News Overview
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Zeus GPU Introduction: Bolt Graphics has announced its upcoming Zeus GPU, boasting performance claims up to 10 times faster than NVIDIA’s RTX 5090 in path tracing workloads.
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Technical Specifications:
- Architecture: Utilizes a RISC-V-based design with multi-chiplet configuration.
- Memory: Offers upgradable memory options, starting with 32GB LPDDR5X, expandable to 128GB DDR5.
- Connectivity: Equipped with PCIe Gen5 x16 slots and high-speed Ethernet interfaces.
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Performance Metrics:
- FP64 Compute: Delivers up to 5 TFLOPS, surpassing the RTX 5090’s 1.6 TFLOPS.
- Path Tracing: Achieves 77 Gigarays, exceeding the RTX 5090’s 32 Gigarays.
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Release Timeline: The Zeus GPU is projected for release in 2026.
Original article: Startup Claims Its Zeus GPU is 10X Faster Than Nvidia’s RTX 5090
In-Depth Analysis
Architectural Design
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RISC-V Integration: Zeus leverages the open-source RISC-V instruction set architecture, incorporating a general-purpose RVA23 scalar core paired with FP64 ALUs and RVV 1.0 vector extensions.
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Multi-Chiplet Configuration: The GPU’s design includes an I/O chiplet with advanced connectivity options, such as 400GbE/800GbE ports and multiple PCIe Gen5 x16 slots, facilitating efficient memory sharing and high-bandwidth data transfer.
Performance Evaluation
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FP64 Compute: With up to 5 TFLOPS, Zeus significantly outperforms the RTX 5090’s 1.6 TFLOPS, indicating superior capabilities in double-precision floating-point computations.
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Path Tracing: Achieving 77 Gigarays, Zeus excels in path tracing tasks, surpassing the RTX 5090’s 32 Gigarays, suggesting enhanced performance in ray-tracing applications.
Market Positioning
- Target Audience: Zeus is positioned for professionals and enthusiasts engaged in high-performance computing tasks, including gaming, rendering, and simulations, offering a compelling alternative to existing GPUs like the RTX 5090.
Commentary
Bolt Graphics’ Zeus GPU introduces a bold challenge to established players like NVIDIA, offering promising advancements in architecture and performance metrics. However, real-world performance validation and broader application support will be crucial for Zeus to make a significant impact upon its release in 2026.