GPU vs LPU

Groq new processing unit

Przemek Chojecki
3 min readFeb 24, 2024

In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, staying at the forefront of technology is paramount. Groq, a trailblazer in the AI sector, has introduced the revolutionary Groq LPU™ Inference Engine. This groundbreaking innovation is reshaping the landscape of language processing and machine learning.

The Emergence of the Language Processing Unit™

The demand for large language models (LLMs) is growing exponentially, challenging the capabilities of current processors. Traditional GPUs, once the backbone of generative AI ecosystems, are now becoming the bottleneck. This is where Groq steps in with its LPU™ Inference Engine. Designed and engineered in North America, this end-to-end inference acceleration system promises substantial performance, efficiency, and precision in a remarkably simple design.

What is LPU?

The Groq LPU™ is not just another processor; it’s a game-changer. It’s the world’s first Language Processing Unit™ dedicated to inference performance and precision. How effective is it? Groq’s LPU™ is currently running Llama-2 70B at over 300 tokens per second per user, a testament to its unmatched capabilities.

Deployment and Accessibility of LPUs

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Przemek Chojecki

AI & crypto, PhD in mathematics, Forbes 30 under 30, former Oxford fellow.