Nvidia unveils Grace-Blackwell (CPU+ GPU) AI PC platform at CES

A groundbreaking AI development platform combining Nvidia’s Grace CPU and Blackwell GPU was unveiled at CES 2025, targeting AI developers with local computing capabilities previously only available in data centers.

Core technology announcement: Nvidia’s new “Project Digits” platform integrates their Grace Arm-based CPU with a Blackwell GPU in a compact form factor designed for AI development workstations.

• The system delivers 1 petaflop of FP4 performance while operating on standard wall power
• A unified memory architecture provides 128GB of shared memory across CPU and GPU
• Storage capabilities include up to 4TB of NVMe storage
• The platform can handle AI models with up to 200 billion parameters, with dual-unit configurations supporting models up to 405 billion parameters

Market positioning and accessibility: The platform is initially targeted at AI developers and researchers, with pricing starting at $3,000.

• The system runs on Nvidia’s Linux-based DGX OS rather than Windows, emphasizing its focus on professional development
• MediaTek’s collaboration in the design suggests potential future consumer applications
• The compact form factor and standard power requirements make advanced AI development more accessible to individual developers

Technical capabilities and scalability: Project Digits represents a significant advancement in bringing data center-level AI computing to desktop environments.

• The ability to run large language models locally could accelerate AI development cycles
• The platform’s scalability through dual-unit configurations provides flexibility for more demanding workloads
• The unified memory architecture optimizes performance for AI workloads by reducing data transfer overhead

Future implications: The platform could reshape the AI PC landscape if Windows support and broader OEM adoption materialize.

• Current developer focus could evolve into consumer applications as the ecosystem matures
• The potential for a multi-billion dollar market expansion exists if Nvidia successfully transitions this technology to mainstream computing
• Integration with consumer operating systems and applications would be crucial for broader adoption

Market evolution potential: While Project Digits currently serves a specialized developer market, its architecture and pricing suggest a strategic positioning for future consumer AI computing applications, though significant ecosystem development would be required to realize this potential.