A new class of AI machines is here, and developers need to take note

For years, AI engineers have been pushing hardware far beyond what it was designed to do. Training mid-sized models, running agentic pipelines, or even experimenting with custom architectures often meant maxing out local GPUs, waiting in cluster queues, or burning through cloud credits faster than budgets could replenish. For many teams, especially startups and research groups, the gap between ambition and available compute has become the biggest blocker to innovation.

That’s why Dell’s introduction of the Pro Max with NVIDIA GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchip has caught the industry’s attention. It brings a desktop-optimised version of NVIDIA Grace Blackwell architecture, previously reserved for data centres, straight to the desks of developers. In simple terms: supercomputing-class AI performance, now in a device that weighs roughly as much as a book. This marks a shift not just in hardware, but in who can realistically build, test, and iterate on advanced AI systems.

The GB10’s 128GB unified memory, NVIDIA DGX™ OS stack, and ability to load models up to 200B parameters mean developers can now run workloads locally that were once unthinkable without large-budget cloud setups. And for teams needing more capacity, two GB10 units can work as a single node, opening the door to 400B-parameter experimentation — right from the desk. This isn’t just about performance numbers; it’s about reducing the friction that slows down real-world AI development.

Across conversations with builders, from enterprise data scientists to startup CTOs, the story is consistent that cloud gives scale, but not always speed or privacy; local devices give control, but rarely enough headroom. The Pro Max with GB10 sits squarely in the gap between those realities, offering developers something they’ve been asking for: the power to prototype faster, privately, and without operational overhead.

So what does this mean for developers?

A lot. But the real impact depends on how teams rethink their workflows. AI developers today are navigating larger models, heavier pipelines, tighter timelines, and stricter data governance. As client-side compute evolves, it is beginning to reshape the earliest phases of model development and testing, shifting more work back to where code is written rather than where cloud credits allow.

To explore this shift, YourStory is launching the next session of CodeCraft: The Dev Masterclass Series, powered by Dell Technologies and NVIDIA. The webinar themed ‘Built Different: How AI Developers Are Reworking Their Playbook’ will be streamed live on January 23, 2025 at 3pm IST.

Representing Dell Technologies is Vivekanandh N R, a senior engineering leader who works closely with enterprise and startup teams on high-performance computing and AI infrastructure.

Joining him is Vatsal Moradiya, Solutions Architect at NVIDIA and a DevOps and AI specialist, who works closely with developers and engineering teams to design, optimise, and deploy AI workloads in real-world environments.

Together, the speakers will unpack how modern teams are dividing workloads between local machines and cloud systems, how iteration cycles are changing, and how devices like the Pro Max with GB10 are shaping early-stage experimentation.

The discussion will focus on how these new capabilities translate into workflow decisions for real builders. The session also includes a hands-on demo that mirrors everyday developer tasks such as running a model locally, fine-tuning a mid-sized model, or executing an agent workflow offline.

The aim is to show developers how the right compute environment can reduce iteration loops and unlock faster prototyping, especially in the exploratory phases where speed matters most.

Join the conversation

Registration is now open for the webinar ‘Built Different: How AI Developers Are Reworking Their Playbook’. Secure your seat and be part of an in-depth discussion on how AI development is evolving.

Register here