Samsung's AI Memory Breakthrough, Meta's $1B Data Center, and Nvidia's China Chip Halt - Silicon Brief #32

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In this edition of Silicon Brief, we're diving into the latest developments in AI chips and data centers. Samsung has unveiled new AI memory and storage innovations at the FMS 2025, showcasing advancements that could significantly impact the efficiency and performance of AI applications. Meanwhile, DeepSeek has launched its V3.1 AI model, which now includes support for Chinese chips, marking a significant step in the integration of diverse hardware in AI technology.

On the data center front, Applied Digital has announced plans for a $3 billion AI data center in North Dakota, reflecting the growing demand for infrastructure to support AI workloads. Additionally, Meta has opened a $1 billion data center in Kansas City, further expanding its capacity to handle AI-driven operations. These developments highlight the rapid growth and investment in AI infrastructure, setting the stage for future technological advancements.

OpenAI's GPT-5 model is reported to consume over eight times more electricity per query than its predecessor, GPT-4, highlighting environmental concerns. Meanwhile, Google has partnered with TVA and Kairos Power for a nuclear project in Tennessee, aiming to power its data centers in the southeastern U.S. by 2030.

NVIDIA has launched Spectrum-XGS Ethernet to connect multiple data centers, creating unified AI super-factories with enhanced bandwidth and performance. Meanwhile, TrendForce reports that liquid cooling adoption in AI data centers is expected to reach 33% by 2025, driven by the deployment of NVIDIA's new servers and the limitations of traditional cooling methods.

Nvidia has halted the production of its H20 AI chips following warnings from the Chinese government regarding security concerns. Meanwhile, the Memphis Chamber of Commerce is advocating for xAI's data center project despite facing public opposition over potential health impacts.

Situational Awareness, a hedge fund based in San Francisco, has raised $1.5 billion to invest in AI infrastructure, focusing on data centers and high-performance chips. Meanwhile, Fermi America is set to develop an 11-gigawatt private AI grid in Amarillo, Texas, in partnership with Parkhill and Lee Lewis Construction, to support future AI technology energy needs.

Samsung Electronics unveiled its latest AI memory and storage innovations at FMS 2025, introducing new HBM technology and the PM1763 PCIe 6.0 SSD. Meanwhile, DeepSeek launched its V3.1 AI model, optimized for Chinese-made chips, promising enhanced performance and faster processing.