# Episode 43: The Custom Silicon Trend Continues

- Show: [The Circuit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit)
- Published: 2023-11-20
- Length: 38m
- Episode: 45
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2023-11-20-episode-43-the-custom-silicon-trend-continues
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/b75e30ac

## Summary

Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss Microsoft's launch of its custom Cobalt ARM processor and Maya AI accelerator, noting the strategic shift toward vertical integration and software-defined silicon diversity in the data center. They analyze MediaTek's entry into the custom silicon market, highlighting their unique value proposition of leveraging TSMC's leading-edge processes and advanced packaging to help companies like Microsoft design chips they cannot access directly. The hosts debate the timing of Microsoft's Maya chip relative to the rise of LLMs and the potential for tighter hardware-software co-design now that OpenAI talent is joining Microsoft.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2023-11-20-episode-43-the-custom-silicon-trend-continues#t=6) Introduction: OpenAI drama and Microsoft's dual chip launch
- [1:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2023-11-20-episode-43-the-custom-silicon-trend-continues#t=97) Microsoft Cobalt and Maya: ARM processor and AI accelerator details
- [7:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2023-11-20-episode-43-the-custom-silicon-trend-continues#t=474) Microsoft's silicon strategy: CPU vs. Accelerator and benchmarking gaps
- [11:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2023-11-20-episode-43-the-custom-silicon-trend-continues#t=677) Maya chip timing: Pre-LLM design and memory constraints
- [14:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2023-11-20-episode-43-the-custom-silicon-trend-continues#t=896) Cloud differentiation: Microsoft's full-stack abstraction vs. AWS choice
- [18:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2023-11-20-episode-43-the-custom-silicon-trend-continues#t=1132) OpenAI integration: Potential for parallel silicon and model development
- [21:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2023-11-20-episode-43-the-custom-silicon-trend-continues#t=1315) MediaTek's custom silicon ambitions and TSMC access
- [27:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2023-11-20-episode-43-the-custom-silicon-trend-continues#t=1632) Custom silicon market size, chiplets, and non-chip company strategies
- [31:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2023-11-20-episode-43-the-custom-silicon-trend-continues#t=1903) Qualcomm vs. MediaTek: IP risks and commercialization strategies

## Topics

- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- Microsoft (company)
- Cobalt (product)
- Maya (product)
- MediaTek (company)
- Ampere (company)
- OpenAI (company)
- Sam Altman (other)
- TSMC (company)
- Broadcom (company)
- Alchip (company)
- Global Unichip (company)
- Qualcomm (company)
- AMD (company)
- Intel (company)
- AWS (company)
- Amazon (company)
- Google (company)
- NVIDIA (company)
- Meta (company)
- BYD (company)
- Cisco (company)
- TI (company)
- Nokia (company)
- LSI (company)
- Samsung (company)
- Xiaomi (company)
- Apple (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Silicon 100: Startups Worth Watching in 2023](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2023-08-01-silicon-100-startups-worth-watching-in-2023) (EE Times Current)
- [Season 5 of Moore's Lobby is Coming Soon](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2022-09-06-season-5-of-moores-lobby-is-coming-soon) (Moore's Lobby)
- [CEO Interview: Mike Henry of Mythic | The Biggest Chip Deal Ever | Do Androids Dream of Electric Smartphones?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2020-09-18-ceo-interview-mike-henry-of-mythic-the-biggest-chip-deal-ever-do-androids-dream) (EE Times Current)
- [How Much is Enough for Hyperscale Companies?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2019-07-26-how-much-is-enough-for-hyperscale-companies) (EE Times Current)
- [Whither Semiconductors? The Wheels on the Bus Go ‘Round and ‘Round](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2021-07-16-whither-semiconductors-the-wheels-on-the-bus-go-round-and-round) (EE Times Current)

## Citing this page

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