NVIDIA Blackwell 2024 AI GPU Superchip Technical Specs

The NVIDIA Blackwell design has been created to fulfil the increasing requirements of large language models (LLMs) and generative AI, presenting notable developments in computational strength and efficiency. Dedicated to the renowned mathematician David H. Blackwell, this design introduces multiple enhancements focused on optimizing the deployment and operation of cutting-edge AI models. Let’s delve into the details further.

Empowered by the second-gen Transformer Engine, the Blackwell GPU integrates pioneering tensor core technology. This engine is meticulously crafted to manage the rigorous needs of LLMs and Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) models, enabling more dynamic and effective processing. With an impressive 208 billion transistors and a computational capacity of 20 petaFLOPS, the Blackwell GPU emerges as NVIDIA’s most powerful offering to date, enabling AI systems to confront intricate tasks with unparalleled speed and accuracy.

NVIDIA Blackwell GPU

One of the primary advantages of the Blackwell structure is its significantly improved connectivity. The introduction of the 10-terabyte-per-second NVIDIA High-Bandwidth Interface (NV-HBI) facilitates the seamless integration of two substantial dies into a single GPU. This groundbreaking attribute not only enhances data transfer speeds but also optimizes the efficiency of data exchanges between the CPU and GPU via the NVLink-C2C interconnect. By streamlining data flow and reducing latency, the Blackwell GPU equips AI systems to analyze and process vast information quantities swiftly and efficiently.

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Scalability for the Future of AI

As AI models grow in complexity and size, scalability emerges as a pivotal element for their successful implementation. The Blackwell GPU excels in this aspect, leveraging fifth-gen NVLink technology to enable linking of up to 576 GPUs. This exceptional scalability empowers businesses and researchers to tackle the most demanding AI challenges, including models with trillions of parameters. By delivering a robust and adaptable infrastructure, the Blackwell design ensures that AI systems can evolve and expand in alignment with the evolving requirements of the domain.

Blackwell’s six pioneering technologies, collectively supporting AI training and real-time LLM inference for models scaling up to 10 trillion parameters, consist of:

1. Blackwell GPU: featuring 208 billion transistors, crafted using a specialized 4NP TSMC process. These incorporate large GPU dies linked by a rapid 10 TB/second connection, uniting to form a formidable singular entity.
2. Second-Gen Transformer Engine: supporting larger models and increased calculations due to novel micro-tensor scaling and NVIDIA’s advanced algorithms. It embraces improved AI inference capabilities with 4-bit floating point precision, doubling its performance.
3. Fifth-Gen NVLink: the latest NVLink iteration offers an immense 1.8TB/s bidirectional throughput per GPU. This heightens performance for intricate AI models, enabling swift communication among up to 576 GPUs, crucial for large-scale language models.
4. RAS Engine: focusing on reliability, availability, and serviceability, Blackwell GPUs employ AI to conduct preventative maintenance, execute diagnostics, and predict reliability issues. This augments system robustness and diminishes downtime and operational expenses for extensive AI operations.
5. Secure AI: novel security functionalities safeguard AI models and client data without compromising performance. This encompasses support for new encryption protocols, especially essential for sectors demanding high confidentiality, such as healthcare and financial services.
6. Decompression Engine: a dedicated engine boosting data analytics performance by expediting database queries and endorsing the latest decompression formats. This is increasingly vital as firms invest billions in data processing shifting towards GPU acceleration.

Furthermore, the Blackwell GPU addresses the pivotal issues of energy utilization and operational expenses associated with sizable AI deployments. Through advancements in TensorRT-LLM and customized kernels, the GPU optimizes real-time inference while diminishing hardware and energy prerequisites. These enhancements not only contribute to a more sustainable AI ecosystem but also render the deployment of innovative AI models economically feasible for businesses of all scales.

Efficient Bandwidth Management and Parallel Processing

In multi-server setups, effective bandwidth management is crucial for optimal efficacy. The Blackwell design introduces an NVLink Switch and a Unified Fabric Manager, jointly elevating bandwidth management and facilitating extensive model parallelism. This sophisticated configuration guarantees the sustenance of high-speed communications, allowing AI systems to handle and analyze data with remarkable efficacy and speed.

To further enhance the capabilities of the Blackwell design, NVIDIA has devised the GB200 Grace Blackwell Superchip. This inventive solution integrates two Blackwell Tensor Core GPUs with an NVIDIA Grace CPU, delivering a potent platform for high-speed data interchange and accelerated real-time inference. For extensive operations, the GB200 NVL72 Cluster connects 36 of these superchips, constructing a robust network proficient at managing the most challenging AI tasks effortlessly.

Improved energy efficiency through TensorRT-LLM and custom kernels
Enhanced bandwidth management with NVLink Switch and Unified Fabric Manager
Expanded capabilities through GB200 Grace Blackwell Superchip and Cluster

The NVIDIA Blackwell GPU design represents a revolutionary progression in AI technology. With its unparalleled computational prowess, enhanced connectivity, scalability, and optimized energy efficiency, the Blackwell GPU is poised to revolutionize the deployment and performance of LLMs and generative AI. As companies and researchers continually push the boundaries of AI possibilities, the Blackwell design is certain to play a pivotal role in propelling innovation and unlocking novel frontiers in this rapidly evolving realm.