News/AI Chips
Tying it all together: Credo’s purple cables power the $4B AI data center boom
Credo, a Silicon Valley semiconductor company specializing in data center cables and chips, has seen its stock price more than double this year to $143.61, following a 245% surge in 2024. The company's signature purple cables, which cost between $300-$500 each, have become essential infrastructure for AI data centers, positioning Credo to capitalize on the trillion-dollar AI infrastructure expansion as hyperscalers like Amazon, Microsoft, and Elon Musk's xAI rapidly build out massive computing facilities. What you should know: Credo's active electrical cables (AECs) are becoming indispensable for connecting the massive GPU clusters required for AI training and inference. The company...
read Oct 17, 2025Asus launches first GB10 Superchip desktop at $4.1K while Dell’s remains unavailable
Asus has launched the Ascent GX10, becoming the first company to bring Nvidia's GB10 Superchip to market in a compact AI desktop form factor, beating Dell's similar but unavailable Pro Max GB10 to retail availability. The $4,100 system delivers up to one petaflop of computing power in a package small enough for individual workstations, bringing data center-level AI capabilities to researchers and developers who previously needed access to large server clusters. What you should know: The Ascent GX10 is currently available for immediate purchase while competing systems remain in pre-order status. Asus's system can be ordered now from Viperatech for...
read Oct 13, 2025TDK develops analog AI chip that mimics brain function for edge computing
TDK, a company best known for audio cassettes, has developed a prototype analog reservoir AI chip that mimics brain function for real-time learning applications. The chip, created in collaboration with Hokkaido University, uses analog circuitry to process time-varying data at high speed and ultra-low power, making it suitable for robotics and human-machine interfaces that require instant feedback. How it works: The chip mimics the human cerebellum and uses natural physical dynamics of analog signals for efficient processing. Unlike traditional deep learning models that rely on cloud processing and extensive datasets, this technology learns directly at the edge using analog circuitry...
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AI detects chip trojans with 97% accuracy in University of Missouri study
University of Missouri researchers have developed an AI-powered method to detect hardware trojans in computer chips with 97% accuracy, using large language models to scan chip designs for malicious modifications. The breakthrough addresses a critical vulnerability in global supply chains, where hidden trojans can steal data, compromise security, or sabotage systems across industries from healthcare to defense. Why this matters: Unlike software viruses, hardware trojans cannot be removed once a chip is manufactured and remain undetected until activated by attackers, potentially causing devastating damage to devices, data breaches, or disruption of national defense systems. How it works: The system leverages...
read Oct 13, 2025OpenAI partners with Broadcom to design custom AI chips
OpenAI has partnered with Broadcom, a major semiconductor company, to design custom artificial intelligence chips, marking the latest major infrastructure deal for the ChatGPT maker. The collaboration will see the companies deploy new racks of customized "AI accelerators" starting late next year, as OpenAI continues building the computing power needed to support its growing user base of over 800 million weekly ChatGPT users. What you should know: This partnership is part of OpenAI's broader strategy to secure the specialized hardware and data center capacity required for AI operations. OpenAI has recently announced similar partnerships with chipmakers Nvidia and AMD to...
read Oct 10, 2025Microsoft commits $33B to secure 100K Nvidia chips from neocloud providers
Microsoft has committed $33 billion to partnerships with "neocloud" providers like Nebius, CoreWeave, and Lambda, securing access to over 100,000 of Nvidia's newest GB300 chips without building additional infrastructure. This strategy allows Microsoft to rapidly scale its AI capabilities while reserving its own data centers for paying customers, revealing how tech giants are navigating the intense competition for scarce GPU resources. What you should know: Microsoft's $19.4 billion deal with Nebius, a specialized cloud computing provider, alone provides access to more than 100,000 Nvidia GB300 chips through temporary leasing arrangements. Each Nvidia GB300 NVL72 server rack contains 72 high-end B300...
