaudi3-ai-chip-to-compete-with-nvidia-and-amd.html