Google Cloud Platform recently announced its in-house-designed Arm-based CPU, Axion, following an 18-month strategic engagement with Arm-CPU vendor Ampere. The CPU, built on Arm's Neoverse V2 technology, is expected to deliver strong vCPU performance for both internal Google workloads and general-purpose compute GCP instances. This move reflects the growing trend of Arm-based CPUs in the cloud datacenter, with significant performance and power benefits. While Google's entry into in-house chip design may affect the market share of other providers, it also presents a real opportunity for Arm-silicon vendors in the second-tier and next-wave cloud segments.
Key Takeaways
- Google Cloud Platform (GCP) announced its in-house-designed Arm-based CPU, Axion, following the launch of Microsoft's Cobalt CPU and AWS's Graviton1-based instances.
- Arm-based CPUs have gained traction in cloud data centers, with the market share of Arm-based CPUs in the cloud set to accelerate, potentially impacting smaller cloud providers and the enterprise.
- Axion, built on Arm's Neoverse V2 technology, aims to deliver strong vCPU performance for cloud customers, boasting 30% faster speed than leading Arm CPU and 50% better performance efficiency than equivalent x86 CPU, without the disclosure of specific comparison details.
- The announcement of Axion raises questions about the future of Ampere Computing and other Arm-silicon vendors serving the data center market, as Google's move to in-house designs impacts its partnerships with such vendors and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure.
- Google's long history with Arm and its expertise in silicon design, combined with the unique performance and power requirements for each hyperscaler, exemplify the evolving landscape of cloud infrastructure and Arm-based chip development.
News Content
Google Cloud Platform has officially unveiled its in-house-designed Arm-based CPU, Axion, after much anticipation. This announcement comes after strategic engagements with Ampere Computing and reflects the evolution of major cloud service providers towards embracing Arm-based CPUs. Google claims that Axion will outperform leading Arm and x86 CPUs and has already lined up big customers such as Snap, Datadog, Elastic, and WPEngine.
Arm-based CPUs have gained a significant presence in the cloud data center since their introduction, with AWS deploying over 2 million chips across 150 instances. Axion, built on Arm's Neoverse V2 technology, promises high vCPU performance and extensive support for assorted workloads on Google Cloud Platform. Despite Google not disclosing detailed architectural specifications, its move towards in-house silicon design signals a compelling shift in the market.
Google's introduction of Axion has implications for the merchant silicon market, particularly for Ampere Computing, which stands as the last major North American CSP customer. While this move may not deeply impact major hyperscalers, it opens doors for second-tier and next-wave cloud segments seeking the cost and power benefits associated with Arm. Overall, Google's entry into in-house CPU design structures paves the way for accelerated adoption of Arm-based CPUs in the cloud market, setting the stage for a transformative impact on smaller cloud providers and potentially the enterprise.
Analysis
Google's unveiling of its in-house-designed Arm-based CPU, Axion, reflects a strategic shift towards Arm-based CPUs in major cloud service providers. The focus on in-house silicon design and high vCPU performance hints at Google's pursuit of increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Short-term consequences may include increased competition in the market and potential setbacks for merchant silicon providers like Ampere Computing. However, long-term effects could lead to accelerated adoption of Arm-based CPUs in the cloud market, impacting smaller cloud providers and potentially the enterprise. Google's announcement sets the stage for a transformative shift in the industry, with implications for future innovations and market dynamics.
Do You Know?
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Arm-based CPU: A type of central processing unit (CPU) architecture designed by Arm Holdings, a company known for its energy-efficient and scalable chip designs. Arm-based CPUs have gained popularity in the cloud data center market due to their performance and power efficiency.
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In-house silicon design: Refers to the development of custom CPUs or semiconductor chips by a specific company for its own use, rather than relying on external suppliers. Google's introduction of its in-house-designed Arm-based CPU, Axion, reflects a strategic shift in the market and signals potential implications for the merchant silicon market.
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Neoverse V2 technology: A specific technology developed by Arm that is utilized in the design of Axion, Google's custom Arm-based CPU. This technology promises high virtual CPU performance and extensive support for various workloads on the Google Cloud Platform, potentially impacting the performance and capabilities of cloud services for users.