This move towards vertical integration would set OpenAI apart from rivals who rely on third-party supplies or outsource their own designs. However, the plan is costly and faces challenges such as securing the necessary funding and expertise to build state-of-the-art fabrication facilities, and designing chips that can compete with Nvidia's H100 units. Despite these hurdles, some industry insiders see Altman's potential investment in chip technology as a dual-purpose move that is essential for AI evolution and represents a lucrative investment opportunity.
Key takeaways:
- OpenAI's Sam Altman is considering building his own supply line of AI chips due to the current shortage and high demand.
- Altman's plan involves not only designing chips but also setting up a network of fabrication plants to manufacture them, which would make OpenAI vertically integrated.
- The plan is still in early stages and would require billions of dollars and expertise to build state-of-the-art fabrication facilities.
- Despite the challenges, the plan has already won support, with some seeing it as essential for the evolution of AI and a potentially lucrative investment opportunity.