US-sanctioned Chinese chip start-up Moore Threads unveils GPU-based computing centre, AI graphics card
Moore Threads, a US-sanctioned Chinese chip start-up, has introduced a new graphics card and a GPU-based computing hub for AI training. The company aims to meet China's growing demand for large language model training with its KUAE Intelligent Computing Centre. Moore Threads has faced challenges due to US export controls and has struggled to find wafer foundries and access US electronic design automation software. However, the company remains sought after, with Baidu, ByteDance, Tencent Holdings, and Alibaba Group Holding among the buyers of Nvidia GPUs.
Introduction of New GPU and Computing Centre
Moore Threads, a Chinese chip start-up that has been sanctioned by the US, has unveiled its latest graphics card and a GPU-based computing centre for artificial intelligence (AI) training. The company's KUAE Intelligent Computing Centre aims to meet the increasing demand in China for large language model training.
CEO Jams Zhang Jianzhong stated that Moore Threads has built a comprehensive smart computing product line, including chips, graphics cards, and clusters, leveraging the advantages of GPUs in multifunctional computing.
Given its placement on the US Entity List and expanded export controls, Moore Threads has faced difficulties finding wafer foundries willing to manufacture its chips. The company has also encountered restrictions in accessing US electronic design automation software.
Challenges and Lay-Offs
Since landing on the US trade blacklist, Moore Threads has experienced several challenges. It has been struggling to find wafer foundries to manufacture its chips, similar to the situation faced by Huawei Technologies. Additionally, export restrictions have affected the company's access to US electronic design automation software.
In response to these challenges, Moore Threads announced a round of lay-offs, with CEO Jams Zhang citing the need to consolidate company resources and focus on GPU development.
Despite facing these obstacles, Moore Threads has been successful in raising funds. As of December last year, the company had raised a total of US$525.7 million, with investors showing interest in China's chip self-sufficiency drive.
Partnerships and Demand for Nvidia GPUs
Moore Threads has formed partnerships with various companies and institutions, including 360 Security Technology, Baidu's PaddlePaddle, JD.com's Yanxi, NetEase, Tsinghua University, and Fudan University. These collaborations aim to establish a large model alliance.
Nvidia GPUs have become highly sought after in China due to export curbs and the increasing interest in developing large language models. Big Tech companies like Baidu, ByteDance, Tencent Holdings, and Alibaba Group Holding have invested billions of dollars in Nvidia chips.
Even non-tech Chinese firms have highlighted their use of Nvidia processors, demonstrating the widespread demand for these GPUs in the country.
