OpenAI Considers Building Its Own AI Chips to Address GPU Shortage
OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, is exploring the possibility of creating its own powerful processors to overcome the shortage of chips required to power its artificial intelligence (AI) product. The demand for specialized chips has surged since the launch of OpenAI’s AI-based chatbot last year.
Possible Solutions Being Discussed
To tackle this issue, OpenAI is considering several options. These include acquiring a chip company and collaborating more closely with various chipmakers, including market leader Nvidia and other suppliers, according to reliable sources.
CEO’s Priority: Acquiring More AI Chips
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has made it a top priority for the company to acquire more AI chips due to concerns over their scarcity and associated costs. However, even if OpenAI decides to develop its own chip in the future, it will likely remain dependent on other providers like Nvidia for several years as Nvidia currently controls 80% of the supply of processors for AI applications.
Reliance on Nvidia GPUs and High Costs
OpenAI heavily relies on a supercomputer powered by 10,000 Nvidia GPUs, which Microsoft, one of its main backers, has constructed. Running the AI assistant is expensive, with each query costing approximately $0.04.
Journey of Tech Giants in Developing Their Own Chips
If OpenAI proceeds with developing its own AI chips, it will join the ranks of tech giants like Google and Amazon that have already pursued this path. Facebook owner Meta has also attempted to build its own processor but encountered development issues and had to scrap some prototypes.
Microsoft’s Custom AI Chip Development
Microsoft, a key supporter of OpenAI’s chatbot project, is reportedly working on a custom AI chip that is being tested by OpenAI. This development was reported by the tech-focused publication The Information.
Hot Take: OpenAI’s Potential Chip Endeavor
OpenAI, the AI research lab behind ChatGPT, is considering building its own AI chips to address the shortage of GPUs required for its AI product. While this move would make OpenAI one of the few companies venturing into chip development, it may still rely on other providers like Nvidia in the short term. Acquiring more AI chips has become a top priority for OpenAI’s CEO due to concerns over scarcity and costs. However, running their AI assistant powered by Nvidia GPUs remains expensive. Other tech giants like Google and Amazon have pursued chip development, while Microsoft is reportedly testing a custom AI chip for OpenAI.
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