AI has become the tech industry’s hottest trend, with companies such as Nvidia and Microsoft striving to cash in on the growing popularity of machine learning software. Microsoft has recently forged a new partnership with AMD to develop specialized processors for powering AI programs – a move that threatens to challenge Nvidia’s almost complete dominance in the space.
AMD has long been the underdog of both the graphics card and CPU markets, so when it comes to tackling Nvidia in AI, the company is more than willing to take on the challenge. Microsoft has come to the table with its own resources, cash, and expertise to help AMD produce specific AI hardware and is likely hoping to capitalize on the potential of this chip in the near future.
At present, Nvidia’s GPUs form the basis of many chatbot programs and its own AI system, ChatGPT. Microsoft’s own efforts include its hefty investment in OpenAI and the internal development of its own processor codenamed Athena. It was reported that AMD is not taking part in the development of Athena and is working on AI chips independently from Microsoft.
Microsoft is also aiming to advance its influence in the chipmaking industry, even beyond this AMD partnership.
The sudden growth in demand for AI processors has raised concern as it could lead to dearth in GPU supply for gamers. But this move by AMD, paired with Microsoft’s financial support, is testament to the confidence in AI technology and could end up offering relief from any further GPU shortages.
AMD is a clear leader when it comes to the provision of specialized hardware for a number of different areas – data centers, handheld gaming platforms and AI – with the Asus ROG Ally being a prime example. Microsoft, with its investment in OpenAI, could very well rank first in the AI race with its Bing AI platform.
Undoubtedly, AMD and Microsoft’s formidable partnership has put them in a favorable position to make some real money off AI and will hopefully prevent another graphics card shortage. With both AMD and Microsoft hoping to challenge Nvidia’s hold over the current AI industry, it certainly appears as though now, nowhere is safe from AI.
