NVIDIA and Microsoft: A whole for AI Blackwell servers | Gpu vs cpu vs graphics card | Is gpu a graphics card | Hardware components of computer | Turtles AI
NVIDIA’s Blackwell GB200 servers are poised to transform the AI market with impressive growth in shipments, particularly from major buyer Microsoft. The Blackwell architecture could mark a new era for AI data centers.
Key points:
- NVIDIA plans to ship between 150,000 and 200,000 Blackwell GB200 servers in the fourth quarter of 2024.
- Microsoft is shaping up to be the biggest buyer, with orders increasing significantly.
- Quarterly demand for AI servers could grow by 250%.
- Blackwell chip production will begin early in the fourth quarter of 2024.
NVIDIA is about to start a major production phase for its Blackwell GB200 servers, with shipments expected between 150,000 and 200,000 units in the fourth quarter of 2024. This new architecture promises to have a major impact on the AI market, not only because of its performance but also because of the volume of demand it has already generated. According to recent analysis, it is estimated that demand could increase by up to 250% quarter-on-quarter, bringing shipments to around 500,000-550,000 units in the first quarter of 2025. Microsoft emerges as the major player in this context, having increased its orders from the previous 300-500 racks to about 1,400-1,500 racks for GB200 models, with a prevalence of the NVL72 variant. This exponential increase highlights the company’s interest in rapidly expanding its AI computing capabilities, taking advantage of NVIDIA’s innovations. Although other cloud service providers such as Amazon and Meta have placed orders for GB200 servers, their volumes are significantly lower than Microsoft’s, suggesting a more cautious strategy with respect to adoption of the new technology. Foxconn and Quanta are involved in supplying these systems for Microsoft, indicating a solid supply chain that will support growing demand. Blackwell’s market availability could occur in the fourth quarter of 2024, with significant implications for companies developing AI applications. The rapid expansion of Microsoft’s AI processing capabilities, spurred by the arrival of Blackwell, could lead to an acceleration in the development of AI technologies and applications.
The launch of the Blackwell architecture could represent a major evolution in the industry, with significant repercussions on competitive dynamics in the technology market.