read Oct 9, 2025Sony and AMD develop AI hardware architecture for PlayStation 6
Sony's PlayStation 6 will feature a revolutionary graphics architecture that combines traditional processing with dedicated AI hardware to deliver unprecedented gaming visuals. The announcement comes from PlayStation architect Mark Cerny and AMD, who revealed their collaborative "Amethyst" project that promises to overcome current limitations in AI-enhanced gaming through specialized neural processing units and advanced ray tracing technology. What you should know: Sony and AMD are developing three key technologies that will fundamentally change how the PlayStation 6 processes graphics and game data. Neural Arrays will connect compute units within GPU shader engines to function "like a single, focused AI engine,"...
read Oct 7, 2025Former SpaceX engineer raises $25.5M to automate circuit board design with AI
Former SpaceX engineer Sergiy Nesterenko has raised $25.5 million in Series B funding for Quilter, his AI-powered circuit board design startup that aims to automate the traditionally labor-intensive process of creating printed circuit boards. The Los Angeles-based company is now valued at around $200 million and uses physics-based training rather than human designs to teach its AI system, positioning it to address growing demand amid hardware manufacturing shifts and designer shortages. What you should know: Quilter's AI transforms circuit board design from a months-long manual process into an automated system that can generate layouts from rough sketches. Traditional circuit board...
read Oct 6, 2025Meta targets chip startup Rivos in multibillion-dollar deal to reduce Nvidia dependence
Meta is reportedly looking to acquire chip startup Rivos in a multibillion-dollar deal aimed at strengthening its in-house semiconductor program and reducing dependence on Nvidia. The acquisition would give Meta greater control over its AI infrastructure as the company prioritizes artificial intelligence development over its previous metaverse ambitions, with AI spending commitments reaching tens of billions of dollars. What you should know: Meta executives have grown frustrated with the slow pace of internal chip development, prompting leadership to explore external acquisitions to accelerate progress. The company already operates its own chip project called Meta Training and Inference Accelerator (MTIA), but...
read Oct 6, 2025OpenAI partners with AMD for AI chips, gets option to buy 10% stake
OpenAI has signed a partnership with semiconductor manufacturer AMD to supply high-performance chips for its AI infrastructure, with OpenAI also receiving the option to purchase up to 10% of AMD's shares. The deal positions AMD as a key alternative to Nvidia's dominance in AI computing while highlighting the massive infrastructure demands needed to support advanced AI development. Key details: The agreement centers on AMD's next-generation Instinct MI450 graphics chips, expected to debut in 2026.• OpenAI will purchase chips capable of delivering 6 gigawatts of computing power for its "next generation" AI infrastructure.• The first 1-gigawatt batch is scheduled for deployment...
read Oct 3, 2025Never mind! Cerebras withdraws IPO, after raising $1B at $8B valuation
AI chipmaker Cerebras has withdrawn its initial public offering plans after raising $1 billion in private funding at an $8 billion valuation. The decision comes amid regulatory scrutiny and concerns about the company's heavy reliance on a concentrated customer base, highlighting the challenges facing AI hardware companies seeking public market access. What you should know: Cerebras opted for private funding over public markets despite previously filing for an IPO. The company secured $1 billion in new private investment, valuing the AI chip specialist at $8 billion. Regulatory scrutiny and customer concentration risks were key factors behind the IPO withdrawal decision....
read Oct 3, 2025Microsoft to replace Nvidia GPUs with its own Maia accelerators
Microsoft CTO Kevin Scott announced the company plans to transition most of its AI workloads from Nvidia and AMD GPUs to its own homegrown Maia accelerators in the coming years. The strategic shift reflects Microsoft's pursuit of better price-performance ratios and greater control over its datacenter infrastructure, positioning the company to compete more effectively with Amazon and Google, who have been developing custom silicon for years. What you should know: Microsoft is betting big on its second-generation Maia accelerator to challenge GPU dominance in its datacenters. The company successfully moved OpenAI's GPT-3.5 to its first-generation Maia 100 chips in 2023,...
