Nvidia eyes socketed design for next-gen GB300 chips

Nvidia considers socketed GB300 chips, potentially leading AI accelerators.

: Nvidia is reportedly considering a shift to a socketed design for its next-generation GB300 AI chips. Unlike its existing models, this change would allow individual GPU replacement and upgrades, possibly setting a new standard in AI accelerators. The GB300 is expected to be released in 2025, following the recently launched GB200 Blackwell AI hardware. This design could simplify support and increase manufacturing efficiency but may impact performance and necessitate new cooling solutions.

Nvidia is reportedly exploring a move to a socketed design for its upcoming GB300 AI chips, a significant deviation from its current design of mounting GPUs directly onto motherboards. If this change is implemented, it would mark a first for Nvidia, as the GB300 becomes an upgrade to the GB200 Blackwell AI hardware scheduled for release in 2025.

The proposed socketed design would entail a motherboard with one CPU and four GPU sockets, doubling the number of GPUs compared to the existing GB200 model. Benefits include improved motherboard yields and an easier supply chain for Nvidia and its partners, with potential post-sale maintenance advancements and future upgradability without changing the entire board.

However, there are speculations about performance trade-offs and increased demands on power and cooling. The change could also ease the manufacturing processes for Nvidia's partners like Foxconn and potentially boost Taiwanese supply chain companies. The GB300 series is anticipated to be Nvidia's mainstream product in late 2025, with significant market demand, while its current Blackwell GPUs face a 12-month backlog.

NvidiaAI chipssocketed design