Intel has unleashed a new wave of computer chips, with a spotlight on Gaudi3, an artificial intelligence chip designed for generative AI software. This move, set to launch next year, signals Intel’s intent to compete with rival chips from Nvidia and AMD that currently dominate the landscape of AI models.
Gaudi3 is positioned to rival Nvidia’s H100 and AMD’s upcoming MI300X, offering an alternative choice for companies building extensive chip farms to power AI applications. The chip’s unveiling contributed to a 1% increase in Intel’s shares on Thursday.
Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, speaking at the New York launch event, emphasized the rising importance of generative AI, foreseeing it as the standout theme for 2023. Gaudi3, alongside other chips introduced, reflects Intel’s commitment to advancing AI applications, particularly in the upcoming AI PC realm.
In addition to Gaudi3, Intel introduced Core Ultra processors for Windows laptops and PCs, along with new fifth-generation Xeon server chips. These processors incorporate a specialized AI component known as an NPU, enhancing the capability to run AI programs more efficiently.
While not as powerful as chips required for running advanced AI models without an internet connection, Core Ultra chips cater to smaller tasks. Manufactured using Intel’s 7-nanometer process, they demonstrate a focus on power efficiency and have already hit the market in laptops.
The unveiling also showcased Intel’s fifth-generation Xeon processors, primarily used in servers by large organizations and cloud companies. While specific pricing details were not disclosed, these processors historically come with a significant price tag. They are often paired with Nvidia GPUs in systems utilized for training and deploying generative AI.
The latest Xeon processor is particularly well-suited for inferencing, the less power-hungry phase of deploying an AI model. This aligns with the industry trend of processors being reoriented to meet the surging demand for chips driven by AI models.
As Intel positions itself strategically in the AI hardware landscape, the unveiling of Gaudi3 and its accompanying processors marks a pivotal moment in the evolving dynamics of artificial intelligence and computing technology. The competition between industry giants intensifies, promising innovative solutions and pushing the boundaries of AI capabilities.
