Tag Archives: data center

Business, News

TM & Nxera Break Ground on State-of-the-Art Data Centre Campus in Johor

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Telekom Malaysia (TM) and Nxera, the regional data centre arm of Singtel’s Digital InfraCo unit, have marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for their joint venture data centre campus in Iskandar Puteri, Johor. This state-of-the-art facility, designed to be sustainable, hyper-connected, and AI-ready, underscores Malaysia’s ambition to become a regional digital hub.

The 64MW data centre campus is a strategic investment aimed at bolstering Malaysia’s digital infrastructure and driving economic growth. By positioning Johor as a key digital hub, the project aligns with the government’s vision of transforming the nation into a centre for industrial growth, AI development, and innovation.

This collaboration between TM and Nxera marks the strengthening collaborative partnership between Malaysia and Singapore. Both Southeast Asian nations are working together to create a robust digital ecosystem. The data centre campus is expected to catalyze attracting high-tech and high-value content companies to the region, fostering a vibrant business environment.

TM Nxera 1
(From left) Khairul Liza, EVP TM Global, TM; Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, Group CEO, TM; YB Lee Ting Han, Chairman, Johor State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee; YB Gobind Singh Deo, Malaysia’s Digital Minister; Low Yen Ling, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Culture, Community and Youth; Kai Nargolwala, Chairman, Nxera; and Bill Chang, CEO of Nxera and Singtel’s Digital InfraCo unit.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Malaysia’s Minister of Digital, YB Gobind Singh Deo said, “This investment by TM and Nxera reinforces Malaysia’s position as
the digital hub in Southeast Asia, further advancing the nation’s economic growth. Based on advance estimates, Malaysia’s economy expanded 5.8% in the second quarter of 2024, and such investments are in line with projections that Malaysia’s digital economy will contribute 25.5% to the nation’s GDP by the end of the year. The relationship between TM and Nxera expands to Malaysia and Singapore, with both nations being a good case study of a productive working partnership between two ASEAN member states.”

A key focus of the project is sustainability. The data centre campus will be designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, incorporating energy and water-efficient solutions. Additionally, the use of liquid cooling technology will enable the facility to handle high-power density AI workloads efficiently.

To support the growing demand for digital connectivity, the joint venture plans to expand submarine cable connectivity, further strengthening Malaysia’s position as a regional digital hub. The strategic location of the data centre campus, just 16 kilometres from Singapore, will facilitate seamless cross-border data transfer and collaboration.

Beyond infrastructure development, TM and Nxera are committed to nurturing local talent. The partnership aims to create employment opportunities within the data centre industry and foster collaboration between universities in Singapore and Malaysia to develop specialized data centre curriculums. This investment in human capital will contribute to Malaysia’s long-term digital transformation goals.

The data centre campus is scheduled to commence commercial operations in 2026. With its focus on sustainability, AI readiness, and connectivity, this project is set to become a cornerstone of Malaysia’s digital infrastructure and a catalyst for economic growth.

However, it’s worth noting that TM’s shareholders have yet to approve the joint venture. In a statement via Bursa Malaysia, the shareholders will be voting on the matter in an upcoming extraordinary general meeting (EGM).

Business, News

TM and Singtel’s Nxera Join Forces to Empower Hyperscalers with AI-ready Data Centres

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The Malaysian data centre landscape is experiencing a surge in growth, with major players like Google, Alibaba Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Microsoft all announcing significant investments. TM, Malaysia’s national telecommunications company, is continuing the surge with a partnership with Singtel’s regional data centre arm, Nxera, to form a joint venture focused on developing next-generation data centres in the country.

TM Nxera

This strategic partnership looks to address the evolving needs of hyperscalers, companies specializing in AI applications, and businesses accelerating their digital transformation journeys. The collaboration leverages the strengths of both companies: TM brings its extensive domestic network infrastructure and international subsea cable systems, while Nxera contributes its expertise in developing and operating hyperconnected, AI-ready data centres.

