Alphabet's Google is in talks with Marvell Technology to develop two new chips aimed at running AI models more efficiently. One of the chips is a memory processing unit designed to work with Google's tensor processing unit (TPU), while the one is a new TPU built specifically for running AI models.
Big Tech companies such as Google and Facebook-parent Meta are notably investing heavily to reduce dependence on external chip suppliers by expanding their custom chip efforts amid Silicon Valley's intensifying AI rivalry.
Google has been pushing to make its TPUs a viable alternative to Nvidia's dominant GPUs and have become a key driver of growth in Google's cloud revenue as it aims to show investors that its AI investments are generating returns. Google deploys TPUs for training AI models and to respond to user queries, a process known as inferencing, and works with Broadcom to design its chips.
The report signals that Google might be looking to diversify from Broadcom amid surging demand for its chips as businesses seek alternatives to Nvidia's pricey chips.
AI lab Anthropic uses a range of chips, including TPUs designed by Google, to develop and run its AI software and chatbot Claude.
Last week, Meta extended its deal with Broadcom to produce several generations of custom AI processors. The social media giant paid Broadcom $2.3 billion last year for AI chip design and related services.
Both Marvell and its larger rival Broadcom help clients with designing chips, as growing adoption of AI tools boost demand for specialized processors used in advanced data centers.
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