Jensen Huang Says Nvidia’s New Vera Rubin Chips Are in ‘Full Production’ (www.wired.com)

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced at CES that the company’s next-generation AI superchip platform, Vera Rubin, is now in full production, with customer deliveries expected later this year. This innovative chip system is designed to significantly reduce the cost of running AI models to about one-tenth of the current Blackwell chips while requiring one-fourth as many chips to train large models. Such efficiency could lead to more affordable advanced AI systems, making it challenging for clients to consider alternatives to Nvidia's hardware. Partners like Microsoft and CoreWeave are set to leverage the Rubin chips in their upcoming services, with major installations planned for AI data centers in Georgia and Wisconsin. Incorporating six distinct chips built using TSMC’s advanced 3 nanometer technology, the Rubin platform represents a leap in performance, featuring an enhanced interconnect technology that optimally links all components. While Nvidia reassures investors of the Rubin’s timely rollout, industry experts note rising competition from firms developing custom chips. However, experts like analyst Austin Lyons assert Nvidia is evolving into a comprehensive AI system architect, making it increasingly difficult for potential competitors to displace its tightly integrated platform despite the growing trend of custom silicon among cloud providers.