Are CPUs Enough? A Review Of Vector Search Running On Novel Hardware

The article discusses the role of CPUs in vector search operations and whether they are sufficient to meet modern demands. It highlights a recent talk by George Williams, who explored how new hardware solutions could revolutionize vector search technology. The NeurIPS BigANN competitions aim to push the boundaries of vector search technology, with Zilliz being one of the winners. Zilliz's approach involves optimizing memory layout and access patterns for SSDs, as well as focusing on memory efficiency and maximizing data retrieval speed. The future of vector search may shift from relying on approximation techniques to leveraging brute force methods while still maintaining short timeframes.