Microsoft's Maia 200 AI chip takes on Nvidia with record-breaking performance
Microsoft has launched its second-generation AI processor, the Maia 200, marking a major step in its push into custom AI hardware. The chip, built using TSMC's advanced 3-nanometre process, is already running in a data centre in Iowa, with another site planned in Arizona. This move positions Microsoft as a stronger competitor to Nvidia in the AI semiconductor market.
The Maia 200 was unveiled on Monday, ranking as the third-fastest AI chip among major cloud providers, delivering triple the FP4 performance of Amazon's latest Trainium processor. Microsoft is also offering open-source tools like Triton to challenge Nvidia's CUDA software dominance.
SK Hynix has secured a key role as the exclusive supplier of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) for the Maia 200. This partnership highlights a shift in the AI chip market, as the South Korean firm strengthens its position with one of the world's largest tech companies.
Investors responded positively to the news, driving SK Hynix's stock up by as much as 8.94% today, pushing the company's market value close to $400 billion, nearing a new record high.
The Maia 200 is now operational in Iowa, with a second data centre under construction in Arizona. Microsoft's push into custom AI hardware, backed by SK Hynix's memory supply, signals a growing challenge to Nvidia's market lead. The deal also reinforces SK Hynix's role in high-performance AI semiconductor production.
