Google Cloud C3 VM is first to feature custom Intel IPUs and 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors in private preview.

Marking a significant milestone in delivering an end-to-end programmable platform that leverages the combined benefits of Intel’s hardware and software offerings, Google Cloud has announced the successful deployment of its new C3 machine series. The C3 machine series features 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors in private preview and debuts the Intel infrastructure processing unit E2000, co-designed by Google and Intel.

Through its unique architectural approach, C3 machine instances deliver strong performance gains of up to 20% over previous generation C2 instances, enabling high performance computing and data-intensive workloads. Google Cloud C3 machines also pave the way for a future where infrastructure processing units (IPUs) are integrated into data centers, accelerating cloud infrastructures and maximizing performance.

“We are pleased to have codesigned the first ASIC infrastructure processing unit with Google Cloud, which has now launched in the new C3 machine series. A first of its kind in any public cloud, C3 VMs will run workloads on 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors while they free up programmable packet-processing to the IPUs securely at line rates of 200 gigabits per second,” says Nick McKeown, Intel senior vice president, Intel Fellow and general manager of Network and Edge Group. “This Intel and Google collaboration enables customers through infrastructure that is more secure, flexible and performant.”

Read more about C3 machine capabilities on Google Cloud’s blog.