Nvidia Readies China AI Chip

Nvidia is reportedly planning to release a new AI chip specifically designed for the Chinese market. This chip is a modified version of an existing Blackwell processor, re-engineered to comply with U.S. export regulations. The new chip will exclude high-end features like high-bandwidth memory and NVLink to meet these restrictions.

Despite the reduced specifications, there is significant interest from Chinese clients, with initial samples already undergoing testing. Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, may visit China to attend Beijing's International Supply Chain Expo and meet with top officials. This move highlights Nvidia's strategy to balance maintaining its market presence in China while adhering to tightening U.S. export controls on advanced semiconductors. The sales are unlikely to begin before September, pending approval from Washington.