At CES 2025, NVIDIA introduced Project Digits, an AI supercomputer powered by the GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchip. Priced at $3,000, this system targets developers and data scientists. However, the keynote by CEO Jensen Huang hinted at plans for consumer-level applications, sparking excitement about NVIDIA’s potential entry into the desktop CPU market.
MediaTek Partnership Strengthens NVIDIA’s Position
Huang revealed a 20-core processor co-developed with MediaTek, suggesting its use beyond the Digits supercomputer. “You know, obviously we have plans,” Huang stated, fueling speculation about desktop CPU ambitions. He noted that MediaTek could independently bring the processor to market, framing the collaboration as a “win-win” for both companies.
This partnership leverages MediaTek’s expertise in Arm-based SoCs, offering NVIDIA a robust entry point into the competitive CPU sector.
Speculation about an NVIDIA consumer processor isn’t new. In 2023, Reuters reported that NVIDIA was developing Arm-based chips for the consumer market, with a projected 2025 release. The timing aligns with the increasing adoption of Windows on Arm and advancements in Arm-based computing technologies.
Competition Heats Up in the Arm vs. x86 Space
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite processors have already demonstrated that Arm-based chips can rival x86 systems in energy efficiency and performance, challenging industry giants like Intel and AMD. With its GPU expertise and the new Grace Blackwell architecture, NVIDIA is well-positioned to join this competitive landscape.
In 2024, Windows on Arm achieved significant milestones in application compatibility and performance. With NVIDIA and other players entering the fray, 2025 could mark a pivotal moment in the Arm vs. x86 rivalry.
An Arm-based NVIDIA desktop processor could deliver high-performance AI, gaming, and productivity capabilities, combining advanced technologies like Tensor Cores with power-efficient design. While NVIDIA remains tight-lipped on specifics, all signs suggest the company is preparing to expand beyond GPUs and disrupt the desktop CPU market.
