Google’s Arm-based Axion Processors delivers energy efficiency, advanced capabilities

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Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL) has announced the first iteration of an Arm-based CPU for its data center, which is designed to close the gap between it and other industry-first movers.

In a blog post, the new arm-based CPU will offer developers superior performance and energy efficiency compared to its peers. Called Google Axion Processors, the CPU range will be only available on Google Cloud, offering a low-cost alternative for enterprises seeking computing services.

Arm—formerly Advanced Risc Machines—has earned an industry-wide reputation for its low-cost and low-heat generation, with Arm Ltd developing the instruction set architecture (ISA) for computer processors.

Google Axion relies on the Arm Neoverse V2 for improved performance. Early tests confirm an above-average proficiency for general-purpose workloads, including media processing, data analytics, and the operation of open-source databases.

“Google’s announcement of the new Axion CPU marks a significant milestone in delivering custom silicon that is optimized for Google’s infrastructure, and built on our high-performance Arm Neoverse V2 platform,” said Arm CEO Rene Haas.

Axion utilizes Titanium, a system of custom-made silicon microcontrollers, for networking and security while relying on Hyperdisk for storage services. While meeting its performance targets, Axion can offer three times more computing power using the base levels of electric power to assist enterprises in meeting their sustainability targets.

Besides meeting sustainability goals, Axion users can leverage its interoperability features across other Google Cloud services. Per the announcement, Axion is expected to be compatible with Google Compute Engine, Google Kubernetes Engine, Dataproc, Dataflow, Cloud Batch, and more.

Stiff competition

Google’s latest move is a response to other cloud operators rolling out their iterations of Arm CPUs. Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) have taken the lead with their Arm-based CPUs, with Amazon’s Graviton leading the charge.

In response to Amazon’s lead, Microsoft is increasing the size of its bet with its Qualcomm chips on Windows while keeping an eye on Google.

Despite their efficiency, Arm-based CPUs have not had quite the impact in block reward mining, but have recorded impressive use cases in artificial intelligence verticals.

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