Nvidia weighs M8.5-grade CCL for Rubin servers, impacting supply chain plans

Nvidia is reportedly considering downgrading the copper-clad laminate (CCL) material specifications for its upcoming Vera Rubin architecture servers from M9-grade to M8.5-grade or M8-grade for some components, in an effort to balance performance and cost. While M9-grade materials are still expected for critical components like the midplane and a new CPX board for AI inference, the adoption timeline and extent are uncertain due to cost considerations and supply chain delays. The decision could impact upstream material suppliers and PCB manufacturers. Doosan Electronic Business Group is noted as a supplier for M8-grade CCL compute boards. EMC is reportedly certified for M9-grade CCL and has started raw material stocking for 2026 shipments.