1 hr ago
China May Approve Alibaba Purchases of Nvidia RTX Chips
China may let some companies buy a new Nvidia computer chip called the RTX Pro 5500.
The Information reported that companies including Alibaba and ByteDance were asked how many chips they wanted and what they would use them for.
China’s industry ministry reportedly said it planned to approve some purchases.
The chip is mainly made for graphics and computer simulations.
It can also help run some artificial-intelligence services.
The United States blocks Nvidia’s most powerful AI chips from being sold to China.
US officials are concerned those chips could strengthen China’s AI work and military capabilities.
Chinese AI companies need more powerful chips because they have shortages.
They use chips from both foreign and Chinese suppliers.
China may allow Alibaba and ByteDance to purchase Nvidia’s RTX Pro 5500 chips, according to The Information.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology asked some companies about planned quantities and intended uses.
The ministry reportedly told some firms it intends to approve their purchases.
The RTX Pro 5500 is mainly designed for graphics and simulations but can also support AI services.
The United States restricts Nvidia’s most powerful accelerators in China, while some older-generation chips face fewer restrictions.
- Who
- The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Alibaba Group Holding Limited, ByteDance Ltd., and Nvidia.
- What
- China may approve purchases of Nvidia’s RTX Pro 5500 graphics processors by some Chinese companies.
- Where
- China, involving purchases from Nvidia.
- When
- The report was published after the RTX Pro 5500 was released this month; the articles do not provide a specific date.
- Why
- Chinese companies face a shortage of capable AI chips, while the RTX Pro 5500 is not among Nvidia’s most powerful restricted AI accelerators.
Key facts
- Reported buyers
- Alibaba and ByteDance were among the companies reportedly considered for approval.
- Chinese agency
- The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology asked companies about planned purchases and intended uses.
- Chip
- Nvidia RTX Pro 5500
- Primary uses
- Graphics and simulations, with additional support for AI services.
- US restrictions
- Washington bars Nvidia’s most powerful accelerators from China.
- Chip shortage
- Chinese AI developers face an ongoing shortage of capable AI chips.
- Other suppliers
- Chinese AI companies use semiconductors from both foreign and local suppliers.
Sources
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