Akash Systems Deploys Diamond-Cooled NVIDIA GPUs
Akash Systems has delivered the world's first NVIDIA GPU servers cooled with synthetic diamond to NxtGen AI Pvt Ltd. The company's "Akash Diamond Cooling" technology is an additive solution that works with existing air and liquid cooling systems. The innovation reportedly increases GPU compute performance by approximately 15% by preventing thermal throttling in high-temperature data centers.
- The deal with NxtGen AI is valued at $27 million and will involve deploying the diamond-cooled servers across NxtGen's data centers in India. - Akash Systems was founded in 2016 by Felix Ejeckam and Ty Mitchell, initially focusing on using its Gallium Nitride (GaN)-on-Diamond technology for satellite communications components. - The company's technology utilizes synthetic diamond, which is five times more thermally conductive than copper, to lower GPU hotspot temperatures by 10°-20°C even in servers that already have liquid cooling. - Performance benefits from this cooling method include the potential for 25% GPU overclocking, a 50% reduction in GPU fan speed, and a subsequent 90% decrease in fan energy consumption. - Akash Systems is backed by prominent venture capital firms, having raised a $3.1 million seed round led by Khosla Ventures in 2018, followed by a $14.5 million Series A in 2019 that included Founders Fund. - The U.S. Department of Commerce has approved up to $68 million in funding for Akash Systems under the CHIPS and Science Act to advance its diamond cooling technology. - NxtGen AI Pvt Ltd, the recipient of the servers, is a Bangalore-based company that was incorporated in September 2022.
