OpenAI Explores Nvidia Chip Alternatives Amid Inference Focus

• OpenAI is exploring alternatives to Nvidia's AI chips due to concerns over inference-heavy workloads, shifting focus to the stage where AI models generate responses.
• While Nvidia dominates AI model training, inference performance is crucial as AI tools like ChatGPT scale across consumer and enterprise use cases.
• OpenAI's reassessment comes despite heavy reliance on Nvidia hardware and ongoing investment discussions, with Nvidia signaling a potential $100 billion investment.
• OpenAI has diversified its hardware strategy, engaging with other chipmakers like AMD, and is evaluating specialized hardware from startups like Cerebras and Groq.
• The performance challenges are particularly visible in OpenAI's Codex, an AI-powered coding product, where speed is critical for professional users.

Why It Matters: OpenAI is seeking alternatives to Nvidia chips, focusing on inference performance for real-time AI applications.