A Catalyst for Innovation and Growth

The joint venture’s initial project involves building a hyperconnected AI-ready data centre campus in Johor, strategically located just 16km from Singapore. Planned for a capacity of 64 megawatts (MW), with the ability to scale up to 200MW, this high-power density facility will cater to demanding workloads such as those required by cloud hyperscalers and GPU-as-a-Service providers.

The data centre will be built to meet the latest standards for reliability, security, and sustainability, with features like LEED certification ensuring energy efficiency. Additionally, its proximity to subsea cable links between Singapore and Malaysia positions it to support the digitalization efforts of both countries.

Server Racks on Data Center

“TM continues to demonstrate its dedication to delivering innovative and
sustainable solutions, marking a pivotal step in our aspiration to become a Digital
Powerhouse by 2030,” said Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Group Chief Executive Officer. “This will serve as a catalyst for high-performance computing and lay a solid
foundation for the future advancement of cloud and AI applications. This collaboration of two main telcos in the region is unique and has a positive impact on the development of a digital ecosystem that not only benefits the businesses but also nurtures future talent.”

Nxera’s Regional Expansion

Nxera, backed by Singtel and global investment firm KKR, views this partnership as a key step in its regional expansion plans. The company currently operates 62MW of data centre capacity in Singapore and is developing three additional AI-ready facilities in the region, including a new 58MW data centre in Tuas, Singapore. This partnership allows Nxera to leverage TM’s infrastructure and expertise to establish a strong presence in the growing Malaysian market.

“We are excited to enter the Malaysian market with TM as our strategic partner,” said Bill Chang, CEO of Nxera. “This collaboration advances our vision to be the region’s leading sustainable, hyperconnected AI-ready data centre platform, supporting businesses with the digital infrastructure they need for cloud, digitalization, and AI.”

A Sustainable Future for Data Centers

The TM-Nxera partnership highlights the growing importance of data centres in supporting Malaysia’s digital economy. This collaboration, along with investments from other major players, positions Malaysia as a key data centre hub in Southeast Asia. By focusing on sustainability and cutting-edge technologies, these data centres will play a crucial role in enabling businesses to thrive in the digital age.

Business

Alibaba Cloud Expands Global Footprint with New Availability Zones

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Alibaba Cloud, the tech giant behind Alibaba Group, has unveiled a multi-pronged strategy to solidify its position as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI). This ambitious plan involves expanding its physical footprint, forging strategic partnerships, and nurturing future AI talent.

The centrepiece of this initiative is the construction of new cloud regions and data centres in key international markets: Mexico, Philippines, Thailand, South Korea and Malaysia. This expansion reflects the surging demand for AI solutions across various industries. By establishing a physical presence closer to these markets, Alibaba Cloud aims to deliver its services with greater efficiency and reliability.

Selina Yuan President of International Business at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence announced Alibaba Cloud will Launch New Availability Zones and Global Investment to Fuel AI Innovation

International developers and enterprises will soon have access to Alibaba Cloud’s premier AI development platform, Model Studio. This platform streamlines the process of building and deploying AI models, even for those without extensive AI expertise. Through Model Studio, developers can leverage Alibaba Cloud’s powerful large language model, Qwen, to create custom AI applications. Additional tools and services are slated for release later this year, further empowering developers to tackle complex AI tasks cost-effectively.

Alibaba Cloud recognizes the importance of collaboration in the AI landscape. The company has deepened its partnership with SAP to offer a one-stop solution for SMEs in Asia. This integrated cloud-based offering combines the robust business management capabilities of SAP Business One with Alibaba Cloud’s secure and scalable cloud infrastructure. This empowers SMEs to embrace digital transformation without hefty upfront investments.

Looking to cater to multinational companies in China, Alibaba Cloud is developing a dedicated training program for Salesforce on Alibaba Cloud. This program equips participants with the necessary skills to navigate and utilize the Salesforce CRM platform within the specific context of the Chinese market. The program aims to train over 10,000 individuals by the end of 2025, fostering a skilled workforce comfortable with Salesforce within the Alibaba Cloud ecosystem.

