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What is a data center?
A data center is a big building full of computers that store data and run online services, including AI models.
- Category Hardware
- Also called data centre, datacenter, AI data center
- Updated 20 Oct 2026
Data center, explained simply
A data center is a warehouse of computers, connected to fast internet and powered all day.
When you use a chatbot, your message travels to a data center. The computers there do the work and send the answer back.
These buildings need lots of electricity and cooling. That is why AI growth often comes with news about new data centers.
On ITG Now, our daily AI news stories sometimes cover new data centers and the companies building them.
Related terms
ComputeGPUAI chipCloud computingHBMInference
Where you'll see it on ITG Now
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Questions people ask about Data center
Why does AI need data centers?
AI models are large and need many chips working together. A data center holds those chips, with power and cooling.
Is a data center the same as the cloud?
The cloud is the service you rent. Data centers are the physical buildings that make it work.
Can I run AI without a data center?
Yes, small models can run on your own computer. Large models usually still need one.