Tech companies are undergoing a massive shift in computing to accommodate artificial intelligence technology. In a move similar to the adoption of the commercial internet in the 1990s, companies are now rebuilding from the ground up to support AI. The construction of data centers has been a key focus, leading to plans to spend billions on new facilities. Companies like OpenAI are pushing for more computing power and electricity than the world can currently provide.
The key to this transformation is specialized computer chips called GPUs, which are essential for running neural networks that power AI technologies. Companies like Google and Nvidia have been at the forefront of developing these chips specifically for AI. The shift towards AI has led to an increased demand for electricity, with data centers consuming more power than ever before. Some companies are turning to nuclear power or installing gas turbines to meet their energy needs.
As data centers are packed with more GPUs, cooling systems have become increasingly important. Google, for example, pumps cold water directly next to the chips to absorb heat and keep the machines running efficiently. However, this process can strain local water supplies, leading some companies to use chillers to cool their water, albeit at the expense of more electricity.
Overall, the tech industry is in an unprecedented rush to build new data centers to meet the demands of AI technology. With the potential for data centers to consume huge amounts of electricity in the coming years, these changes are not only shaping the technology landscape but also impacting finance, energy, and communities.
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