However, the project's success hinges on OpenAI boosting its AI's capabilities and obtaining the necessary server chips, which is driving up the cost. The companies are also considering alternative power sources like nuclear energy due to the high energy requirements. Other challenges include finding a way to put more GPUs into a single rack to boost performance and preventing the chips from overheating. The location of Stargate is yet to be decided.
Key takeaways:
- Microsoft and OpenAI are reportedly planning a $100 billion supercomputer project, known as "Stargate", which could launch as soon as 2028.
- The supercomputer would be the centerpiece of a five-phase plan and could be 100 times more expensive than the largest data centers currently in operation.
- Stargate could far exceed the computing power currently supplied by Microsoft to OpenAI, but would require at least several gigawatts of power to do so.
- The project's success hinges on OpenAI fulfilling its promise to boost its AI's capabilities and on finding enough energy sources to power the project, with nuclear energy being considered as an option.