BEIJING: Nvidia has told customers in China it is delaying the launch of a new artificial intelligence chip until the first quarter of next year, two sources familiar with the matter said.
The delayed chip is the H20, the most powerful of three China-focused chips that Nvidia has developed to comply with fresh US export restrictions, the sources said, and could complicate its efforts to preserve market share in China against local rivals like Huawei.
The California-based AI chip giant had been expected to launch the new products as early as Nov 16, chip industry newsletter SemiAnalysis reported this month.
However, the H20 launch has now been pushed back until the first quarter of next year, the sources said, with one saying they were advised it could take place in February or March.
Both sources declined to be named as the information was confidential. Nvidia declined to comment.
The sources said they were told that the H20 was being delayed due to issues server manufacturers were having in integrating the chip.
In addition to the H20, Nvidia has been planning two other chips to comply with new US export rules – the L20 and L2. The sources said the L20 was not facing delays and would launch according to its original schedule. They were unable to share information on the status of the L2.
Source: CNA
