Nvidia Warns of AI Computing Surge as Crypto Miners Face RAM Squeeze
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang delivered a stark warning at CES 2026: AI computational demands are growing exponentially while crypto miners grapple with soaring RAM prices. "The amount of computation necessary for AI is skyrocketing," Huang declared, noting AI model parameters now increase tenfold annually. Nvidia’s Rubin platform, entering production, promises fivefold AI inference gains over predecessors—part of a projected $3T-$4T global AI infrastructure spend through 2031.
The computing crunch has reached critical levels. Nvidia’s latest GPUs now consume 1,400 watts each, requiring advanced liquid cooling systems. Huang describes this as "two exponentials happening at the same time"—breakneck AI advancement colliding with physical hardware constraints. Meanwhile, crypto miners face collateral damage as AI-driven demand spikes memory prices, squeezing profit margins on legacy proof-of-work chains.
