ClickHouse Cloud on Google Cloud Now Powered by Google Axion Processors: 30–55% Faster Queries, ~15% Fewer Compute Credits

The migration of Google Cloud's fleet to Axion C4A instances has resulted in significant performance improvements, with ClickBench queries running 30-55% faster and a reduction of approximately 15% in compute credits across production workloads. Axion's C4A instances, powered by Google Axion processors, offer enhanced memory bandwidth and performance per watt compared to traditional x86 instances, addressing challenges such as CPU throttling and capacity shortages during peak loads. The transition, which began in staging environments and expanded to a controlled rollout, has shown consistent advantages in analytical workloads, particularly for compute-bound tasks, with C4A instances outperforming N2D instances across various configurations. These improvements are attributed to Axion's ARM-based cores maintaining consistent throughput and exhibiting less frequency variation under load. The migration process has been seamless, with a systematic approach to service migration, ensuring minimal disruption and tangible benefits for customers, who are now experiencing improved efficiency without needing to alter their data or queries. The collaboration with the Google Cloud Axion team has been crucial in facilitating this transition, making Axion the anticipated standard for ClickHouse Cloud, promising continued advancements in performance and efficiency.