Several prominent organizations are already benefiting from Alibaba Cloud’s AI expertise. Luxury giant LVMH Group has partnered with Alibaba Cloud to leverage AI-powered innovations in retail and online experiences. Integrating Alibaba Cloud’s generative AI capabilities, LVMH is pushing the boundaries of luxury customer experiences in China.

FathomX, a digital health AI company, has utilized Alibaba Cloud’s infrastructure to optimize its AI-driven breast cancer detection system. This partnership has resulted in a significant reduction in infrastructure costs, allowing FathomX to expand its reach and deliver advanced healthcare solutions globally.

The International Canoe Federation (ICF) is another organization collaborating with Alibaba Cloud to explore the potential of AI in promoting environmental sustainability. By leveraging Alibaba Cloud’s AI-powered ESG solutions, the ICF aims to minimize the environmental impact of its events and promote sustainable practices within the sporting world.

Alibaba Cloud’s commitment to global AI leadership is evident in its multifaceted approach. By expanding its infrastructure, fostering strategic partnerships, and investing in talent development, the company is well-positioned to empower businesses and organizations worldwide to harness the transformative power of AI.

Business, News

Equinix Expands to Malaysia, Bolstering the Nation’s Digital Infrastructure with Dual Metro Data Centres

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Equinix Inc., a global leader in digital infrastructure, has expanded its footprint in Southeast Asia with the opening of two new International Business Exchange (IBX) data centres in Malaysia. The launch of these facilities in Johor (JH1) and Kuala Lumpur (KL1) signifies a significant step forward for Malaysia’s digital ambitions, providing businesses with access to a robust and interconnected digital ecosystem.

Equinix Dual Metro Data Centers 03

Equinix’s entry into Malaysia aligns with the nation’s MyDIGITAL initiative, a government-led strategy to accelerate the development of digital products and services. These carrier-neutral data centres offer a cloud-adjacent and network-dense environment, catering to businesses seeking seamless digital infrastructure solutions. By joining Platform Equinix, Malaysian companies gain access to a global network of over 10,000 enterprises, including leading cloud service providers, content delivery networks, and network service providers. This connectivity empowers businesses to embrace digital transformation and keep pace with the evolving technological landscape.

A Closer Look at JH1 & KL1

Located in Nusajaya Tech Park, Johor, the JH1 facility boasts an initial investment of US$40 million and offers up to 500 cabinets and 1,800 square meters of colocation space. Strategically positioned near Singapore, this data centre caters to both local and regional businesses. The KL1 facility, situated in Cyberjaya, just outside of Kuala Lumpur, is expected to provide a total of 900 cabinets and 2,630 square meters of colocation space upon completion. Notably, both facilities are powered by 100% renewable energy, reflecting Equinix’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Equinix Dual Metro Data Centers 02
KL1 Exterior (Source: Equinix)

Equinix plans to introduce a comprehensive suite of interconnection and digital services at both JH1 and KL1. This includes Equinix Internet Access, Equinix Fabric, Equinix Fabric Cloud Router, and Equinix Internet Exchange (IX). These services empower businesses with enhanced scalability, optimized performance, and seamless connectivity, allowing them to thrive in the digital age.

Equinix Dual Metro Data Centers 01
JH1 Exterior (Source: Equinix)

The official opening of the JH1 and KL1 data centres marks a significant milestone for Malaysia’s digital transformation journey. By providing access to a global digital ecosystem and advanced technologies, Equinix is empowering Malaysian businesses to compete on the international stage and propels the nation towards a prosperous future in the digital economy.

News

Infinaxis and Velo Technologies Partner for Data Centre Expansions

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Malaysia’s digital transformation, fueled by the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) and the digitalization focus of Budget 2024, is gaining momentum. The data centre market itself is anticipated to experience explosive growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.92% between 2023 and 2029. By 2029, the market is expected to reach a staggering US$3.97 billion.

