Oxide plans new rack attack, packing in Zen 5 CPUs and DDR5 RAM
The Register
February 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Oxide Computer, a startup known for its innovative rack-sized servers, has secured $200 million in Series-C funding as it prepares to launch updated hardware with significant improvements in processing power, memory, and networking. The company's new systems will feature AMD's Turin EPYC processors, which boast up to 192 cores and support for faster DDR5 6400 MT/s memory, marking a substantial upgrade over the older DDR4 3200 MT/s used in its initial racks. These advancements promise higher performance and efficiency, with Zen 5 delivering a 30% increase in instructions per clock compared to previous generations.
The new compute blades will also introduce AVX-512 support, enhancing capabilities for demanding workloads like artificial intelligence. Oxide's CEO Steve Tuck highlighted that Turin balances core density and power efficiency well, making it ideal for hyperscale data centers. Additionally, the company is evaluating new switch silicon to replace its aging Tofino 2 hardware, which Intel discontinued in 2021. Despite this, Oxide has maintained compatibility by leveraging open-source tools like the Tofino P4 compiler, ensuring continued innovation in networking.
This upgrade comes at a critical time for data center operators seeking higher density and performance. By embracing next-generation CPUs and memory technologies, Oxide aims to maintain its leadership in custom, high-performance computing solutions. The move to DDR5 and AVX-512 also positions the company to meet growing demands for AI and other compute-intensive workloads, solidifying its reputation as a pioneer in open-source hardware innovation.
For tech enthusiasts and professionals, these developments underscore the importance of staying ahead in data center technology. Oxide's focus on efficiency, scalability, and open hardware principles aligns with the needs of
Verticals
tech
Originally published on The Register on 2/13/2026