Bolt Graphics has unveiled Zeus, a new GPU architecture aimed at AI, HPC, and large language models. It features up to 2.25TB of memory across four interconnected GPUs, utilizing a proprietary high-bandwidth interconnect for unified memory access. Zeus also boasts integrated 800GbE networking and PCIe Gen5 connectivity, designed for high-performance computing clusters. While performance figures remain undisclosed, Bolt claims significant advancements over existing solutions, especially in memory capacity and interconnect speed, targeting the growing demands of large-scale data processing.
Chips and Cheese's analysis of AMD's Strix Halo APU reveals a chiplet-based design featuring two Zen 4 CPU chiplets and a single graphics chiplet likely based on RDNA 3 or a next-gen architecture. The CPU chiplets appear identical to those used in desktop Ryzen 7000 processors, suggesting potential performance parity. Interestingly, the graphics chiplet uses a new memory controller and boasts an unusually wide memory bus connected directly to its own dedicated HBM memory. This architecture distinguishes it from prior APUs and hints at significant performance potential, especially for memory bandwidth-intensive workloads. The analysis also observes a distinct Infinity Fabric topology, indicating a departure from standard desktop designs and fueling speculation about its purpose and performance implications.
Hacker News users discussed the potential implications of AMD's "Strix Halo" technology, particularly focusing on its apparent use of chiplets and stacked memory. Some questioned the practicality and cost-effectiveness of the approach, while others expressed excitement about the potential performance gains, especially for AI workloads. Several commenters debated the technical aspects, like the bandwidth limitations and latency challenges of using stacked HBM on a separate chiplet connected via an interposer. There was also speculation about whether this technology would be exclusive to frontier-scale systems or trickle down to consumer hardware eventually. A few comments highlighted the detailed analysis in the Chips and Cheese article, praising its depth and technical rigor. The general sentiment leaned toward cautious optimism, acknowledging the potential while remaining aware of the significant engineering hurdles involved.
Reports are surfacing of melting 12VHPWR power connectors on Nvidia's RTX 4090 graphics cards, causing concern among users. While the exact cause remains unclear, Nvidia is actively investigating the issue. Some speculation points towards insufficiently seated connectors or potential manufacturing defects with the adapter or the card itself. Gamers experiencing this problem are encouraged to contact Nvidia support.
Hacker News users discuss potential causes for the melting 12VHPWR connectors on Nvidia's RTX 5090 GPUs. Several commenters suggest improper connector seating as the primary culprit, pointing to the ease with which the connector can appear fully plugged in when it's not. Some highlight Gamers Nexus' investigation, which indicated insufficient contact points due to partially inserted connectors can lead to overheating and melting. Others express skepticism about manufacturing defects being solely responsible, arguing that the high power draw combined with a less robust connector design makes it susceptible to user error. A few commenters also mention the possibility of cable quality issues and the need for more rigorous testing standards for these high-wattage connectors. Some users share personal anecdotes of experiencing the issue or successfully using the card without problems, suggesting individual experiences are varied.
The ROCm Device Support Wishlist GitHub discussion serves as a central hub for users to request and discuss support for new AMD GPUs and other hardware within the ROCm platform. It encourages users to upvote existing requests or submit new ones with detailed system information, emphasizing driver versions and specific models for clarity and to gauge community interest. The goal is to provide the ROCm developers with a clear picture of user demand, helping them prioritize development efforts for broader hardware compatibility.
Hacker News users discussed the ROCm device support wishlist, expressing both excitement and skepticism. Some were enthusiastic about the potential for wider AMD GPU adoption, particularly for scientific computing and AI workloads where open-source solutions are preferred. Others questioned the viability of ROCm competing with CUDA, citing concerns about software maturity, performance consistency, and developer mindshare. The need for more robust documentation and easier installation processes was a recurring theme. Several commenters shared personal experiences with ROCm, highlighting successes with specific applications but also acknowledging difficulties in getting it to work reliably across different hardware configurations. Some expressed hope for better support from AMD to broaden adoption and improve the overall ROCm ecosystem.
Summary of Comments ( 1 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43516547
HN commenters are generally skeptical of Bolt's claims, particularly regarding the memory capacity and bandwidth. Several point out the lack of concrete details and the use of vague marketing language as red flags. Some question the viability of their "Memory Fabric" and its claimed performance, suggesting it's likely standard CXL or PCIe switched memory. Others highlight Bolt's relatively small team and lack of established track record, raising concerns about their ability to deliver on such ambitious promises. A few commenters bring up the potential applications of this technology if it proves to be real, mentioning large language models and AI training as possible use cases. Overall, the sentiment is one of cautious interest mixed with significant doubt.
The Hacker News post discussing the Bolt Graphics Zeus GPU architecture has generated a fair number of comments, mostly focusing on skepticism and questioning the viability and target market of such a device.
Several commenters express doubt about the company's ability to deliver on its ambitious claims, particularly given the lack of a proven track record and the significant technological hurdles involved in creating such a high-memory, high-bandwidth GPU. They question the feasibility of the memory capacity and bandwidth, and wonder about the underlying technology enabling these specifications. Some suggest the claims might be exaggerated or even outright fabricated.
A recurring theme is the uncertainty surrounding the target audience for the Zeus GPU. Commenters speculate about potential applications, including large language models (LLMs), drug discovery, and scientific computing. However, there's a general consensus that the extremely high price point would limit its accessibility to only the most well-funded organizations, and even then, its value proposition remains unclear. Some suggest that existing solutions from established players like NVIDIA might offer a more practical and cost-effective approach for most use cases.
The discussion also touches upon the challenges of software and ecosystem development. Building a robust software stack and attracting developers to a new platform is a significant undertaking, and commenters question whether Bolt Graphics has the resources and expertise to achieve this. The lack of information about software support raises concerns about the usability and practicality of the Zeus GPU.
Some commenters point out the absence of details about the underlying architecture and interconnect technology, further fueling skepticism. The limited information provided by Bolt Graphics makes it difficult to assess the performance and efficiency of the GPU, and leaves many unanswered questions.
A few commenters express cautious optimism, acknowledging the potential of such a powerful GPU if the company can deliver on its promises. However, the overall sentiment is one of skepticism and wait-and-see, with many demanding more concrete evidence before taking the claims seriously. The lack of transparency and the extraordinary claims have generated significant doubt within the Hacker News community.