Capitalizing on this surge, prominent data centre facility provider Infinaxis has joined forces with Velo Technologies (TelcoHubX), a leading end-to-end data centre and managed service provider. This strategic partnership marks a significant initial commitment of 2 megawatts (MW) capacity. With a projected value creation of RM100 million, the collaboration empowers Velo Technologies to expand its data centre footprint in Cyberjaya and cater to the ever-growing needs of its clients.

Zahri Mirza CEO of Infinaxis X Ben Chin CEO of Velo Technologies
Zahri Mirza, CEO of Infinaxis and Ben Chin, CEO of Velo Technologies showcase the signed Partnership Agreement

Velo Technologies plans to leverage this partnership by extending its established 24/7 support structure and robust policies to Infinaxis’s clients. Additionally, clients will benefit from a wider range of enhanced interconnectivity options, drawing upon TelcoHubX’s well-established ecosystem. Velo Technologies is further bolstering its service portfolio to include a comprehensive suite of solutions, encompassing:

  • A dedicated 24/7 Proactive Monitoring Center
  • Complete IT outsourcing services
  • Enterprise network and security solutions
  • Cutting-edge cybersecurity and hybrid cloud solutions
  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
  • Backup as a Service (BaaS)

Furthermore, the partnership aims to strengthen the reliability and redundancy of Velo Technologies’ data centre operations, guaranteeing exceptional uptime for its clients.

Strategically located in Cyberjaya, the data centre is on track to be operational by the second quarter of 2025. Designed to handle demanding data processing and storage needs, the facility boasts a robust 12MW IT load capacity and a floor loading capacity of 20kN/m2. With seven floors and five designated data centre halls, each housing two individual halls, the facility is meticulously planned to accommodate business growth, ensuring scalability and adaptability.

Server Racks on Data Center

The data centre’s carrier-neutral status provides unparalleled flexibility for clients when selecting network providers, fostering seamless interconnection with multiple telecommunication carriers. Recognizing the growing importance of AI applications, the facility is specifically tailored to meet their high power density requirements. Each rack boasts an average power ranging from 8kW to 15kW, catering specifically to the needs of mid-tier enterprises with moderate IT requirements, striking a perfect balance between affordability and performance.

“We are thrilled about our partnership with Velo Technologies,” says Zahri Mirza, CEO of Infinaxis. “This expansion will allow us to work in tandem to offer a wider range of Malaysian businesses a truly comprehensive suite of data centre solutions.” This powerful partnership signifies a significant leap forward in Malaysia’s digital infrastructure, propelling the nation’s communication capabilities and overall progress. By creating data centre hubs through strategic alliances, Malaysia is well-positioned to solidify its place as a leader in the digital age.

Business, News

Schneider Electric and NVIDIA Collaborate to Revolutionize Data Centre Infrastructure

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Schneider Electric, the trailblazer in energy management and automation, is teaming up with NVIDIA to redefine the landscape of data centre infrastructure. Their mission? To supercharge the capabilities of edge artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twin technologies, paving the way for a future powered by unparalleled innovation.

Picture this: cutting-edge data centre reference designs, meticulously crafted to harness the full potential of NVIDIA’s accelerated computing clusters. With a laser focus on high-power distribution, liquid-cooling systems, and controls engineered for reliability, they’re setting new benchmarks for performance, scalability, and sustainability.

Natalya Makarochkina, Senior Vice President of Secure Power International at Schneider Electric, is exhilarated about the possibilities: “Our collaboration with NVIDIA isn’t just about breaking barriers; it’s about unlocking the boundless potential of AI. Together, we’re dismantling the constraints of traditional data centre infrastructure, propelling us towards a future that’s efficient, sustainable, and transformative.”

NVIDIA Schneider Electronics Partnership

But that’s only the beginning. These reference designs aren’t static blueprints; they’re dynamic frameworks designed to evolve alongside the ever-changing landscape of AI. Ian Buck, Vice President of Hyperscale and HPC at NVIDIA, shares the excitement: “With Schneider Electric, we’re not just building data centres; we’re building gateways to innovation. These designs empower organizations to harness the full power of AI, driving unprecedented levels of innovation across industries.”

