Nvidia Developing New Blackwell-Based AI Chip for China
Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) is working on a new AI chip for China that will be more powerful than the H20, its current China-only model, according to two people familiar with the matter. The chip is based on the company’s latest Blackwell architecture and is tentatively called the B30A.
U.S. Approval Still Uncertain
U.S. President Donald Trump recently suggested that Nvidia may be allowed to sell more advanced chips in China. However, sources stressed that approval is far from certain, given Washington’s concerns over China’s access to cutting-edge AI technology.
The new chip will feature a single-die design, delivering about half the raw computing power of the dual-die B300 accelerator. It will also include high-bandwidth memory and NVLink technology, similar to the H20.
Testing Could Begin Next Month
Specifications are still being finalized, but Nvidia aims to send test samples to Chinese clients as early as next month. The company stated:
“We evaluate a variety of products for our roadmap, so that we can be prepared to compete to the extent that governments allow. Everything we offer is with the full approval of the applicable authorities.”
The U.S. Department of Commerce declined to comment.
China: A Key but Sensitive Market
China accounted for 13% of Nvidia’s revenue last year, making it a critical but politically sensitive market. The H20 chip, built on older Hopper architecture, was designed specifically for China after 2023 U.S. export restrictions. However, sales were suddenly halted in April before being allowed again in July.
Trump recently said Nvidia could sell scaled-down Blackwell chips in China, possibly with “30% to 50% off” computing power. He also dismissed the H20 as “obsolete.”
Lawmakers in Washington remain worried that even reduced-performance AI chips could weaken U.S. efforts to maintain its technological lead.
Nvidia Faces Competition from Huawei
Nvidia argues that retaining Chinese customers is vital, as its chips are tightly integrated with its software ecosystem. Losing market share could drive developers toward Huawei, which has made significant progress in chip development. Analysts say Huawei’s chips rival Nvidia’s in raw computing power, though they still lag in software support and memory performance.
Adding to challenges, Chinese state media has recently raised security concerns over Nvidia chips, and regulators have warned local firms about purchasing the H20. Nvidia insists its products carry no backdoor risks.
Another Chip: RTX6000D for Inference
Alongside the B30A, Nvidia is also preparing a second China-specific Blackwell chip, designed primarily for AI inference tasks. Known as the RTX6000D, this model will be priced lower than the H20.
The RTX6000D uses GDDR memory with bandwidth capped at 1,398 GB/s, staying just under the 1.4 TB/s threshold set by U.S. restrictions in April. Initial shipments to Chinese clients are expected in September.
