HPE adopts AMD’s Helios rack architecture for 2026 AI systems — new rack form factor gets its first major partner ahead of 2026 availability

HPE and AMD are teaming up to introduce the AMD Helios rack-scale AI architecture into HPE's product lineup starting in 2026. This collaboration marks Helios' first major OEM partnership and will feature 72-GPU AI racks with next-gen Instinct MI455X accelerators and EPYC "Venice" CPUs. The design includes a liquid-cooled, double-wide chassis with a focus on high-performance computing. HPE's adoption of Helios will provide a new market route for the architecture and offer an alternative to Nvidia's NVLink-centric approach. The partnership also includes plans for a new flagship system named Herder, utilizing MI430X GPUs and Venice CPUs, scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2027.