Looking ahead, Schneider Electric and NVIDIA are on a relentless quest to explore new frontiers in AI-driven technology. And they’re not alone in this journey. AVEVA, Schneider Electric’s visionary subsidiary, is poised to revolutionize virtual simulation and collaboration with its integration of NVIDIA Omniverse. Together, they’re creating a digital playground where imagination knows no bounds.

Caspar Herzberg, CEO of AVEVA, envisions a future where digital intelligence and real-world outcomes converge: “This partnership isn’t just about simulation; it’s about transformation. By merging digital intelligence with real-world applications, we’re redefining the possibilities of industry, empowering organizations to operate safer, smarter, and more sustainably than ever before.”

In a world propelled by innovation, Schneider Electric and NVIDIA are at the forefront of change. Together, they’re not just building data centres; they’re building bridges to the future. And with every breakthrough, they’re inspiring a new generation of pioneers to dream bigger, aim higher, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Business, News

GDS Empowers Southeast Asia’s Digital Transformation with Cutting-Edge Data Center in Johor, Malaysia

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GDS, a key player in high-performance data centres, inaugurated its Nusajaya Tech Park (NTP) Data Centre Campus in Johor, Malaysia. The grand event, attended by dignitaries like YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, marked GDS’s strategic entry into Southeast Asia.

GDS NTP Data Center Photo 2

GDS takes a huge step in expanding to Southeast Asia with the Nusajaya Tech Park Data Center Campus, the region’s first. The campus, featuring Nusajaya 1, 2, and 3 data centres, covers 22,500 square metres and boasts an impressive 69.5 MW IT power capacity. This move positions GDS to address the growing demand for robust digital infrastructure in Southeast Asia as digitization becomes more imperative with the advancement of AI-driven digitalization.

GDS’s strategic categorization of industry players and its customer-centric approach set it apart. With a 22-year track record, GDS has developed an understanding of the diverse needs of its customers and the budding ecosystem of digitized services. This has enabled them to foster an ecosystem that is able to meet these requirements. An example of this is the innovative Smart DC product that utilises AI and IoT for efficient data centre management.

GDS NTP Data Center Opening Event Photo 2

As digitization continues its rapid deployment across businesses in Southeast Asia, GDS’s Nusajaya Tech Park Data Centre is being geared to address the need for rapid deployment. GDS will employ cutting-edge prefabricated technology, enabling the swift construction of data centres. The NTP Data Center Campus currently hosts 40 employees, with ambitious plans to expand headcount significantly. As the move into Malaysia – and particularly into Johor – will necessitate the expansion and hiring of a workforce with relevant digital skills, GDS will be actively collaborating with colleges, nurturing future talent and contributing to the local tech ecosystem. That said, the company will also be working on hiring skilled talent and upskilling talent to meet the demands of its business.

GDS envisions a robust expansion of its data centre footprint across Malaysia and Southeast Asia in the next decade. The launch of GDS NTP Data Center Campus Phase 1 signifies a strategic focus on SIJORI locations, actively building an ecosystem to meet the region’s growing data centre demands.

Business, Computers, News

Malaysia’s First SSD, NEUBE, Enters the High-Performance SSD Market with Server On & PHISON Backing

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Malaysia has always had a complicated history with science and technology. While the country itself has never been seen at the forefront of the industries, its citizens are deeply entrenched in milestone achievements in the industries. One such milestone is the creation and mass production of USB flash drives. Dato’ Pua Khein-Seng, a Malaysian and one of the pioneers of solid state drives (SSDs) used in USBs is looking to change that in the near future.

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[Source: Server On & PHISON] Robert Wu, ServerOn Co-founder; Chan Wone-Hoe, ServerOn Co-founder; Dato Pua Khein-Seng, CEO of Phison Electronics Corp; Albert Kang, Phison Head of Business Development officiating the launch of NEUBE.

