The Sphere in Las Vegas runs on surprisingly few Nvidia GPUs
July 12, 2024
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Nvidia hardware delivers the images on the Sphere in Las Vegas. Despite the superlatives that describe this structure, the computing power required is relatively limited. The Sphere in
Nvidia hardware delivers the images on the Sphere in Las Vegas. Despite the superlatives that describe this structure, the computing power required is relatively limited.
The Sphere in Las Vegas made headlines around the world when it opened in 2023 and is now probably the most eye-catching attraction in the American gambling paradise. The sphere cost $2.3 billion to build and is 157 meters high: more than enough to cover the spire of Antwerp Cathedral.
It’s the paneling that catches the eye the most, though. The entire outside serves as a screen thanks to 1.2 million LED pucks, each equipped with 48 individual LEDs. Inside is a screen that puts Imax to shame, with an area of ​​15,000 square meters, constructed from sixteen panels, each with 16K resolution. The entire sphere is so huge and bright that a replica in London was cancelled due to the light exposure.
NVIDIA
Not many details were known about the internal workings of the typically American structure, but now Nvidia is releasing them. The colossus is apparently powered by Nvidia hardware.
To power both massive displays, the Sphere 150 uses Nvidia RTX A6000 GPUs. That’s not nothing, but it’s pretty modest overall considering the massive amount of pixels at play.
Network connectivity is provided by Nvidia BlueField DPUs and ConnectX-6 Dx NICs. The DOCA Firefly service and Rivermax software ensure synchronization of all panels.
The design is not economical. At peak performance, the Sphere would consume about 28,000,000 watts. The GPUs alone can consume 45,000 watts.
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