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Rumor mill: Does the world need another AI PC chip? MediaTek and Nvidia appear to think so – if current rumors are accurate. A PC sporting such a chip could challenge current Windows-on-Arm devices with their relatively weak graphics. And it appears that PC manufacturers like Lenovo, Dell, HP, and Asus are lining up to adopt this product.
Taiwan-based chip manufacturer MediaTek and Nvidia are reportedly working together to create an AI chip for PCs, according to a post by a leaker called Mobile Chip Expert on the Chinese social media site Weibo that was spotted by IT Home. The 3nm CPU is apparently ready for tape-out this month, and is expected to be mass-produced in the second half of next year.
Customers planning to adopt the chip include Lenovo, Dell, HP, and Asus. If true, this level of interest from industry leaders suggests that the MediaTek-Nvidia product could have a significant impact on the market, similar to the adoption seen with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite.
This is not the first time this rumor has emerged in the press. Earlier this year, the Taiwanese publication Economic Daily reported that MediaTek might partner with Nvidia to develop an AI PC processor based on Arm architecture, and that the new chip may cost as much as $300.
The new chip is expected to be manufactured using TSMC's advanced 3nm process technology. One of the more intriguing aspects of this collaboration will be the integration of Nvidia's GPU technology with MediaTek's expertise in energy-efficient mobile processors. Such a low-power chip would have a thinner and lighter design and be able to compete with offerings from other manufacturers, including Qualcomm.
Tom's Hardware points out that this latest rumor refers to the chip as an "AI PC" CPU, which the publication said was surprising given that the previous leaks and MediaTek's product lineup would make a mobile chip or SoC more likely.
From a market perspective, an AI PC chip makes sense, given the rise of generative AI technologies. With Nvidia adding its integrated graphics capabilities into the mix, this chip could address some of the weaknesses of current Windows-on-Arm devices. Namely, the lack of graphical strength, which has been a key concern in the performance of Snapdragon X-powered computers.
MediaTek and Nvidia have collaborated on other projects, which lends credence to the rumors that they are partnering on this chip. Their Dimensity Auto Cockpit platform is an SoC designed for automotive applications that leverages Nvidia's graphics IP and Drive OS.
The chip supports advanced infotainment systems, including high-end gaming capabilities with ray tracing technology, as well as safety features such as multiple high dynamic range cameras. However, so far no US auto manufacturer has announced it has integrated this platform into a vehicle.