Wednesday, 2 April 2025
24.1 C
Singapore
31.1 C
Thailand
21.9 C
Indonesia
26.8 C
Philippines

Microsoft supports new startups as it launches an AI processor that skips GPUs and expensive memory

Discover how d-Matrix's new AI processor, Corsair, backed by Microsoft, redefines AI inference with a GPU-free and cost-effective solution.

D-Matrix Inc., a hardware startup based in Santa Clara, California, has unveiled its first AI processor, Corsair, which aims to redefine AI inference. This innovative product does away with traditional GPUs and costly high-bandwidth memory (HBM), offering a more efficient and cost-effective solution.

Supported by Microsoft and embracing cutting-edge advancements, Corsair is available to early-access customers and is expected to reach broader availability by the second quarter of 2025.

What makes Corsair stand out?

Corsair is purpose-built to tackle demanding AI inference tasks, particularly those involving generative AI models. The processor achieves remarkable speeds, handling 60,000 tokens per second at 1 millisecond per token when running models like Llama3 8B on a single server.

For larger-scale applications, such as Llama3 70B, Corsair achieves 30,000 tokens per second at 2 milliseconds per token on a single rack. This performance significantly lowers energy consumption and operational costs compared to traditional GPU-based systems.

Built on d-Matrixโ€™s Nighthawk and Jayhawk II tiles, Corsair utilises a 6nm manufacturing process. Each Nighthawk tile has four neural cores and a RISC-V CPU, optimised for large-model inference. It incorporates digital in-memory computation (DIMC) and supports versatile datatype processing, including block floating point (BFP).

Corsairโ€™s chiplet packaging integrates memory and computation to boost efficiency. It adheres to the PCIe Gen5 full-height, full-length card form factor, making it compatible with DMX Bridge cards for scalable performance. The card is powered by 2400 TFLOPs of 8-bit peak computing power, 2GB of integrated performance memory, and 256GB of off-chip memory capacity.

A partnership with Nvidiaโ€™s key ally

Micron Technology, a significant partner of Nvidia, is collaborating with d-Matrix to support Corsairโ€™s development and growth.

Although initially slated for release in late 2023, d-Matrix restructured its architecture to align with the growing demand for generative AI. This shift allowed Corsair to incorporate advanced features tailored for transformer models, agentic AI, and emerging applications like interactive video generation.

โ€œOur vision for d-Matrix was to address the massive computing challenges of generative AI and transformers,โ€ said Sid Sheth, co-founder and CEO of d-Matrix. โ€œCorsair is a groundbreaking platform, delivering blazing-fast token generation for interactive AI applications, making generative AI commercially viable.โ€

Corsairโ€™s focus on cost efficiency, scalability, and high-performance positions it as a promising solution in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Hot this week

Intel remains on course for next-gen CPUs

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan confirms that next-gen CPUs, including Panther Lake and Nova Lake, remain on track, with Panther Lake arriving in 2025.

Xbox titles lead PlayStation Store preorders

Xbox games dominate PS5 preorders, with Indiana Jones and Forza Horizon 5 leading sales, proving Microsoft's strategy works.

ASEAN+ leads in hybrid AI adoption as Lenovo report highlights top CIO priorities

ASEAN+ leads hybrid AI adoption as Lenovo study highlights GRC, GenAI and partnerships as key to long-term AI success.

Owndays and Huawei launch new titanium smart audio glasses

Owndays and Huawei launch the Eyewear 2 Smart Audio Glasses Titanium Edition, featuring Bluetooth 5.3, 11-hour playback, and a premium frame.

LinkedIn: How AI is reshaping hiring and workforce strategies in 2025

Discover how AI is transforming hiring and workforce strategies in 2025, from skills-based recruitment to internal mobility and continuous learning.

These robot vacuums are getting smarter with Apple Home support

Appleโ€™s iOS 18.4 update adds Matter support for robot vacuums, enabling control via Apple Home. Roborock, iRobot, and Ecovacs are updating their devices.

Gmail introduces easier encryption for business emails

Google introduces a new encryption model for Gmail, making it easier for businesses to send secure emails without special software or certificates.

Nothing Phone (3a) Pro review: A mid-range marvel with standout zoom

Nothing Phone (3a) Pro blends standout design, powerful zoom camera, and smart features, making it a top choice in the mid-range segment.

Vivo challenges iPhone 16 Pro Max with X200 Ultraโ€™s video stability

Vivoโ€™s X200 Ultra teaser compares video stability with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, promising top-tier camera upgrades and advanced stabilisation.

Related Articles