Nvidia is planning a more affordable Blackwell chip for China

Amid ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions and stricter export controls, Nvidia is reportedly planning to release a cheaper version of its flagship Blackwell AI GPU to retain its presence in the Chinese market.

According to a report from Reuters, the new Blackwell chip, which is built upon the Hopper architecture and follows the China-specific H20 model, is scheduled to begin mass production in the month of June. This development marks a continuation of the chip series, with Blackwell serving as the successor to the H20, tailored specifically for the Chinese market. The mass production phase is expected to start by June, signaling a significant step in the rollout of this advanced chip technology.

The GPU is likely based on Nvidia’s RTX Pro 6000D server-class model, featuring about 1.7TB/s of GDDR7 memory, which is less than the H20’s 4TB/s.

By offering fewer features and specifications, the product will become more cost-effective, making it accessible at a lower price point. The expected price range for this version will fall between $6,500 and $8,000, which is considerably cheaper compared to the higher-end model. To put it into perspective, this price is significantly below the previously established range for the H20, which is known to cost between $10,000 and $12,000. This reduction in price is directly linked to the scaled-back specifications.

Nvidia has not confirmed the AI chip because it is currently blocked from entering China until the U.S. government approves a new design.

Nvidia is making a compliant, lower-cost option to safeguard its business in China while adhering to U.S. export rules. This is a tricky strategy — it may provide some time, but not guaranteed leadership, particularly as Huawei is quickly advancing in AI infrastructure in the area.