Meta looking to use exotic, custom CPU in its datacenters for machine learning and AI — yet another indication that Nvidia’s most formidable rivals are developing their own alternatives to its hardware
We previously reported that Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, plans to deploy its own custom-designed artificial intelligence chips, codenamed Artemis, into its data centers this year, but would continue using Nvidia H100 GPUs alongside them – for the foreseeable future at least.
However, The Register now claims job advertisements for ASIC engineers with expertise in architecture, design, and testing have been spotted in Bangalore, India, and Sunnyvale, California, indicating Meta’s intentions to develop its own AI hardware.
The job descriptions suggest that Meta is seeking professionals to “help architect state-of-the-art machine learning accelerators” and to design complex SoCs and IPs for datacenter applications. Some of these roles were initially posted on LinkedIn in late December 2023 and re-posted two weeks ago, with the Sunnyvale roles offering salaries nearing $200,000.
Artificial general intelligence
While the exact nature of Meta’s project remains unspecified, it’s likely linked to the company’s previously announced “Meta Training Inference Accelerators,” set to be launched later this year.
Meta’s ambitions also extend to artificial general intelligence, a venture that might necessitate specialized silicon.
With the increasing demand for AI and Nvidia’s struggle to meet this demand, Meta’s move to develop its own technology is a strategic step to ensure it doesn’t have to compete with rivals for hardware in a super-hot market.
The Register reports that the Indian government will likely welcome Meta’s decision to advertise in Bangalore, as the nation seeks to become a significant player in the global semiconductor industry.
In addition, rumors suggest that Microsoft is also reducing its dependence on Nvidia by developing a server networking card to optimize machine-learning workload performance. This trend suggests Nvidia’s most formidable rivals are looking for ways to become less reliant on its massively in-demand hardware.
More from TechRadar Pro
We previously reported that Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, plans to deploy its own custom-designed artificial intelligence chips, codenamed Artemis, into its data centers this year, but would continue using Nvidia H100 GPUs alongside them – for the foreseeable future at least. However, The Register now claims job…
Recent Posts
- Blue Origin’s first crewed launch since 2022: Where to watch
- This modder proves everything’s better with a GBA SP screen attached
- Mobile industry is quietly preparing for the biggest change to your smartphone in a decade — iSIM will hasten the end of SIM cards and allow networks to preload plans on devices
- Replacing the OLED iPad Pro’s battery is easier than ever
- Ecobee’s Smart Thermostat Premium is nearly matching its all-time low
Archives
- May 2024
- April 2024
- March 2024
- February 2024
- January 2024
- December 2023
- November 2023
- October 2023
- September 2023
- August 2023
- July 2023
- June 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- December 2011