SINGAPORE (Reuters) -Nvidia is developing a new version of its flagship AI chip tailored for the Chinese market. This would comply with current U.S. export controls, sources said.
The AI chip giant in March unveiled its “Blackwell” chip series, which is due to be mass-produced later in the year. The new processors combine two squares of silicon the size of the company’s previous offering. Within the series, the B200 is 30 times speedier than its predecessor at some tasks like serving up answers from chatbots. #NvidiaAIChip
Nvidia will collaborate with Inspur, a major distributor in China, to launch and distribute the new chip, tentatively named the “B20.” Shipments of the “B20” are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2025. This plan comes from two sources familiar with the matter.
The sources declined to be identified as Nvidia has yet to make a public announcement.
A spokesperson for Nvidia declined to comment. Inspur did not respond to requests for comment.
Shares of Nvidia rose 1.4% to $119.67 in U.S. premarket trading after publication of the Reuters story.
Washington tightened its controls on semiconductor exports to China in 2023. This move aimed to prevent supercomputing breakthroughs that would aid China’s military. #NvidiaAIChip
Since then, Nvidia has developed three chips tailored specifically for the Chinese market.
The advent of tighter U.S. export controls has helped Chinese tech giant Huawei. Startups like Tencent-backed Enflame have also made inroads into the domestic AI processor market.
Moreover, Nvidia’s innovation in AI technology continues to thrive. The new Nvidia AI chip will likely boost their sales in China. Ultimately, this will strengthen Nvidia’s position as a leader in the AI industry.
