tech
AMD Buys Chip Startup That Hardwires AI Models Into Its Silicon
Taalas' current chip runs a small version of Meta's Llama 3.1, though the company is working on chips for bigger and more advanced models.
TL;DR
- AMD has agreed to acquire Taalas, a startup focused on chips for AI inference.
- Taalas' accelerators are customized for single AI models, offering faster performance and lower cost compared to traditional GPUs for specific tasks.
- The acquisition aims to bolster AMD's data center growth and expand its AI hardware offerings.
- This move is part of a broader industry trend where companies are looking beyond general-purpose GPUs for specialized AI workloads.
- AMD plans to integrate Taalas' technology into its future product road map, including systems with its CPUs and Instinct GPUs.
- AMD has been actively acquiring companies to enhance its AI capabilities and build integrated systems like its Helios racks.