Efficiency and Energy Concerns in GPU Usage

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Efficiency is a crucial concern in the increasing usage of GPUs due to their higher energy consumption compared to conventional semiconductors. Although efforts are made to enhance GPU efficiency, their energy consumption remains significantly higher than non-AI chips and data centers. This high energy demand can be up to 20 times more in AI systems. Interestingly, increased efficiency can paradoxically result in higher power consumption due to the rise in demand for AI chips. Some companies like Amazon are taking steps to address this challenge by associating with nuclear power stations. Jensen Wang acknowledges these risks and works towards making GPUs more efficient to combat the escalating energy demand in data centers.

The game theory was simpler during a cold war between two states armed to the teeth; the nuclear world order has since become far more complex and dangerous. Nvidia is on a tear making the artificial-intelligence community’s favoured chips. What plans, and perils, lie ahead for the firm (10:55)? And why there are ever fewer accountants on the books in America (18:25).

Additional audio "As an accountant" courtesy of Rocky Paterra.

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