Microsoft unveils Azure Cobalt 200: Next-Gen ARM CPU for Azure Virtual Machines

Microsoft Unveils Next-Generation ARM Processor: Cobalt 200

In a major announcement, Microsoft has introduced its latest ARM processor, the Cobalt 200, designed for Azure virtual machines (VMs).This launch comes on the heels of the company’s ongoing commitment to enhance cloud computing performance with in-house developed chips. The groundwork for this innovation was laid back in 2023, when Microsoft first hinted at the Cobalt 100 processor aimed at general-purpose computing workloads.

Comparative Advancements: Cobalt 100 vs. Cobalt 200

The original Cobalt 100 was a substantial advancement, featuring a 64-bit architecture based on Arm’s Neoverse N2 technology, operating at 3.4 GHz. Following its private preview during the previous Build conference, Microsoft later launched it to the general public, promoting a remarkable 50% improvement in price-performance ratios.

Today, at the Ignite 2025 conference, Microsoft revealed that the new Cobalt 200 processor builds upon this foundation. With a greater number of cores, an enhanced cache, and superior memory bandwidth, the Cobalt 200 is engineered for optimal performance. Leveraging the latest Arm architecture alongside cutting-edge 3nm TSMC process technology, it promises heightened efficiency and speed.

Performance Claims and Integration Features

According to Microsoft, the Cobalt 200 could deliver an impressive 50% performance boost over its predecessor. Additionally, it is touted as Azure’s most energy-efficient computing solution to date. The integration of existing Azure technologies such as Azure Boost and the Azure-integrated hardware security module (HSM) showcases the company’s focus on enhancing both efficiency and security in cloud operations.

Editorial Insight on Cobalt 200 Announcement

In a statement released by the Microsoft team, they emphasized:

Cobalt 200 will advance Microsoft’s systems approach to infrastructure, integrating the latest silicon technology with infrastructure enhancements, including Azure Boost and the Azure-integrated hardware security module (HSM).

The Silence on Maia 100 and Future AI Chips

Interestingly, amidst the excitement surrounding the Cobalt 200, Microsoft did not provide any updates regarding the Maia 100. This custom AI accelerator was developed to tackle extensive AI workloads within Azure’s ecosystem. Recent reports highlighted by The Information revealed that production of the next AI chip, expected to be named Maia 200, has been postponed by at least six months. This delay is attributed to design modifications, staffing challenges, and features requested by OpenAI that have contributed to project instability.

The absence of news about a successor to Maia 100 suggests that the concerns mentioned in the report may be valid, reflecting potential hurdles in Microsoft’s AI hardware development strategy.

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