More details of NVIDIA Blackwell architecture GPU exposed
As previously reported, NVIDIA has recently secured an order for the 3nm process with TSMC, aiming to debut the Blackwell architecture GB100 in the fourth quarter of 2024. This move positions NVIDIA to further dominate the data center market, overshadowing competitors. The Blackwell architecture GPU for GeForce graphics cards, however, will not be introduced until 2025. Rumors suggest that the GB100 series targeted for data centers will adopt a multi-chipset design and MCM packaging, while the GB200 series for gaming and workstations will persist with a monolithic chip design.
Recent online chatter reveals that the GB100 boasts eight GPC groups, each containing 10 TPCs, with each TPC housing two SMs. This sums up to 160 SM groups. Should each SM group consist of 128 CUDA / FP32 cores, the total would be a staggering 20,480 cores. Paired with this is a memory bandwidth of 8192 bits, potentially employing HBM3E.
The pinnacle of the GB200 series is the GB202, differing architecturally from the GB100. The GB202 has 12 GPC groups, with each holding eight TPCs and each TPC encompassing two sets of SMs, totaling 192 SM groups. This equates to 24,567 CUDA cores, accompanied by a 512-bit memory bandwidth, possibly utilizing GDDR7.
The GB202’s specifications largely mirror those rumored for the GeForce RTX 5090. However, NVIDIA appears to be still finalizing the exact specifications for its next-generation flagship, suggesting potential variance in the product’s final attributes. Sources indicate significant modifications in the Blackwell architecture, introducing a novel structure for both SM and CUDA. RT units may be superseded by PT units, further enhancing and strengthening ray-tracing capabilities.
Allegedly, GeForce graphics cards based on the Blackwell architecture will encompass the GB202, GB203, GB205, GB206, and GB207 chip variants. Marking a distinct departure from tradition, following the AD104, there will be no GB204 chip. Instead, it’s been supplanted by the x05 variant, GB205.
