Nvidia has encountered delays in finalizing the delivery time for its latest chip designed to adhere to Washington’s export restrictions for China, amid concerns over potential sanctions that could disrupt its roll-out plans, according to industry sources. The B20, a downgraded version of Nvidia’s powerful Blackwell B200 GPU developed for Chinese customers, was originally set to ship in the fourth quarter. However, new export control measures being considered by the US government may impact the timeline.
Despite the compromised computing capabilities of the B20, the chip offers improved interconnection bandwidth for binding multiple cards together to offset its lower computing power. Nvidia has faced obstacles due to stringent US sanctions on China’s access to advanced semiconductors, leading to modifications in its GPU offerings. The company is now under pressure in China from local competitors like Huawei, prompting the development of new GPUs to maintain market share.
Recent market trends indicate a growing demand for Nvidia’s H20 GPUs in China, with sales on the rise. The company is projected to deliver over 1 million H20 GPUs this year, generating significant revenue. Nvidia’s latest computing platform, the B200, offers substantial computing power for AI workloads, with production expected to ramp up in the fourth quarter.