Alibaba's CUBE 5.0 Cuts AI Data Centre Delivery to 100 Days
Alibaba Cloud has revealed that its CUBE 5.0 modular data centre design can establish large-scale AI data centres within just 100 days, a notable decrease from the typical six to 12 months in China and 12 to 18 months in the United States. This information was published by the state-run China Securities Journal on Tuesday. Launched in 2024, CUBE 5.0 enhances the modularity across five essential systems—power supply, cooling, security, intelligent management, and fire protection—from 30 per cent to 90 per cent. Unlike conventional construction, which involves sequential on-site installation, this prefabricated approach allows for simultaneous manufacturing of components in factories, which are then shipped in container-like units for on-site assembly. Alibaba anticipates more than doubling the efficiency of modular data centre delivery this year, coinciding with the AI surge, while also achieving a 10 per cent reduction in costs.
Key facts
- Alibaba Cloud's CUBE 5.0 modular design delivers AI data centres in 100 days.
- Standard delivery times are six to 12 months in China and 12 to 18 months in the US.
- CUBE 5.0 was unveiled in 2024.
- Modularity rate increased from 30% to 90% across five key systems.
- The five systems are power supply, cooling, security, intelligent management, and fire protection.
- Prefabricated components are manufactured in factories and assembled on-site.
- Alibaba expects to more than double modular data centre delivery efficiency this year.
- The design achieves a 10% lower cost.
Entities
Institutions
- Alibaba Cloud
- China Securities Journal
Locations
- China
- United States