Fujitsu Formally Announces MONAKA 144-Core Arm-Based Server CPU
Fujitsu has formally announced MONAKA, a 144-core Arm-based server processor built using 2nm technology aimed at high-performance computing (HPC) and AI workloads. Scheduled for release around 2027, the processor utilizes 3D chiplet packaging and the Armv9 instruction set architecture. MONAKA highlights the growing adoption of custom Arm processors in data centers to compete with traditional x86 server chips in energy efficiency. Its deployment could provide high-density computing for AI and datacenter operations while significantly lowering power consumption. The MONAKA processor features a 3D chiplet design combining 2nm CPU compute dies with 5nm SRAM dies, operating at around 2.9 GHz with a 500W TDP. It delivers twice the AI performance compared to previous generations and leverages Armv9.3-A scalable matrix capabilities.
## BACKGROUND
High-Performance Computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence workloads traditionally rely heavily on x86 server chips paired with discrete GPUs, which consume vast amounts of electricity. Fujitsu previously gained prominence in the HPC space by developing the A64FX Arm-based processor, which powered Fugaku, one of the world's fastest supercomputers. Armv9 is the latest architecture from Arm, incorporating enhanced security features and specialized vector and matrix extension instructions designed specifically for machine learning tasks.