Google Cloud C2D Instances: AMD-Powered Compute-Optimized VMs
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) offers the C2D instance family, a compute-optimized virtual machine series powered by AMD EPYC Milan processors. C2D instances are designed for high-performance, CPU-intensive workloads, providing excellent price-to-performance for modern compute tasks.
Key Features of C2D Instances
1. Powered by AMD EPYC Milan CPUs
- C2D instances leverage AMD EPYC 7003 “Milan” processors, offering high core counts and memory bandwidth.
- Provides up to 224 vCPUs per instance, making it ideal for multi-threaded workloads.
2. Optimized for Compute-Intensive Workloads
- High vCPU-to-memory ratio ensures maximum compute performance per dollar.
- Suitable for HPC, rendering, simulation, and financial analytics workloads.
3. Flexible Machine Types
- Supports predefined machine types (e.g., c2d-standard-4) and custom machine types to adjust memory per vCPU.
- Allows precise tailoring of resources to your workload and budget.
4. High Network Bandwidth
- Up to 32 Gbps network throughput, supporting low-latency communication for distributed workloads.
- Ideal for clustered databases, HPC clusters, and parallelized applications.
5. Integration with GCP Ecosystem
- Compatible with Cloud Storage, BigQuery, Cloud SQL, and other Google Cloud services.
- Live migration support ensures high availability and resilience during maintenance.
Use Cases
- High-Performance Computing (HPC): Scientific simulations, engineering computations, and analytics.
- Rendering and Media Processing: 3D rendering, video encoding, and graphics-intensive workloads.
- Financial Applications: Risk calculations, quantitative analysis, and real-time financial modeling.
- Enterprise Applications: Compute-heavy ERP, CRM, and backend processing.
Instance Types and Specifications
| Instance Type | vCPUs | Memory | Network Bandwidth | Local Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| c2d-standard-4 | 4 | 16 GB | Up to 10 Gbps | None / PD |
| c2d-standard-8 | 8 | 32 GB | Up to 16 Gbps | None / PD |
| c2d-standard-16 | 16 | 64 GB | Up to 16 Gbps | None / PD |
| c2d-standard-30 | 30 | 120 GB | Up to 32 Gbps | None / PD |
| c2d-highcpu-4 | 4 | 4 GB | Up to 10 Gbps | None / PD |
| c2d-highcpu-8 | 8 | 8 GB | Up to 16 Gbps | None / PD |
Note: Specifications and availability vary by region. See the GCP C2D Instance Types page for the latest details.
Conclusion
GCP C2D instances combine AMD EPYC performance with a compute-optimized design, delivering high performance for CPU-intensive workloads at a competitive price. They are ideal for enterprises, developers, and researchers needing scalable, high-performance compute resources.