|
The
H20 chip is the most powerful of three China-focused chips
Nvidia developed to meet restrictions announced in October.
It was originally scheduled for launch last November but that
plan was delayed, with sources telling Reuters at the time that
the delay was due to issues server manufacturers were having in
integrating the chip.
One of the people said initial production volume will be
limited, with Nvidia set to primarily fulfil orders for major
customers.
Both people declined to be identified as the information was
confidential. Nvidia declined to comment.
Reuters previously reported, citing sources, that Chinese
companies are reluctant to buy the downgraded H20 and are
testing domestic alternatives amid fear the U.S. could again
tighten restrictions. Last year search engine leader Baidu
ordered AI chips from Huawei Technologies in a shift away from
Nvidia, Reuters reported.
In addition to the H20, Nvidia plans two other chips that comply
with the new restrictions - the L20 and L2. The chipmaker has
yet to announce the sale of any of the three.
In late December, it launched a modified version of an advanced
gaming chip designed to comply with the new rules.
Nvidia is betting on the chips to help preserve its market share
in the country after tightening U.S. export restrictions barred
it from shipping products including its advanced A800 and H800
AI chips.
The A800 and H800 themselves were introduced as alternatives for
Chinese customers in November 2022 about a month after the U.S.
first restricted exports of advanced microchips and equipment to
China.
The H20, L20 and L2 include most of Nvidia's newest features for
AI work but with computing power cut back to comply with the new
rules, according to SemiAnalysis' analysis of the chips'
specifications.
(Reporting by Yelin Mo in Beijing and Fanny Potkin in Singapore;
Editing by Brenda Goh and Christopher Cushing)
[© 2023 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
|
|
