What are ARM servers?

ARM servers are servers based on the ARM architecture rather than the x86 instruction set. As demand grows for more energy-efficient server solutions for data centers, ARM-based servers are gaining prominence.

What is the underlying architecture of ARM servers?

ARM server processors are built on the Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) architecture. Unlike the Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) architecture common in x86 processors (such as Intel and AMD), RISC operates with a simplified instruction set. This reduced instruction set requires less energy, enabling ARM processors to work more efficiently. However, the ARM architecture is by no means weaker. The architecture is specifically optimized for parallel processes and offers high levels of efficiency and scalability in modern applications that do not rely heavily on high single-core performance.

In recent years, companies like Nvidia and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have made significant strides in developing high-performance ARM servers that meet the needs of enterprise and cloud applications. Modern iterations of the architecture, such as ARMv9, bring advantages for cutting-edge applications like AI and machine learning. Companies like AWS, for instance, offer their Graviton processor family, which includes ARM-based CPUs designed specifically for their data centers. As a result, the ARM architecture has evolved from being predominantly used in mobile devices to becoming a reliable foundation for data centers and high-performance computing.

What are the advantages of ARM servers?

Thanks to their architecture, ARM servers offer several advantages over x86 architectures.

Energy efficiency

The most significant advantage of ARM servers is their energy efficiency. Since the ARM architecture was originally designed for mobile devices requiring long battery life, its processors are optimized to use minimal energy. This energy efficiency is also beneficial in data centers, where power consumption and cooling typically pose significant cost factors. ARM servers enable companies to reduce energy costs substantially, which also positively impacts their carbon footprint.

High scalability and flexibility

ARM servers provide high scalability, as the architecture allows for the integration of a large number of cores into a single processor without compromising energy efficiency. This makes ARM-based servers ideal for workloads involving extensive parallel processing, where many computations need to be performed simultaneously. Consequently, ARM servers are particularly well-suited for cloud environments and modern container workloads.

Lower operating costs

Due to their energy efficiency, ARM servers contribute to a more cost-effective operational infrastructure. For companies running numerous servers in data centers, using ARM servers offers a way to significantly reduce operating costs without sacrificing performance. Additionally, licensing costs can be lower with ARM-based servers, as many ARM implementations utilize open-source-based operating systems and software.

What are common use cases for ARM servers?

ARM servers excel in modern applications that require extensive parallel processing. However, depending on the specific use case, the ARM architecture can also hold its own against traditional x86 processors in more conventional server applications. Below are some of the key use cases for ARM servers:

Cloud computing

A significant use case for ARM servers is cloud computing. ARM processors have proven their worth in this area, especially with regard to scalability and energy efficiency, making them attractive to providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. They are ideal for applications requiring parallelism, such as microservices and containerized workloads. Companies operating their applications in the cloud and focusing on cost efficiency benefit from ARM-based instances, as these are generally more economical to run.

Web and application servers

ARM servers are also suitable for use as web and application servers. Particularly when it comes to heavily trafficked websites or applications requiring many simultaneous connections, ARM-based servers can leverage their strength in parallel processing. This capability allows companies to reduce operational costs through lower power consumption and reduced cooling requirements.

Edge computing and IoT applications

Another growing use case for ARM servers, especially with advancements like ARMv9, is edge computing. Since ARM processors are inherently designed for energy-efficient operation, they are ideally suited for computing tasks close to the data source (i.e., at the network’s edge). This is particularly relevant for the Internet of Things (IoT), where numerous sensors and devices require local computational power near the data source. ARM-based edge servers enable fast response times and reliable processing without high energy demands.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning

Thanks to their parallel processing capabilities and the potential for hardware specialization, modern ARM servers are also suitable for applications in artificial intelligence and machine learning. The 2021 introduction of ARMv9 brought several advantages that make it particularly well-suited for these application areas.

Development and testing environments

ARM servers are also a great choice for development and testing environments. Developers can use ARM servers to test applications for mobile and IoT devices that are also based on the ARM architecture. Using ARM servers in these contexts enables realistic conditions, ensuring the application performs efficiently and reliably on target platforms.