At Computex 2025, NVIDIA announced NVLink Fusion, a significant development aimed at revolutionizing AI data centers. This technology allows the combination of third-party CPUs with NVIDIA GPUs, creating what NVIDIA calls “semi-custom AI infrastructure.” This move is strategic, enabling NVIDIA to penetrate diverse markets with unique computing demands.
NVIDIA’s dominance with GPUs in AI training is well-known, but the focus is now shifting towards CPUs for inference tasks. By integrating third-party CPUs, NVIDIA capitalizes on the varied needs of enterprises adopting AI. This approach ensures the company’s products are adaptable and can integrate seamlessly with existing data center hardware.
The strategy also opens new opportunities for NVIDIA. By collaborating with other CPU manufacturers, like Fujitsu and Qualcomm, the company can reach customers who prefer non-NVIDIA CPUs. This inclusion of partners allows for custom solutions tailored to specific enterprise needs, expanding NVIDIA’s influence in AI infrastructure.
Qualcomm’s inclusion is noteworthy, marking its re-entry into the data center CPU market. Qualcomm is building its data center solutions in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s HUMAIN, aligning its strategy with large-scale, energy-efficient AI infrastructure projects. As Qualcomm CFO/COO Akash Palkhiwala noted, they aim to bring low-power, high-performance compute solutions to AI applications, addressing power challenges in AI infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Fujitsu‘s partnership highlights its 2-nanometer MONAKA CPU, designed for high performance when paired with NVIDIA GPUs. Fujitsu’s CTO Vivek Mahajan emphasized the potential for “monumental” advancements in AI systems through this integration.
This shift in AI data center design signifies NVIDIA’s flexibility and foresight in a rapidly evolving market. The ability to interconnect with third-party CPUs enhances the potential use cases of its GPUs, meeting a wider range of customer needs. The collaboration promises increased demand for NVIDIA GPUs, while fostering innovation and co-development across industry players.
