DeepSeek Building Its Own AI Chip
What is DeepSeek building?
DeepSeek is a Chinese AI startup known for developing open-source large language models. According to Reuters reporting via StreetInsider, three people familiar with the matter say the company is now developing its own proprietary AI chip.
DeepSeek has launched a major recruitment drive for semiconductor design talent. That hiring push is the clearest signal yet of its in-house chip ambitions, per a DigiTimes Asia report cited by TechPowerUp.
What chips has DeepSeek used so far?
DeepSeek has relied heavily on Nvidia hardware. Industry watchers believe the company has access to 10,000 sanction-approved Nvidia "Hopper" H800 AI chips, as well as 10,000 H100 AI GPUs — the latter of which are now banned from export to China.
A Chinese official confirmed to Reuters that DeepSeek trained its AI model on Nvidia's best available chip despite the US ban. That confirmation adds weight to earlier speculation about DeepSeek's hardware stack.
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