Google Cloud N2D Instances: AMD-Powered General-Purpose Compute
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) provides the N2D instance family, a next-generation general-purpose VM series powered by AMD EPYC Rome processors. N2D instances are optimized for high performance, cost efficiency, and scalability, making them ideal for a wide range of enterprise workloads.
Key Features of N2D Instances
1. Powered by AMD EPYC Rome CPUs
- N2D instances leverage AMD EPYC 7002 “Rome” processors, offering high core counts and memory bandwidth.
- Provides up to 224 vCPUs per instance, making them suitable for multi-threaded and compute-intensive workloads.
2. Customizable Machine Types
- Supports predefined and custom machine types, allowing users to optimize the balance between vCPU count and memory for cost-effective performance.
- Memory can scale up to 8 GB per vCPU, providing flexibility for memory-intensive workloads.
3. Enhanced Networking
- Up to 32 Gbps network bandwidth, with low-latency interconnects between VMs.
- Ideal for distributed applications, clustered databases, and HPC workloads.
4. High Memory Bandwidth
- Memory performance is optimized for large-scale databases, in-memory caches, and analytics applications.
5. Integration with GCP Services
- Compatible with Google Cloud services like Cloud Storage, BigQuery, and AI/ML tools.
- Supports live migration for high availability and resilience.
Use Cases
- Enterprise Applications: Run ERP, CRM, and analytics applications efficiently.
- Databases: Host relational, NoSQL, or in-memory databases with high throughput.
- Web Applications: Deploy scalable web and application servers.
- Batch Processing & HPC: Run large-scale simulations or batch workloads that require high compute and memory capacity.
Instance Types and Specifications
| Instance Type | vCPUs | Memory | Networking Bandwidth | Local Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| n2d-standard-2 | 2 | 8 GB | Up to 10 Gbps | None / PD |
| n2d-standard-4 | 4 | 16 GB | Up to 10 Gbps | None / PD |
| n2d-standard-8 | 8 | 32 GB | Up to 16 Gbps | None / PD |
| n2d-standard-16 | 16 | 64 GB | Up to 16 Gbps | None / PD |
| n2d-highmem-4 | 4 | 32 GB | Up to 10 Gbps | None / PD |
| n2d-highcpu-8 | 8 | 8 GB | Up to 16 Gbps | None / PD |
Note: Specifications and availability vary by region. See the GCP N2D Instance Types page for details.
Conclusion
GCP N2D instances combine AMD EPYC performance, flexible machine types, and high memory bandwidth to deliver a versatile and cost-efficient compute option. They are ideal for enterprises and developers seeking scalable, high-performance VMs for general-purpose workloads in Google Cloud.