Google Unveils Cutting-Edge ‘Axion’ CPU, Revolutionizing Datacenters

Google introduces the Axion processor, an in-house datacenter CPU based on Arm's Neoverse V2 platform, offering up to 50% higher performance and 60% better energy efficiency compared to current-generation x86-based processors.

Google is known for its innovative approach to technology, making their custom silicon development a highly anticipated move.
The Axion processor offers significantly higher performance and energy efficiency compared to current-generation x86-based processors, as well as competing Arm-based CPUs for datacenters.
Google's use of their own unique features, such as Titanium microcontrollers and offloading tasks, showcases their ongoing innovation and commitment to providing an exceptional experience for customers.

Google, known for its innovative approach to technology, has made a significant move in the world of custom silicon. While the company has already developed its own specialized chips for AI and video transcoding, it has been slower to create its own CPUs. However, that is changing with the introduction of Google’s new in-house datacenter CPU, the Axion.

The Axion processor is based on ARM’s Neoverse V2 platform, which is currently used in other chips like nVidia’s Grace. Google plans to utilize the Axion for various workloads, including web and app servers, data analytics, microservices, and AI training. According to Google, the Axion processors offer up to 50% higher performance and up to 60% better energy efficiency compared to current-generation x86-based processors. Additionally, they claim a 30% higher performance compared to competing Arm-based CPUs for datacenters. However, Google has not disclosed the specific processors they are comparing Axion to in these metrics.

While Google has not revealed the exact specifications of the Axion CPUs, they have shared that the chips incorporate their own unique features. This includes Google’s Titanium purpose-built microcontrollers, which handle networking, security, and offload storage I/O processing to the Hyperdisk block storage service. By offloading these tasks, the majority of CPU core resources are available for actual workloads. The Axion chip also utilizes conventional dual-rank DDR5 memory modules for its memory subsystem.

Rene Haas, CEO of Arm, expressed excitement about Google’s custom silicon development. He stated that Google’s use of the Arm Neoverse V2 platform in the Axion CPU is a significant milestone that showcases the optimization of custom silicon for Google’s infrastructure. Haas also highlighted the decades of ecosystem investment and Google’s ongoing innovation and open-source software contributions that ensure an exceptional experience for customers running on Arm architecture.

Google has previously deployed Arm-based processors for its own services, such as BigTable, Spanner, BigQuery, and YouTube Ads. Now, the company is ready to offer instances based on its Armv9-based Axion CPUs to customers who can leverage software developed for Arm architectures.

Sources: Google, Wall Street Journal

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Background Information

About ARM: ARM, originally known as Acorn RISC Machine, is a British semiconductor and software design company that specializes in creating energy-efficient microprocessors, system-on-chip (SoC) designs, and related technologies. Founded in 1990, ARM has become a important player in the global semiconductor industry and is widely recognized for its contributions to mobile computing, embedded systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. ARM's microprocessor designs are based on the Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) architecture, which prioritizes simplicity and efficiency in instruction execution. This approach has enabled ARM to produce highly efficient and power-saving processors that are used in a vast array of devices, ranging from smartphones and tablets to IoT devices, smart TVs, and more. The company does not manufacture its own chips but licenses its processor designs and intellectual property to a wide range of manufacturers, including Qualcomm, Apple, Samsung, and NVIDIA, who then integrate ARM's technology into their own SoCs. This licensing model has contributed to ARM's widespread adoption and influence across various industries.

About Google: Google, founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin in 1998, is a multinational technology company known for its internet-related services and products. Initially for its search engine, Google has since expanded into various domains including online advertising, cloud computing, software development, and hardware devices. With its innovative approach, Google has introduced influential products such as Google Search, Android OS, Google Maps, and Google Drive. The company's commitment to research and development has led to advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

About nVidia: NVIDIA has firmly established itself as a leader in the realm of client computing, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation in graphics and AI technologies. With a deep commitment to enhancing user experiences, NVIDIA's client computing business focuses on delivering solutions that power everything from gaming and creative workloads to enterprise applications. for its GeForce graphics cards, the company has redefined high-performance gaming, setting industry standards for realistic visuals, fluid frame rates, and immersive experiences. Complementing its gaming expertise, NVIDIA's Quadro and NVIDIA RTX graphics cards cater to professionals in design, content creation, and scientific fields, enabling real-time ray tracing and AI-driven workflows that elevate productivity and creativity to unprecedented heights. By seamlessly integrating graphics, AI, and software, NVIDIA continues to shape the landscape of client computing, fostering innovation and immersive interactions in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Technology Explained

CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It is the most important component of a computer system, as it is responsible for controlling all other components. CPUs are used in a wide range of applications, from desktop computers to mobile devices, gaming consoles, and even supercomputers. CPUs are used to process data, execute instructions, and control the flow of information within a computer system. They are also used to control the input and output of data, as well as to store and retrieve data from memory. CPUs are essential for the functioning of any computer system, and their applications in the computer industry are vast.

DDR5: DDR5 (Double Data Rate 5) is the next generation of memory technology for the computer industry. It is a modern day improvement on earlier DDR technologies, with faster speeds, greater bandwidth and higher capacities. DDR5 enables higher resolution, seamless gaming experiences and faster data transfer rates, making it an ideal choice for high-performance computing and 4K gaming. With its greater RAM compatibility, DDR5 provides faster buffering times and raised clock speeds, giving users an improved overall work system. DDR5 is also optimized for multi-tasking, allowing users to multitask without experiencing a significant drop in performance, increasing the productivity of digital tasks. As an ever-evolving technology, DDR5 is paving the way for the computer industry into a new and powerful era.