Nvidia introduces 800 VDC power system for AI data centers

Investing.com -- Nvidia announced a new 800-volt direct current power distribution system designed to increase compute performance in artificial intelligence data centers. The technology aims to reduce power conversion steps between the electrical grid and graphics processing units.

The company developed the 800 VDC architecture with Google and Microsoft through the Open Compute Project. The three companies published a joint white paper in March 2026 and released the LVDC Solid-State Transformer Specification v0.3 in July 2026. More than 80 equipment manufacturers and infrastructure companies are building products to this specification.

Traditional power delivery converts electricity from alternating current multiple times before reaching computing hardware, adding overhead at each conversion stage. The 800 VDC system uses direct current at higher voltage to eliminate conversion stages.

Nvidia plans to release an MGX-compatible 800 VDC power rack in the second half of 2026. The power rack is designed to integrate with existing AC infrastructure without requiring changes to a building's electrical system.

"800 VDC unlocks the compute performance and power density required for AI at scale," said Vladimir Troy, vice president of data center infrastructure at Nvidia. "Through OCP, NVIDIA is working with more than 80 ecosystem companies to give AI factories a practical path forward — not just a future vision."

The company outlined a three-stage implementation roadmap. The power rack serves as the initial hybrid-compatible option. A row power center using overhead 800 VDC busway is expected in 2027, supporting up to 2 megawatts per row. For new facilities, a DC power block will convert grid power directly to 800 VDC at facility scale.

Wood Mackenzie projects $9 trillion in global AI and data infrastructure investment through 2040.

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