Google Unveils Arm Data Center, AI Chip

On April 9th, Google (GOOGL.O) unveiled comprehensive details regarding its latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) chip technology for data centers, alongside the introduction of an innovative Arm-based chip (O9Ty.F).

Google's Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) represent a noteworthy alternative to the advanced AI chips manufactured by Nvidia (NVDA.O), accessible exclusively through the Google Cloud platform rather than direct procurement.

Google's strategic roadmap includes the provision of a central processing unit (CPU) named Axion via the Google Cloud infrastructure, leveraging Arm architecture. The company asserts Axion's superior performance compared to x86 chips and general-purpose Arm chips typically deployed in cloud environments.

Mark Lohmeyer, Vice President of Google Cloud and General Manager of Computing and Machine Learning Infrastructure, highlighted, "We are facilitating seamless transitions for customers moving their existing workloads to Arm. Axion is founded on open principles, ensuring effortless adoption for Arm users without necessitating application re-architecture or rewriting."

Distinguished competitors such as Amazon.com and Microsoft (MSFT.O) are distinguishing their cloud offerings by incorporating Arm CPUs for computational services. Despite Google's track record in custom chip development for YouTube, AI, and smartphones, CPU manufacturing remains a yet-to-be-fulfilled endeavor.

Google's collaboration with Broadcom (AVGO.O) in previous TPU chip generations underscores strategic partnerships in advancing chip technologies. Although details regarding Axion's design partners and Broadcom's role in TPU v5p remain undisclosed by Google.

Alphabet's subsidiary emphasized the scalability of the new TPU v5p chip, capable of operating within clusters comprising 8,960 chips, doubling the performance of its predecessor. Liquid cooling solutions are employed to optimize Pod performance.

Axion chips boast a 30% performance superiority over general Arm chips and a 50% performance edge over current-generation x86 chips produced by Intel (INTC.O).

Google anticipates imminent support rollout for Google Cloud services, including YouTube advertising, leveraging Axion's capabilities. The official launch of TPU v5p via Google Cloud is scheduled for Tuesday.