Fulfilling the world’s surging demand for AI chatbots and image generators is not just about powerful GPUs; it also depends on the mundane components that make up the infrastructure. One such component is server cabinets, heavy-duty metal enclosures that store GPU systems. These cabinets have been a crucial bottleneck for CoreWeave, a company specializing in AI infrastructure solutions.
In an effort to expand its facilities, CoreWeave once made the mistake of ordering 1,400 of the wrong cabinets. This costly error led to delays in new shipments, as the company had to deal with supply chain backups. The company had to turn away 17 tractor trailers filled with cabinets, highlighting the challenges of managing a fast-growing business. However, CoreWeave quickly found a solution by buying used cabinets from the gray market, preventing further delays and ensuring they could deliver for their partners.
To keep things moving, CoreWeave has not only turned to the gray market for cabinets but also for other components such as networking switches and routers. By purchasing used parts from eBay, the company has been able to sidestep long waiting times of up to two years for new gear. While the security and reliability of used parts may be questionable, the urgency of the AI boom has forced some conventional practices to be brushed aside.
In Plano, CoreWeave took on the challenge of outfitting four 1-megawatt data center halls in under three days each, a task that would normally take weeks. This remarkable feat was made possible by the company’s ability to act swiftly and build quickly. According to Venturo, they can go in “with the gloves off” and get the job done efficiently.
In another instance, CoreWeave faced a problem many home internet users are familiar with – slow installation of a broadband connection. To avoid delaying a project, the company decided to buy satellite internet through Elon Musk’s Starlink service until the fiber provider could install the broadband connection. This decision eliminated weeks of potential delay, showcasing the need for flexibility in finding creative solutions.
CoreWeave has also learned from past projects and implemented these lessons into their standard procedures. For instance, the company pays a premium for custom manufacturing of fiber-optic cables that can be installed in just an hour, rather than the usual ten. They have also learned the importance of diversifying their delivery options. After one shipment was held up by US customs authorities, CoreWeave began pushing orders through multiple alternate ports to avoid delays.
While agility and speed have been essential for CoreWeave’s success, they have also experienced the consequences of haste. One of their data centers in Las Vegas still smells like burning plastic due to electrical components blowing out when too many GPUs were fired up at once during its initial setup.
At the heart of CoreWeave’s operations are its highly skilled data center technicians. These technicians operate like a special operations unit, flying from site to site to set up new data centers. They have installed approximately 6,000 miles of fiber-optic cabling last year, demonstrating their critical role in the company’s success.
In conclusion, fulfilling the surging demand for AI infrastructure requires more than just powerful GPUs. It relies on the efficient management of all components, including server cabinets, networking equipment, and fiber-optic cables. CoreWeave’s ability to overcome challenges, find creative solutions, and adapt to changing circumstances has been key to their rapid expansion. While speed is important, lessons learned from past projects and the expertise of their technicians ensure that quality and reliability are not compromised in the pursuit of growth.
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