Dato’ Pua Khein Seng is looking to bring back some of the success he’s had overseas, particularly in Taiwan, to Malaysia. How? He’s embarking on creating Malaysia’s first enterprise SSD and we’re not talking just the fabrication and assembly. He envisions an SSD that is designed, engineered and fabricated in Malaysia. To achieve this, Dato’ Pua is partnering with ServerOn Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian distributor of enterprise and data center-grade hardware.

The partnership will see ServerOn partner with PHISON Electronics Corporation, a Taiwan-based company specialising in storage technologies. As CEO of PHISON, Dato’ Pua is looking to train Malaysian talent to eventually design and create SSDs. The new startup which will be incorporated as part of this partnership will recruit and create job opportunities for Malaysians to be involved in the design and creation of cutting-edge storage technologies.

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[Source: Server On & PHISON] Neube SSDs will be available in Q2 2023.

As a first step, ServerOn and PHISON are introducing the first-ever truly Malaysian SSD with NEUBE. Designed and engineered in Malaysia, NEUBE SSDs cater to high-demand workloads and data centres. NEUBE SSDs will be available in popular form factors including 2.5-inch, U.2, M.2 and E1.S. ServerOn will be using these SSDs as an option in their offerings when they come to market later in Q2 2023. Other retailers can also be part of this developing story by getting in touch with Server On.

“NEUBE’s SSDs are built with high-quality materials and advanced error correction technology, which can help prevent data loss and system crashes. This can lead to improved system stability and reduce downtime for the client’s business,” said Dato’ Pua Khein-Seng, CEO of Phison.

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[Source: Server On & PHISON] Dato Pua Khein-Seng addressing the media at the MoU signing and launch of NEUBE

That said, Dato’ Pua sees this as only the first step in creating a truly Malaysian product. While Server On and PHISON will collaborate further, he sees government policies and market demand as the biggest hurdles for NEUBE to be successful globally. He stressed, “The only way forward for Malaysia to become a leader in the technology space is for the government to empower the local startups and industry with the right policies. They should also be the pioneers in implementing these policies and adopting Malaysian products such as the newly launched NEUBE SSDs.”

Business, Computers, News

Even More EPYC with AMD – Stacking Zen 3

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Just when we thought AMD is done with being the best at gaming, they proved that one title is never enough. They want to retain their title as the most powerful ever, with a full-stop right after. So, they went ahead and introduced what seems to be the most powerful processing chips in the world, the EPYC 7003 series server processors.

The new EPYC 7003 series is the third-generation server processors by AMD. That also means that it gets the Zen 3 architecture that the AMD Ryzen 5000 series line-up got. That same architecture also means that AMD’s processing core clusters gets to access all of the available cache memory module when necessary, instead of just half of it. Again, if you were doing some research with AMD’s latest Ryzen 5000 with Zen 3 architecture, it might sound like something simple and small. The results are quite significant though.

At least in terms of a server, Zen 3 architecture also allows the cores to process more data at any single time than before. In practical terms, that also means a much faster processor compared to before. Of course, AMD’s implementation also means more efficient power consumption.

The headline figures for EPYC’s flagship is up to 64 cores and 128 threads. With 64 cores, the processor features 256MB of cache, that is the first indication that this is not your regular consumer gaming PC stuff. All cores are clocked at 2.45GHz and can be boosted up to 3.675GHz when necessary.

Of course, these chips are also embedded with extra security measurements and algorithms. In a server, data center, cloud seservice, and virtualisation environment, protecting your data is of utmost importance. Security, in this case, has to start from the processors itself with AMD’s own Infinity Guard suite encryption technologies to keep everything it processes secure.

Of course, you are not going to see the AMD EPYC processors out on the street. These are highly specialised processors made for Artificial Intelligence implementation, data centers, and data backbones for larger organisations. These are the stuff that keeps thigs like Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon Web Services running for you.

The AMD EPYC processors range from 32 cores to 64 cores. The EPYC processors are usually the base for AMD’s Ryzen Threadripper platforms. There are obviously no announcements made yet on the availability of the prosumer processor platforms at this time. If they are launching a Threadripper soon though, the AMD EPYC processors could probably give you an insight to what you can expect.