Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD) is intensifying its efforts to compete with Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ: NVDA) in the artificial intelligence (AI) hardware sector by unveiling a series of new chips and previewing accelerated systems intended primarily for the data center industry.
At the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES), AMD's CEO Lisa Su introduced the MI440X accelerator, a product tailored for companies desiring to operate AI workloads within their own smaller-scale on-premises data centers, preserving sensitive data internally. Additionally, the MI455X was highlighted as a high-performance upgrade aimed at customers developing robust AI server infrastructures, as reported by Bloomberg.
Su pointed out that the AI industry's growth trajectory remains robust, citing a persistent rise in demand for computational power. She noted that the present infrastructure is insufficient to meet the ambitions of developers and enterprises, indicating that AMD anticipates ongoing substantial investments in AI technology.
To reinforce its market positioning, AMD referenced its expanding collaboration with OpenAI. OpenAI co-founder Greg Brockman appeared alongside Su to discuss the partnership and the escalating need for computational resources, underlining AMD’s commitment to supporting AI innovation.
AMD announced that its Helios system, which centers on the MI455X accelerator, alongside its forthcoming Venice CPU design, will be available within the year. Looking ahead, the company is preparing the next-gen MI500 chip series slated for release in 2027. This forthcoming architecture is projected to deliver up to a 1,000-fold improvement in performance compared to the MI300 generation launched in 2023.
Beyond enhancing data center hardware, AMD is focusing on extending AI capabilities into devices stationed outside conventional large server environments. The launch of Ryzen AI Embedded processors aims to imbue AI functionality into various equipment such as automotive systems, industrial machinery, medical devices, and robotic technologies. These processors integrate graphics, computational, and AI workloads on a single chip to allow faster responses and more efficient power as well as space usage.
The embedded AI chips enable manufacturers to embed intelligent features directly within their products, reducing or eliminating reliance on cloud-based solutions. This advancement facilitates smarter in-car dashboards, industrial machines capable of more rapid adjustment, and sophisticated robots, all without the need for additional hardware components.
In the personal computing space, AMD introduced its Ryzen AI 400 Series tailored for next-generation Windows AI laptops, alongside Ryzen AI Max+ chips designed for premium thin-and-light notebooks and compact desktops. These new processors are engineered to support demanding AI and creative workloads with enhanced power efficiency.
For enterprise environments, AMD unveiled the Ryzen AI PRO 400 Series, which delivers added security protections and streamlined management features tailored to corporate IT operations. This reflects AMD’s intent to make AI technologies more accessible and manageable within business applications.
Further reflecting their commitment to ubiquitous AI development, AMD announced Ryzen AI Halo, a compact system designed to aid developers in creating and testing AI applications locally. This approach offers an alternative to exclusive cloud reliance and encourages innovation at the device level.
Complementing the hardware announcements, AMD also delivered software enhancements and bundled tooling aimed at simplifying AI application setup and usage on AMD-powered platforms, further supporting integration into everyday PC use cases.
On the gaming front, AMD launched the Ryzen 7 9850X3D desktop processor, engineered to elevate gaming performance beyond previous top-tier models. The company also updated its graphics software ecosystem to help improve game smoothness and visual fidelity, catering to the demands of gaming enthusiasts.
AMD's stock showed positive movement following these announcements, with shares rising 1.07% to $223.45 at the time of reporting. The company continues to position itself strongly within the competitive AI hardware market by addressing an array of segments from data centers and embedded devices to personal computers and gaming.