Rumor mill: Is there a need for yet another AI PC chip? MediaTek and Nvidia seemingly believe so, if ongoing rumors hold true. A PC equipped with such a chip could potentially challenge the existing Windows-on-Arm devices, which currently have weaker graphics. It appears that PC makers like Lenovo, Dell, HP, and Asus are interested in adopting this new product.
The Taiwanese chip manufacturer MediaTek and Nvidia are reportedly collaborating to develop an AI chip for PCs, as shared by a leaker named Mobile Chip Expert on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, and noticed by IT Home. This 3nm CPU is reportedly set to reach tape-out status this month and enter mass production by the second half of next year.
Companies such as Lenovo, Dell, HP, and Asus are rumored to plan the adoption of this chip. If accurate, such significant interest from major industry players indicates that the MediaTek-Nvidia product could leave a mark, akin to the market impact seen with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite.
The rumor isn’t entirely new, as earlier this year, the Taiwanese publication Economic Daily reported a potential partnership between MediaTek and Nvidia to create an AI PC processor based on Arm architecture, with a possible price point of $300 for the new chip. Read more
This innovative chip is anticipated to be produced using TSMC’s cutting-edge 3nm process technology. An intriguing facet of this collaboration is the blend of Nvidia’s GPU technology with MediaTek’s energy-efficient mobile processor expertise. Such a low-power design could usher in thinner and lighter chips, potentially competing with offerings from other manufacturers like Qualcomm.
Tom’s Hardware highlights that this recent rumor refers to the chip as an “AI PC” CPU, which the publication found surprising, given that previous leaks and MediaTek’s product lineup suggested a mobile chip or SoC was more probable.
From a market standpoint, launching an AI PC chip seems rational, especially with the emergence of generative AI technologies. Incorporating Nvidia’s graphical capabilities into this chip could potentially address the graphical weaknesses that have been troubling Windows-on-Arm devices, including those powered by Snapdragon X.
This is not the first collaboration between MediaTek and Nvidia, adding credibility to the rumors about their partnership on this chip. Their Dimensity Auto Cockpit platform, an SoC designed for automotive applications, leverages Nvidia’s graphics IP and Drive OS.
The chip is capable of supporting advanced infotainment systems, offering features such as high-end gaming with ray tracing technology and multiple high dynamic range cameras for safety. Yet, at present, no US automotive company has publicized the integration of this platform into their vehicles.
