Nvidia Blackwell chips face serious heating issues

“Nvidia GB200 systems are the most advanced computers ever created. Integrating them into a diverse range of data center environments requires co-engineering with our customers. Our engineering iterations are in line with expectations. Some of our partners including Dell Technologies and CoreWeave are promoting new Nvidia GB200 NVL72 designs here at SC and on social media.”

Anshel Sag, principal analyst with Moor Insights & Strategies, isn’t completely sold on the claims. “I think it’s too early to tell if this is a widespread issue or a configuration problem. I can’t imagine that Nvidia would ship a part that overheats, especially with the amount of cooling that’s already necessary,” he said, adding that the timing of this news is suspect. The Supercomputing 24 conference is taking place, and he wouldn’t put it past a Nvidia competitor to try and kneecap the company.

“Supercomputing is when everyone who’s anyone in the HPC world is meeting up and talking rumors and shop and today would be the day to drop a big rumor like this to get it to spread across the industry like wildfire,” he said. “If it were more organic, it would’ve spread after the show as people talked privately and gossiped. This almost feels like a leak the competition would spread to get more eyeballs on the competitive platforms.”