MediaTek and NVIDIA Team-up to Challenge Qualcomm in AI Chip Market

AI-focused computers (AI PCs) are poised for a boom, and chipmakers are scrambling to be at the forefront. Industry leaders MediaTek and NVIDIA are joining forces to develop a new system-on-chip (SoC) that will directly compete with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite.

Here’s what we know so far

MediaTek, known for its powerful processors, and NVIDIA, a leader in graphics processing units (GPUs), are merging their expertise to create a potentially groundbreaking SoC.

The chip is expected to be built using TSMC’s latest 3nm process, putting it on par with Apple’s upcoming M4 chip in terms of manufacturing technology. This cutting-edge process allows for smaller transistors, leading to potentially better performance and lower power consumption.

While the chip’s official name and specifications remain unknown, reports suggest a price tag of around $300 per unit. This reflects the use of advanced manufacturing and packaging techniques like TSMC’s CoWoS (Chip-on-wafer-on-substrate) technology (although some sources have questioned the mention of CoWoS).

Potential Implications

The entry of a new player co-developed by these tech giants could shake up the AI PC chip market, potentially leading to more innovation and ultimately benefiting consumers with a wider range of choices and potentially lower prices.

With NVIDIA’s involvement, the chip has the potential to excel in graphics performance, a crucial aspect of AI applications.

What’s Next?

The design of the chip is expected to be finalized by Q3 2024, with mass production kicking off in the first half of 2025. Tech enthusiasts eagerly await further details about the chip’s capabilities and its potential impact on the AI PC landscape. Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available.