Key points
- NVIDIA is developing a new AI chip, tentatively named B30A, specifically for the Chinese market.
- B30A will utilize the Blackwell architecture, offering significantly improved performance compared to the H20.
- The chip is designed with a single-die configuration, achieving approximately half the power of dual-die Blackwell Ultra GPUs.
- Development may be a response to Chinese government restrictions on the H20 chip for national security reasons.
NVIDIA is reportedly developing a new, high-performance AI chip tailored for the Chinese market. This move comes in response to recent geopolitical tensions and restrictions surrounding the export of its H100 chips. Codenamed B30A, the chip is based on NVIDIA’s cutting-edge Blackwell architecture, promising a substantial performance boost—seven to thirty times faster than its predecessor.
Unlike its high-end counterparts, the B30A will feature a single-die design, consolidating all major components onto a single silicon chip. This single-die approach, while sacrificing some overall processing power (approximately half that of the dual-die Blackwell Ultra GPUs), allows for increased efficiency and potentially lower manufacturing costs. The chip will also incorporate high-bandwidth memory and NVLink technology for optimized data transmission.
The development of the B30A may be a direct response to Chinese government concerns regarding the H20, leading to restrictions on its use, particularly within government and national security sectors. Major Chinese tech companies like Alibaba, ByteDance, and Tencent were reportedly instructed to halt H20 purchases pending a national security review.
This action follows the US government’s lifting of export restrictions on the H20 chip to China after an initial ban in April over concerns about potential military applications. While the US later approved exports of the H20, reports suggest these approvals were contingent on a percentage of profits going to the US government.
NVIDIA aims to provide sample B30A chips to Chinese clients for testing as early as September 2024. However, the chip’s ultimate success hinges on navigating complex regulatory landscapes in both the US and China. The final specifications are still being finalized, and securing export approvals from both governments remains a critical hurdle.
President Trump has reportedly acknowledged NVIDIA’s efforts, indicating ongoing discussions with CEO Jensen Huang regarding the chip’s development and potential market release. The outcome of these discussions will significantly impact the future availability of the B30A in China.
This new chip represents a significant strategic maneuver by NVIDIA to maintain a strong presence in the lucrative Chinese market while navigating increasingly complex geopolitical tensions surrounding AI technology. The ultimate success of the B30A will likely depend on its performance, price point, and the ability to secure the necessary regulatory approvals.
