How China gets the Nvidia chips it needs to develop AI
TOKYO — Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has admitted to having an affair, reportedly with a Chinese executive at a Singapore-based company that the United States suspects of smuggling AI microchips into China. The scandal has focused attention on how China, a major artificial-intelligence power in itself, obtains the cutting-edge chips despite US export restrictions. - Why are Nvidia chips so important?…
China, a prominent player in the artificial intelligence (AI) field, has been grappling with the challenge of obtaining advanced chips needed for its AI development. Despite US export restrictions, China continues to secure these vital components.
Nvidia, a leading technology company, designs high-performance components called Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). Originally developed for 3D visuals in video games, these GPUs have evolved to handle vast amounts of digital data. Consequently, they are utilized extensively in training and running AI systems.
The significance of Nvidia's GPUs in AI is underscored by the unprecedented success of ChatGPT in 2022. This event triggered an investment boom as governments and tech giants worldwide accelerated their pursuit of AI technology. As a result, Nvidia's market valuation has reached an impressive $4.5 trillion, placing it on par with Apple as the world's two most valuable companies.
However, the US has imposed a ban on the export of Nvidia's most advanced GPUs, the Blackwell and Rubin models, to China. This restriction has put China in a predicament, compelling it to find alternative sources for these crucial chips.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 3 other outlets
- How China gets the Nvidia chips it needs to develop AI koreatimes.co.kr
- Google escalates Nvidia rivalry with specialized versions of AI chips japantimes.co.jp
- Google unveils 2 new AI chips to rival Nvidia techinasia.com
