According to the Financial Times, citing data from the technology consulting firm Omdia, Microsoft has purchased approximately 485,000 Nvidia Hopper chips in 2024. This procurement volume significantly outpaces its closest competitor, more than doubling their purchase. Specifically, Meta acquired only 224,000 of the same Nvidia flagship chips this year, which pales in comparison to Microsoft's substantial acquisition.

Compared to last year, Microsoft's chip purchases have seen a substantial increase, tripling the 2023 figures. This move highlights Microsoft's robust demand for high-performance computing, particularly in the context of the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI).

In addition to acquiring external chips on a large scale, Microsoft is also actively developing its own AI chips. Last year, at the Ignite conference, the company announced its self-developed AI chip project, Maia. This further demonstrates Microsoft's deep commitment and long-term investment in the AI sector.

Microsoft's efforts in the AI field extend beyond hardware procurement and internal chip development. This year, the company has deepened its partnership with OpenAI and participated in a massive $6.6 billion funding round. Additionally, Microsoft has signed an agreement with a nuclear power plant to restart and purchase all the electricity it will generate over the next 20 years, supporting the operation of its data centers.

These actions indicate that in the rapidly evolving AI market, Microsoft is strategically positioning itself. The company is not only relying on advanced hardware from external suppliers but is also focusing on internal technological innovation to maintain a competitive edge. By securing a long-term, stable energy supply, Microsoft is preparing for future projects that may require significant computational power. However, this strategic approach also comes with challenges, such as public concerns about nuclear safety and the financial pressures of ongoing R&D investments.