China-based Huawei to test AI chip aiming to rival Nvidia: Report

China-based Huawei is preparing to test its latest and most powerful AI chip, the Ascend 910D, which it aims to position as a rival to Nvidia's high-end AI processors, particularly the Nvidia H100 chip.

Huawei has approached several Chinese technology companies to evaluate the technical feasibility of the Ascend 910D, with initial sample processors expected to be delivered by late May 2025.

This move comes amid increasing U.S. restrictions on China's access to advanced semiconductor technology, including bans on the sale of Nvidia's most advanced AI chips like the H100 and B200 in China. These restrictions have created opportunities for Huawei and other Chinese firms to develop domestic alternatives and reduce reliance on U.S. technology.

In addition to the Ascend 910D, Huawei is also preparing to begin mass shipments of an earlier AI chip model, the Ascend 910C, to Chinese customers as early as next month. The 910C chip is designed to offer performance comparable to Nvidia's H100 by integrating two 910B processors into a single package, effectively doubling computational power and memory capacity.

Huawei's efforts reflect China's broader strategic push for self-reliance in AI and semiconductor technology, with government encouragement for domestic AI developers to adopt homegrown chips amid escalating trade tensions with the U.S.

Huawei is advancing its AI chip capabilities with the Ascend 910D testing phase imminent, aiming to challenge Nvidia's dominance in high-end AI processors by delivering competitive performance and fostering a domestic semiconductor ecosystem.

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