NVIDIA and MediaTek: Clues about desktop CPU project intensify

In a remarkable announcement, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang has for the first time publicly referred to the development of a desktop processor, which is to be created in collaboration with MediaTek. The rumors that have been circulating for some time have thus been given new substance.

A desktop processor from NVIDIA: reality or PR ploy?

There has been speculation for years that NVIDIA is planning its own desktop processor to get involved in the CPU market. Now this step seems to be taking shape. Jensen Huang hinted at an investor presentation that NVIDIA is pursuing corresponding plans. However, he did not provide any details, apart from a vague comment:

“Obviously we have plans.” – Jensen Huang

According to a report by Reuters, MediaTek will play a central role in this. The Taiwanese company, which is known for its efficient system-on-chip solutions, is apparently working closely with NVIDIA on a project called DIGITS. This approach could point to a new ARM-based architecture based on TSMC’s advanced 3nm manufacturing process. If NVIDIA comes to market with its own desktop processor, this could significantly change the CPU landscape. Currently, Intel and AMD dominate the field, while Qualcomm has also gained a foothold in the laptop and ARM segment with Snapdragon processors.

The potential partnership between NVIDIA and MediaTek brings several advantages:

• Experience in ARM architectures: MediaTek is a leading provider of ARM-based SoCs and has extensive expertise in optimizing power efficiency and performance.
• Graphics superiority: NVIDIA brings decades of experience in GPU development, providing an ideal combination for AI and graphics-intensive workloads.
• 3nm process: With TSMC’s state-of-the-art manufacturing process, the processor could be both powerful and energy efficient.
• A new competitor: opportunities and challenges

NVIDIA’s entry into the CPU market could lead to increased competition. While Intel is still the market leader, the company has lost momentum in recent years. AMD, on the other hand, has been able to secure a solid position through innovations such as the Zen architecture.

The introduction of an NVIDIA processor would

• Increase pressure on existing manufacturers: Especially in terms of energy-efficient and AI-optimized processors.
• Setting new benchmarks: NVIDIA’s expertise in AI could translate into specialized acceleration modules, similar to Intel’s VPU approaches or AMD’s focus on FPGAs.
• Influencing prices: A broader selection of processors could lead to better price/performance ratios in the long term.

According to rumors so far, NVIDIA plans to unveil the new processor in the first half of 2025 and could launch towards the end of the year, assuming development goes to plan. With the potential launch of its own desktop processor, NVIDIA is entering new territory. The collaboration with MediaTek could prove to be a smart move, especially in view of the increasing importance of AI and graphics-intensive applications. How will the NVIDIA CPU fare against established providers? And how much market share can NVIDIA actually gain? One thing is certain: the CPU market will soon have a serious competitor.

Source: Reuters