read Sep 30, 2025Meta acquires RISC-V chip startup Rivos to reduce Nvidia dependence
Meta is acquiring chip startup Rivos, a RISC-V architecture specialist backed by Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, according to sources familiar with the matter. The deal represents Meta's continued push to reduce its reliance on expensive Nvidia chips by developing in-house semiconductor capabilities for its AI infrastructure. What you should know: Meta has been one of Rivos' biggest customers and had been in discussions about a potential acquisition. The Santa Clara-based startup focuses on designing chips based on RISC-V architecture, an open-source alternative to traditional architectures from Arm, Intel, and AMD. Deal terms remain undisclosed, and neither Meta nor Rivos responded...
read Sep 30, 2025Chip toolmakers like Teradyne and Lam Research double amid AI boom
AI-focused investors are increasingly turning to lesser-known semiconductor equipment suppliers as chip stocks soar to expensive valuations. Companies like Teradyne, Lam Research, and KLA Corp—which make the tools and machines used to manufacture semiconductors—have emerged as standout performers, with some stocks nearly doubling since spring as traders seek new ways to capitalize on the AI boom. What you should know: Semiconductor equipment makers are outperforming many traditional chip stocks as investors hunt for AI exposure beyond the most obvious plays. Teradyne Inc., which provides chip testing tools during manufacturing, has nearly doubled from its April low and gained more than...
read Sep 29, 2025London-based Vaire Computing’s Ice River chip cuts AI energy use by 30%
Vaire Computing has successfully tested its Ice River chip, which demonstrated a 30% reduction in energy consumption compared to standard processors by reusing energy rather than discarding it as heat. The proof-of-concept achievement addresses growing concerns about AI's escalating energy demands, though questions remain about whether hyperscale operators will adopt such technology over their own internal solutions. How it works: Ice River tackles processor inefficiency through two key innovations that fundamentally change how chips handle energy. The chip uses reversible logic gates that allow energy to flow in both directions, enabling calculations to reuse inputs for further operations rather than...
read Sep 25, 2025Swiss startup Corintis raises $24M to cool AI chips from within
Corintis, a Swiss startup developing advanced liquid chip-cooling technology, has raised $24 million in Series A funding and added Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan to its board. The investment reflects growing demand for better heat management solutions as AI chips consume unprecedented amounts of power, with Microsoft testing showing Corintis's system is up to three times more efficient than standard cooling methods. What you should know: Corintis channels liquid directly through tiny channels etched inside chips rather than just cooling the surface, addressing critical overheating issues in AI hardware. The company was valued at around $400 million after the funding round,...
read Sep 24, 2025Qualcomm CEO plans to bring AI everywhere with next-gen chips
Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon appeared on CNBC's "Closing Bell Overtime" to discuss the company's next generation of mobile and PC processors designed to integrate AI capabilities across devices. The interview focused on Qualcomm's strategy to embed artificial intelligence into its semiconductor offerings and the broader outlook for the chip industry as AI becomes increasingly central to consumer and enterprise technology. What you should know: The discussion centered on Qualcomm's vision to democratize AI access through its chip technology. Amon emphasized the company's commitment to "bring AI everywhere" through its latest processor developments. The conversation covered both mobile and PC processors,...
read Sep 18, 2025Huawei unveils world’s most powerful AI computing systems with 1M+ NPUs
Huawei has unveiled what it claims are the world's most powerful AI computing systems, featuring SuperPoDs with up to 15,488 NPUs (neural processing units, specialized chips for AI calculations) and superclusters containing over one million NPUs. The announcement positions the Chinese tech giant as a direct challenger to Nvidia and AMD in the high-performance AI computing market, particularly as US export restrictions limit access to American-made AI chips. What you should know: Huawei's new Atlas series represents a comprehensive AI infrastructure ecosystem designed to compete with established players.• The Atlas 950 SuperPoD contains 8,192 Ascend NPUs, while the superior Atlas...
