Intel aims to boost AI turnaround with new GPU chips to take on Nvidia

Intel’s (INTC) turnaround effort is getting a strong boost from the global AI buildout, which is driving increased demand for its central processing units (CPUs).

But the company is also expanding further into the graphics processing unit (GPU) market with the debut of its Intel GPU D-Series processors. Formerly codenamed Crescent Island, the D-Series chips are designed for AI inferencing, running AI models and services.

Rather than individual chips that slot into server blades like Nvidia’s (NVDA) Blackwell processors, Intel’s D-Series GPUs are deployed via PCIe cards, similar in appearance to the graphics cards gamers install in desktop computers.

Intel says it’s working with a number of OEMs, ODMs, neoclouds, and others to roll out D-Series systems, including ASUS, HPE (HPE), Dell (DELL), Supermicro, and others.

Intel has been working to gain a greater foothold in the GPU market, ranging from consumer products to the data center, including its Gaudi AI accelerator and GPU Flex Series cards.

Intel stock is up 183% year to date and roughly 175% over the last 12 months, thanks largely to interest in its CPUs.

The processors, which fell out of…