In 2005, Intel CEO Paul Otellini proposed acquiring NVIDIA for $20 billion, but the Intel board rejected the idea, believing it was too costly and uncertain at the time. NVIDIA, primarily known for its GPUs, has since evolved into a tech giant with a market capitalization of over $3.4 trillion, while Intel's value has dwindled to under $100 billion. The board preferred to focus on an internal graphics project called Larrabee, which ultimately failed. This decision is now viewed as a pivotal moment that contributed to Intel's struggles in the AI sector, as the company has missed several opportunities, including a chance to invest in OpenAI. Analysts suggest that had Intel pursued the acquisition, the tech landscape could have been markedly different. Currently, Intel is attempting to catch up by developing its own AI chips, but it faces significant challenges in the competitive market.