Intel unveils new AI chip for enterprises

Chipmaker Intel introduced new computer chips during its "AI Everywhere" event on Thursday. The unveiling included Gaudi3, an artificial intelligence chip designed for generative AI software, and the 5th Gen Intel Xeon processors for enterprises. 

Gaudi3, set to launch next year, is positioned to compete with chips from rivals Nvidia and AMD that power large and power-hungry AI models, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT. Nvidia GPUs currently dominate the field for prominent AI models in the cloud. 

The 5th Gen Intel Xeon processors, code-named Emerald Rapids, were also introduced during the event. These processors promise increased performance per watt and a lower total cost of ownership across various critical workloads, including artificial intelligence, high-performance computing (HPC), networking, storage, database, and security for enterprises. 

During the event, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger said, "Intel is developing the technologies and solutions that empower customers to seamlessly integrate and effectively run AI in all their applications — in the cloud and, increasingly, locally at the PC and edge, where data is generated and used.” 

This launch marks the second Xeon family upgrade in less than a year, offering customers more computing and faster memory within the same power envelope as the previous generation. The processors are designed to be software- and platform-compatible with 4th Gen Intel Xeon processors, enabling customers to upgrade and maximise infrastructure investments while reducing costs and carbon emissions. 

According to Intel, every core of the 5th Gen Xeon processors is equipped with AI acceleration, addressing demanding end-to-end AI workloads without the need for additional accelerators.  

During the event, IBM reported that 5th Gen Intel Xeon processors achieved up to 2.7 times better query throughput on its watsonx.data platform compared to previous-generation Xeon processors during testing. Google Cloud, set to deploy 5th Gen Xeon next year, noted that Palo Alto Networks experienced a 2x performance boost in its threat detection deep learning models using built-in acceleration in 4th Gen Xeon through Google Cloud. 

In addition to the Xeon processors, Intel launched the Intel Core Ultra mobile processors, claiming to deliver reimagined power efficiency, world-class compute and graphics performance, and the best AI PC experience to mobile platforms.