Nvidia chooses to exit AMD Epyc for DGX systems — back to Intel

In recent years, Nvidia has invested heavily in the data center and server sector, particularly in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence. It requires significant computational power, not least to be able to perform within a relatively reasonable amount of time. To make this possible, Nvidia has invested in its own DGX series, which consists of pre-built computer systems that can be used both individually and as modules in larger server systems.

Regarding the unveiling of Nvidia The new graphic architecture “Hooper” The high-performance H100 data center circuit also promised a new generation of DGX systems equipped with new graphics circuits. However, it’s not just new graphics in the upcoming DGX H100 – Nvidia is also turning to processor selection and announcing that for this generation it’s choosing Replace AMD with Intel for x86-based systems.

We buy a lot of x86 machines. We have great partnerships with Intel and AMD. For the Hopper generation, I chose Sapphire Rapids as the CPU for the Nvidia Hopper, and Sapphire Rapids has excellent single-thread performance. We are qualified for it all over the world. We are qualified for data centers all over the world. We qualify for our own server, our own DGX. We qualify it for our supercomputers. – Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia

For the current generation DGX A100, Nvidia has chosen to integrate Ampere architecture graphics with Zen 3 based processors from AMD’s Epyc family. Now they will instead choose Intel’s next server-side platform, codenamed “Sapphire Rapids”. There, the foundation is the same Golden Cove architecture as in the “Alder Lake” family, along with manufacturing with Intel 7.

According to Jensen Huang, CEO of the graphics giant, the change is due to the strong single-wire performance of Intel’s upcoming processors. The fact that Nvidia is choosing Intel again may also be related to the fact that the launch schedule is a better fit in terms of time. At present, AMD’s upcoming “Genoa” Epyc family, which is moving to Zen 4, is said to not arrive before the end of the year. In addition, Nvidia also invests in its own company ARM “Grace” based processorsspecially designed to be combined with the hopper.