Nvidia Corp. is reportedly developing a new artificial intelligence (AI) chip for China that will outperform its current H20 model, according to sources familiar with the matter. The chip, tentatively named the B30A, is based on Nvidia’s latest Blackwell architecture and could mark a significant shift in the company’s China strategy.
Nvidia’s New B30A AI Chip
The B30A chip will feature a single-die design, a structure in which all key components of an integrated circuit are manufactured on a continuous piece of silicon. This design is expected to deliver half the raw computing power of Nvidia’s flagship B300 accelerator card, which uses a more advanced dual-die configuration.
Despite being less powerful than the B300, the B30A will still surpass the H20 chip, which is currently Nvidia’s most advanced AI chip approved for sale in China.
Key Features of the B30A Chip
- Blackwell architecture for next-gen AI performance.
- High-bandwidth memory (HBM) to handle large datasets.
- NVLink technology for faster data transmission between processors.
- Single-die design for improved efficiency compared to multi-die chips.
Sources said Nvidia hopes to deliver samples to Chinese clients for testing as early as next month, though specifications are not yet finalised.
Regulatory Challenges
The development comes after U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of allowing more advanced Nvidia chips to be sold in China. However, approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce remains uncertain due to ongoing concerns about granting China access to cutting-edge AI technology.
Nvidia, in a statement, said:
“We evaluate a variety of products for our roadmap, so that we can be prepared to compete to the extent that governments allow. Everything we offer is with the full approval of the applicable authorities and designed solely for beneficial commercial use.”
U.S.-China Tech Tensions
China accounted for 13% of Nvidia’s revenue in its last financial year, making the country a critical market despite ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions. Access to advanced AI chips has been one of the most contentious issues, with Washington wary of enabling China’s rapid progress in artificial intelligence and supercomputing.
The launch of the B30A chip could help Nvidia maintain its presence in China while navigating complex geopolitical and regulatory challenges.
