Microsoft to Deploy Next-Gen AMD Instinct and AMD EPYC Processors as the Companies Expand Their Long-Term Strategic Partnership
Microsoft will deploy AMD’s Helios Rackscale Solution on Azure to power AI inference for frontier models and Azure AI services, alongside new AMD EPYC CPU-powered VM series and expanded Pensando DPU deployments.
Microsoft announced an expanded partnership with AMD to integrate next-generation AI infrastructure across Azure. The collaboration includes deploying AMD’s Helios Rackscale Solution, which combines AMD Instinct MI455X GPUs, EPYC "Venice" CPUs, Pensando networking, and ROCm software for large-scale AI inference. Microsoft will begin receiving Helios systems in the second half of 2026 to support frontier model AI workloads, Azure AI services, and customer applications. The deployment marks a significant step in Microsoft’s AI infrastructure expansion.
Microsoft also introduced two new VM series powered by 6th Gen AMD EPYC "Venice" processors: Azure HDv2 for agentic AI and data pipelines, and Azure HXv2 for semiconductor design. These VMs expand Azure’s AMD EPYC portfolio, targeting AI, data processing, and engineering workloads. The new series broaden Azure’s compute options for customers requiring high-performance AI infrastructure. Microsoft emphasized the need for optimized infrastructure across diverse AI workloads.
The partnership extends into networking, with Microsoft integrating Azure Boost with AMD Pensando DPUs to enhance cloud-scale networking performance. This collaboration builds on Microsoft’s existing deployment of AMD Pensando DPUs, aiming to improve efficiency and connection processing. The integration supports Azure’s growing demand for scalable, high-performance networking solutions. AMD and Microsoft will continue to refine these technologies to meet evolving AI infrastructure needs.
AMD and Microsoft highlighted the strategic importance of their expanded collaboration, positioning it as a milestone for AI infrastructure on Azure. The partnership leverages AMD’s full-stack AI solutions, including CPUs, GPUs, networking, and software, to deliver scalable and flexible infrastructure. Microsoft stated that the new deployments provide customers with the performance and choice required for next-generation AI applications. The companies plan to further scale their joint infrastructure to support future AI advancements.