California Startup Claims Zeus GPU Outpaces NVIDIA RTX 5090 in Specialized Workloads

Bolt Graphics unveils its open-source RISC-V GPU, boasting modular design and groundbreaking performance for scientific and rendering tasks, but faces challenges in consumer applications.

Bolt Graphics, a Sunnyvale-based startup, has introduced the Zeus GPU, which claims up to 10x better performance in path tracing compared to NVIDIA's RTX 5090, though only in specific workloads.
Zeus features a modular, multi-chiplet design with expandable memory, supporting up to 384GB per PCIe card and 2.25TB per 2U server, making it a standout for large-scale simulations and rendering tasks.
The GPU integrates native high-speed 400GbE and 800GbE Ethernet interfaces, enabling efficient, large-scale GPU networking without traditional NICs.
Despite its efficiency and innovative features, Zeus lacks traditional rendering hardware, limiting its viability for gaming and general consumer use compared to NVIDIA and AMD GPUs.
Developer kits for Zeus are expected to be available in late 2025, with mass production slated for late 2026, giving Bolt Graphics time to address software ecosystem challenges and refine its offerings.