Nvidia has unveiled Project DIGITS, a compact AI supercomputer designed to bring the power of advanced AI computing directly to individual users’ desks.
This initiative aims to democratize access to high-performance AI tools, enabling data scientists, researchers, and students to develop and run large AI models without relying solely on large-scale data centers.
Project DIGITS
At the heart of Project DIGITS is Nvidia’s GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchip, which combines a Blackwell GPU with CUDA cores and fifth-generation Tensor Cores, alongside a Grace CPU featuring 20 energy-efficient Arm-based cores.
This integration delivers a petaflop of AI computing performance, making it suitable for tasks such as prototyping, fine-tuning, and running large AI models.
The system is equipped with 128GB of unified DDR5X memory and offers up to 4TB of NVMe storage, providing ample capacity for handling extensive datasets and complex computations. A single Project DIGITS unit can manage large language models (LLMs) with up to 200 billion parameters.
Two units can be interconnected via NVIDIA ConnectX networking to support models with up to 405 billion parameters for more demanding applications.
Accessibility and Pricing
Nvidia has positioned Project DIGITS as an affordable entry point into high-performance AI computing, with prices starting at $3,000. This pricing strategy is intended to make advanced AI tools more accessible to a broader audience, including educational institutions and individual researchers.
The device is expected to be available for purchase from Nvidia and select partners starting in May 2025.
Software Integration and Compatibility
Project DIGITS comes preinstalled with Nvidia’s comprehensive AI software stack, ensuring users have immediate access to a wide range of tools and frameworks necessary for AI development.
It supports popular platforms such as PyTorch, Python, and Jupyter notebooks, facilitating a seamless workflow for developers. The system operates on a Linux-based Nvidia DGX OS, providing a stable and efficient environment for AI applications.
Moreover, Project DIGITS is designed for seamless integration with cloud and data center deployments, utilizing the same architecture and software platform.
This compatibility allows users to develop and test models locally before scaling them up in larger, more robust environments, streamlining the development process and reducing dependency on external resources.
Implications for AI Development
The introduction of Project DIGITS represents a significant shift in AI development, moving from centralized, large-scale data centers to more distributed, individual workstations.
By providing a powerful AI supercomputer in a compact form factor, Nvidia is enabling more personalized and immediate experimentation, fostering innovation at the individual level.
This approach also reduces the barriers to entry for AI development, allowing a wider range of individuals and organizations to participate in advancing AI technologies.
As Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang stated, “Placing an AI supercomputer on the desks of every data scientist, AI researcher, and student empowers them to engage and shape the age of AI.”
Technical Specifications
- Superchip: Nvidia GB10 Grace Blackwell
- CPU: 20-core Arm-based Grace CPU
- GPU: Blackwell GPU with CUDA cores and fifth-generation Tensor Cores
- Memory: 128GB unified DDR5X
- Storage: Up to 4TB NVMe
- Performance: 1 petaflop of AI computing power
- Model Capacity: Supports up to 200 billion parameter LLMs (single unit); up to 405 billion parameters with two interconnected units
- Operating System: Linux-based Nvidia DGX OS
- Software Support: Nvidia AI software stack, PyTorch, Python, Jupyter notebooks
Nvidia’s Project DIGITS is poised to revolutionize the accessibility and development of AI technologies by providing a powerful, compact, and affordable AI supercomputer for individual use.
Its integration of advanced hardware and comprehensive software support makes it a versatile tool for a wide range of AI applications, from research and development to education and beyond.
