Challenge Nvidia, Huawei Develops Advanced AI Chip
amingpartybus – Huawei Technologies is intensifying its efforts in the AI chip sector, aiming to rival Nvidia’s dominance. The company is preparing to test its most advanced AI processor, the Ascend 910D, designed to compete with Nvidia’s high-end offerings like the H100. This move underscores China’s push for technological self-reliance amid U.S. export restrictions.
In addition to the Ascend 910D, Huawei has begun delivering its CloudMatrix 384 AI chip cluster to Chinese clients. This system connects 384 Ascend 910C processors, offering a domestic alternative to Nvidia’s AI chips. While individual Ascend chips may underperform compared to Nvidia’s, the CloudMatrix reportedly surpasses Nvidia’s NVL72 in overall compute power by 67% and boasts over three times the memory capacity. However, it comes with trade-offs, including higher energy consumption and greater operational costs due to less mature software support.
Huawei’s advancements have caught the attention of industry leaders. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang acknowledged that the U.S. and China are “very, very close” in the AI chip race, highlighting the growing capabilities of Chinese firms like Huawei.
Despite challenges, Huawei’s progress in AI chip development signifies a significant step toward reducing reliance on foreign technology and bolstering China’s position in the global AI landscape.