Intel made several big announcements at their 2023 Innovation event¹² related to AI and computing, including new CPUs launching in December, a plan for a 288-core Xeon chip, and a deal to build an AI supercomputer for Stability AI. They're aiming to challenge Nvidia in AI with their CPUs, GPUs, and dedicated AI accelerators.

What's going on here?

While Nvidia has dominated the AI chip space recently with its GPUs, Intel is determined to become a major player. Their strategy includes integrating AI acceleration into CPUs to complement discrete offerings like their Gaudi chips.

What does this mean?

• Intel’s Core Ultra (Meteor Lake) is launching on December 14th, featuring integrated AI acceleration with a neural processing unit.

• 5th-gen Xeon Scalable server processors will also launch on Dec. 14. Future generation will include a 288-core CPU (in 2024).

• Intel will build a large AI supercomputer with Xeon and Gaudi2 processors for Stability AI.

• Intel Developer Cloud platform is now available, giving access to the latest Intel chips. Project Strata, a commercial software platform for building edge infrastructure will come in 2024.

Why should I care?

More competition from Intel versus just Nvidia should drive innovation faster. Intel is also offering developers a platform to access and build AI solutions. While Nvidia may still lead, Intel's major investments in AI-focused chips and infrastructure signal more choices for developers.