Intel is bringing AI to all its CPUs, and it’s also democratizing the technology. The chipmaker’s upcoming ‘Meteor Lake’ chips will feature built-in neural processors for machine learning tasks that can run on laptops instead of tapping into cloud data centers. This marks a significant shift for the company, which is trying to restore its position as the world’s most advanced semiconductor manufacturer. However, it will face tough competition from Apple and Android phone makers that are building neural processing power into their products.
During its third annual Intel Innovation event, targeted at developers (hardware and software), architects, technology managers, researchers, and influencers, the chipmaker announced a range of technologies that aim to bring artificial intelligence everywhere. The company is also democratizing the technology through open multi-architecture software solutions, making it available to all.
The event started with a keynote from CEO Pat Gelsinger, who said his company will be crucial to the coming boom in AI computing. He highlighted advances the company is making in production technology and tools for software developers for AI, and he said that the opportunities will only grow as the scale of AI integration into personal computers increases.
Gelsinger spoke about the importance of artificial intelligence, describing how it is helping drive the “Siliconomy,” which he describes as a growing economy powered by silicon and software. He pointed out that the new AI-powered economy will create massive business and societal opportunities, allowing developers to push technological boundaries, solve significant global challenges, and improve the lives of people around the world.
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In addition to highlighting the AI opportunities that are opening up, Gelsinger also discussed other aspects of Intel’s strategy and its efforts in production technology. He reiterated the company’s commitment to its five-nodes-in-four-years manufacturing process technology plan. He emphasized that it is on track to hit its 2024 target of having high-volume 5th Gen Intel Xeon processors. He also provided an update on developing the company’s newest flagship product, the Intel Xeon Scalable platform Sierra Forest, which will include up to 2x faster performance and more memory bandwidth than the current generation.
Intel is also accelerating the transition to the AI era with its new Xeon SP5GCC family of servers, scheduled to launch in December. This new line of processors will be the first to integrate a dedicated AI accelerator, expected to deliver 2x to 3x better AI performance than the previous generation.
In addition to the Xeon SP5GCC, Intel will unveil the next-generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors called Granite Rapids, which are expected to launch in 2024. These will feature the e-core processor with up to 288 cores, intended to enable the fastest AI and HPC workloads for the most demanding enterprises and governments. In addition, these processors will come with a range of IO technologies designed to provide maximum flexibility and support for various data center and edge applications.
