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Elon Musk’s xAI Colossus Now Fully Operational with 200,000 GPUs and 150 MW Tesla Battery Backup

Elon Musk's xAI Memphis Supercluster has achieved full operational capacity, thanks to the activation of an on-site substation that links to the main power grid. The project, supported by the Greater Memphis Chamber, will draw 150 MW of power from Memphis Light, Gas, and Water (MLGW) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Additionally, the xAI Colossus supercomputer is equipped with 150 MW of Tesla Megapack batteries, providing a robust backup for uninterrupted operation during outages or peak demand periods. When Musk first activated his AI cluster in July 2024, it boasted 100,000 Nvidia H100 GPUs connected on a single fabric. This rapid deployment—completed in just 19 days—was unprecedented, a feat normally requiring four years, according to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Speed, however, came at a cost; the initial setup relied on temporary natural gas turbine generators, each producing 2.5 MW of power. Early reports indicated the presence of 14 generators, but recent observations suggest more than 35 units have been deployed, leading to concerns from local residents. The transition to grid power via the TVA is significant because the authority generates approximately 60% of its energy from renewable sources, including hydroelectric, solar, wind, and nuclear. As a result, xAI plans to decommission around half of the temporary generators used to power the first phase of Colossus. The remaining generators will support the second phase of the Memphis Supercluster until the second substation becomes operational in the fall of this year, adding another 150 MW to the site's total capacity. This brings the supercluster's power requirement to a staggering 300 MW—sufficient to power 300,000 homes. Despite the high power demands, TVA has assured stakeholders of its ability to meet the supercluster's needs without impacting the power supply to surrounding communities. This confidence underscores the authority's commitment to supporting innovative technology projects while maintaining a reliable and sustainable energy infrastructure. Musk's ambitions for the Memphis Supercluster extend far beyond the current milestones. He aims to scale the supercluster to house a million GPUs, a goal that will require substantial additional power. To achieve this vision, Musk is actively seeking funding. The future of Colossus hinges on securing the necessary resources and maintaining the trust and cooperation of local and regional power providers. If successful, the expansion could redefine the landscape of artificial intelligence and supercomputing, pushing the boundaries of computational power and efficiency. For the latest news, analysis, and reviews on this and other cutting-edge technology projects, follow Tom's Hardware on Google News and click the Follow button to stay updated.

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Elon Musk’s xAI Colossus Now Fully Operational with 200,000 GPUs and 150 MW Tesla Battery Backup | Trending Stories | HyperAI