ArpitaChatterjee details Microsoft’s preview launch of high-performance Azure Virtual Machines using 5th Gen AMD EPYC™ processors, highlighting advanced scaling, storage, and security features for demanding workloads.

Announcing Preview of New Azure Dasv7, Easv7, and Fasv7-Series VMs Based on 5th Gen AMD EPYC™ ‘Turin’ Processors

Microsoft has announced the preview of new Azure AMD-based Virtual Machines (VMs), leveraging the 5th Generation AMD EPYC™ (Turin) processors. These new VMs cater to a wide range of workloads and provide significant advancements in performance, scalability, and security.

Key Highlights

  • VM Series in Preview:
    • General Purpose: Dasv7, Dalsv7
    • Memory-Optimized: Easv7
    • Compute-Optimized: Fasv7, Falsv7, Famsv7
    • New Families: Fadsv7, Faldsv7, Famdsv7 (with local disk support)
  • Available Azure Regions:
    • East US 2, North Europe, West US 3
  • Technical Improvements:
    • Up to 35% CPU performance improvement versus v6 AMD-based VMs
    • Up to 130% performance boost for web server applications
    • Boost CPU frequency up to 4.5 GHz
    • Up to 160 vCPUs (Dasv7/Dalsv7/Easv7); Fasv7 supports up to 80 vCPUs, including a new 1-core option
    • Dasv7 supports up to 640 GiB memory, Easv7 up to 1280 GiB
    • Enhanced remote storage: up to 20% more IOPS, 50% higher throughput
    • Support for NVMe protocol on local and remote disks
  • Optimized for Specific Workloads:
    • Memory-intensive computing, in-memory analytics, web servers, databases, scientific simulations, financial analytics, and more
    • Choice of memory-to-vCPU ratios: 2:1, 4:1, 8:1 depending on series
    • No SMT on Fasv7, Falsv7, Famsv7: 1 vCPU = 1 core for peak CPU workloads
    • Constrained-core offerings for optimized licensing costs
  • Security and Advanced Features:
    • Azure Boost for performance and security enhancements
    • Microsoft Azure Network Adapter (MANA) for improved networking and future compatibility
    • Support for NVMe storage
    • AMD Infinity Guard with Transparent Secure Memory Encryption (TSME)
    • Integration with upcoming Azure Integrated HSM for secure key management (preview soon)
  • Preview Sign-Up and Pricing:
    • To access the preview, fill out the Preview-Signup form
    • These VMs will incur charges during preview; pricing will be shared upon access
    • New customers can register for a free Azure account

Workload Suitability

  • Dasv7-Series: General compute workloads: web applications, e-commerce, virtual desktops, and mid-range databases.
  • Easv7-Series: For memory-intensive tasks: data warehouses, business intelligence, in-memory analytics.
  • Fasv7, Falsv7, Famsv7-Series: For compute-heavy tasks: simulations, modeling, gaming, and advanced analytics.
  • Constrained-Core Sizing: Flexible configurations available for optimized licensing and workload fit.

Getting Started

Security and Compliance

  • Azure Integrated HSM (preview soon) offers FIPS 140-3 Level 3 compliance for secure cryptographic key management within VMs.
  • Continued support for TSME and hardware-based security with AMD Infinity Guard.

These new Azure AMD-based VMs present an advanced platform for customers who need both performance and flexibility, supporting everything from general web workloads to high-end analytics and simulations. For preview access and more details, use the provided signup form links.

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