Introduction
The Nvidia chip for China, referred to as B30A, is built on the Blackwell architecture and aims to offer greater performance than the H20 currently permitted for sale there.
Context
Brief definition: the B30A is a Blackwell-based AI processor tailored for the Chinese market.
Nvidia is developing a China-specific chip to preserve its commercial footprint in a region that accounted for roughly 13% of its revenue in the last financial year. The initiative addresses the need to keep Chinese developers in Nvidia's software ecosystem rather than migrating to alternatives such as Huawei.
Known technical features
The B30A reportedly adopts a single-die Blackwell design, meaning the main circuitry sits on one silicon piece versus the dual-die arrangement of the higher-end B300. While specs remain provisional, the chip is expected to include high-bandwidth memory capabilities and NVLink interconnects similar to those of the H20.
Quick answer (snippet)
The B30A uses a single Blackwell die and could deliver about half the raw compute of the dual-die B300.
The problem / Challenge
The principal obstacle is regulatory: U.S. approval for selling advanced chips into China is uncertain due to concerns about preserving U.S. AI leadership.
- Potential for export restrictions or revoked permissions
- Bipartisan scrutiny in U.S. Congress
- Chinese media and authorities raising security concerns, affecting adoption
Solution / Approach
Nvidia is preparing multiple China-specific options: the higher-performance B30A and a separate inference-focused chip, the RTX6000D, which uses GDDR memory and sits below U.S. regulatory bandwidth thresholds.
- B30A: single-die Blackwell with HBM-like bandwidth and NVLink, samples expected soon
- RTX6000D: inference-oriented, GDDR memory and bandwidth just under the 1.4 TB/s regulatory threshold
"We evaluate a variety of products for our roadmap, so that we can be prepared to compete to the extent that governments allow,"
Nvidia, official statement
Timing and market
Sources say Nvidia hopes to deliver B30A samples to Chinese customers as early as next month; small RTX6000D batches are expected in September. All shipments depend on government clearances.
Strategic implications
If approved, the B30A would help Nvidia retain developer engagement in China and protect its software ecosystem, while renewing debate about national security and technological leadership between the U.S. and China.
Conclusion
The B30A is a technical-commercial compromise: designed to exceed the H20 in performance for Chinese customers without triggering regulatory blocks, but its fate depends on political decisions and export controls.
FAQ
- What is the Nvidia chip for China B30A?
The B30A is a Blackwell-based AI processor designed in a single-die configuration for the Chinese market.
- When might Nvidia deliver B30A samples?
Sources indicate Nvidia aims to supply samples as early as next month, subject to regulatory approvals.
- How does B30A differ from the H20?
B30A uses Blackwell and a single-die design, promising higher performance while retaining HBM-like bandwidth and NVLink features.
- What is the RTX6000D mentioned in reports?
The RTX6000D is a separate inference-focused chip with GDDR memory and bandwidth below U.S. regulatory limits, priced lower than the H20.
- What are the main risks of selling an Nvidia chip for China?
Main risks include uncertain U.S. authorizations and security concerns that could restrict or block sales.