Jensen Huang on Intel’s 33-Year Rivalry: From Enemies to Partners

Jensen Huang, the charismatic and ever-candid CEO of NVIDIA, has once again turned a chapter of tech history into a story worth retelling. Speaking recently with CNBC’s Jim Cramer, Huang humorously reflected on a decades-long rivalry with Intel – one that he described with both wit and a hint of nostalgia.

“Intel dedicated 33 years of our lives trying to kill us,” he said, smiling, before adding, “But we’re lovers, not fighters.”

While his words sparked laughter, they also unveiled a fascinating truth about one of the tech industry’s fiercest and most transformative rivalries. Back in the mid-2000s, Intel was the undisputed king of computing – dominating CPUs for consumers and professionals alike. NVIDIA, in contrast, was the scrappy upstart focused on graphics. Yet, what Intel saw as a potential threat soon became a revolution. NVIDIA’s work on GPUs would eventually redefine not just gaming, but AI, deep learning, and data centers – industries where Intel once thought it was untouchable.

During the interview, Cramer recalled how Intel’s legendary CEO Andy Grove had once been advised to strike a deal with a company “that sounded a lot like NVIDIA.” But Grove’s famously aggressive style led instead to confrontation. Jensen’s recollection carried no bitterness, only amusement – and a subtle reminder that the underdog often writes the last chapter. “It’s just the way he set himself up,” Huang said. “That was Andy’s way.”

Behind that lighthearted jab lies a deeper story of survival. Over the years, Intel’s attempts to limit NVIDIA’s reach took various forms – from complex licensing disputes to chipset restrictions. One of the biggest flashpoints came when NVIDIA built chipsets compatible with Intel CPUs, only for Intel to change its licensing terms and claim infringement. NVIDIA pushed back, and the legal battle became a symbol of the shifting power balance in Silicon Valley. Ultimately, NVIDIA prevailed, proving that innovation could outmaneuver corporate muscle.

Fast-forward to today, and the tables have turned. Intel, once the giant that dictated the pace of computing, now finds itself collaborating with the very company it once sought to crush. Under the guidance of Lip-Bu Tan, Intel’s new leadership has helped pave the way for a renewed partnership. NVIDIA will now supply chips that complement Intel’s x86 processors for advanced rack-scale and AI systems – a deal Jensen describes as a “win-win.” It’s a rare full-circle moment: two old rivals finally finding common ground in an era where cooperation may yield more than competition ever did.

For Intel, it’s a lesson in humility; for NVIDIA, a celebration of persistence. The company that began as a small graphics card producer is now shaping the future of AI, data processing, and even supercomputing. Every partnership announcement sends shockwaves through financial markets. As one analyst put it, “When NVIDIA sneezes, the entire semiconductor industry catches a cold.”

Whether this newfound friendship lasts remains to be seen. But for now, Jensen Huang seems content to let bygones be bygones – with his trademark grin and leather jacket, turning what could have been a story of corporate warfare into one of ironic peace. The man who once faced Intel’s fire now calls it a dance between lovers – proof that in technology, survival isn’t just about fighting harder, but about thinking smarter.