read Sep 18, 2025NVIDIA buys $5B Intel stake to forge chip manufacturing partnership
NVIDIA has agreed to purchase $5 billion worth of Intel stock at $23.28 per share, making it a major shareholder in the struggling chipmaker just weeks after the U.S. government acquired a 10% stake. The strategic investment will create a new partnership where Intel manufactures NVIDIA chips while incorporating NVIDIA's RTX GPU chiplets into its own PC processors, potentially reshaping the competitive dynamics in both AI infrastructure and consumer computing markets. What you should know: The deal creates a mutually beneficial manufacturing and technology partnership between the two chip giants. Intel will build NVIDIA-custom x86 CPUs that NVIDIA will integrate...
read Sep 18, 2025Trump openly confused by AI amid US-UK tech deal that includes 120K Nvidia chips
U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged on Thursday that artificial intelligence is "taking over the world" during a state visit to Britain, candidly admitting his limited understanding of the technology while addressing tech leaders including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. The comments came as Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a major "Tech Prosperity Deal" that includes AI healthcare development, quantum computing expansion, and civil nuclear projects—highlighting how world leaders are grappling with AI's rapid advancement while relying heavily on tech executives to guide policy decisions. What they're saying: Trump's remarks to the assembled business and tech leaders were notably...
read Sep 17, 2025Tencent Cloud shifts to Chinese AI chips amid $50B Nvidia standoff
Tencent Cloud has fully integrated Chinese AI chips into its computing infrastructure, marking another significant step in China's push for semiconductor self-sufficiency amid escalating U.S. export restrictions. The move positions Tencent as the latest major Chinese tech company to embrace domestic processors, while highlighting Beijing's broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign semiconductors like those from Nvidia. What you should know: Tencent Cloud president Qiu Yuepeng announced the company had "fully adapted to mainstream domestic chips" within its AI computing infrastructure during the annual Global Digital Ecosystem Summit. The integration spans multiple domestic chip partnerships, with Tencent working to deploy...
read Sep 16, 2025CoreWeave secures $6.3B Nvidia deal with guaranteed cloud capacity buyback
CoreWeave has signed a $6.3 billion initial order with Nvidia, securing a deal where the AI chipmaker guarantees to purchase any cloud capacity not sold to customers. The agreement provides CoreWeave with crucial financial protection against potential declines in AI computing demand while cementing its position as a key Nvidia cloud partner. What you should know: The deal extends through April 2032 and builds on CoreWeave's existing partnership with Nvidia from April 2023.• CoreWeave operates AI data centers in the U.S. and Europe, offering access to Nvidia's highly sought-after GPUs used for training and running large AI models.• Shares of...
read Sep 12, 2025Malaysia restricts US AI chips for Chinese data centers
Malaysia has implemented new restrictions on data center expansion and U.S. chip exports, creating significant barriers for Chinese companies seeking access to advanced AI semiconductors. The policy changes come as the Southeast Asian nation grapples with infrastructure constraints and mounting pressure from Washington to prevent Chinese firms from using the region as a backdoor to access restricted American-made AI chips. What you should know: Malaysia has become a critical hub for Chinese data center operations, hosting the majority of Chinese-owned facilities outside mainland China. More than two-thirds of data center capacity under construction in Southeast Asia's five main growth markets...
read Sep 11, 2025US proposes annual permits for Samsung, SK Hynix China chip plants
Washington is considering a significant shift in how it regulates semiconductor trade with China, potentially replacing indefinite equipment import waivers for Korean chipmakers with annual permits that could reshape global memory chip production. The U.S. Department of Commerce has proposed issuing yearly licenses to Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, South Korea's memory chip giants, allowing them to bring American-made manufacturing equipment into their Chinese facilities under stricter oversight. This represents a notable departure from the more permissive approach these companies previously enjoyed. The stakes for Korean chipmakers Both Samsung and SK Hynix have built substantial manufacturing operations in China that...
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