GitHub has taken a significant step forward by providing fully-managed Arm®-based dpdsv5 machines, powered by Ampere® Altra® processors, into GitHub Actions. This advancement not only enhances the performance, consistency, efficiency, and cost of build systems but also supports broader sustainability goals. Previously developers building with GitHub on Arm were required to use virtualization or self-hosted runners. This advancement removes complexity and improves performance. Available now in public preview for GitHub Team and Enterprise Cloud plans, these Ampere-hosted runners support Linux and Windows environments, enabling developers to build, test, and deploy on aarch64 architecture seamlessly.

The Power of Ampere Altra
These Arm-based dpdsv5 machines for GitHub Actions represent a breakthrough in high-performance cloud-native computing and offer enhanced power efficiency and performance at a lower cost compared to x64 runners. These processors are ideal for handling demanding build workloads while maintaining a lower energy footprint. By leveraging these processors, GitHub Actions runners can provide a more responsive and cost-effective solution for developers looking to simplify the CI/CD process with improved efficiency and sustainability.

"We are very excited to provide Arm-based runners to our customers running on dpdsv5, powered by Ampere Altra processors, empowering them to build and test their entire platform natively within GitHub. These runners provide a better price-to-performance ratio as well as a more power-efficient way to run your compute in the cloud. We look forward to seeing all the ways developers utilize these GitHub-hosted runners to build new and exciting technologies on Arm.”

-Larissa Fortuna, Product Manager at GitHub

Key Benefits of GitHub Actions on Ampere® processors

• Enhanced Performance: the dpdsv5 VMs, powered by Ampere Altra processors, are equipped to handle large-scale workloads efficiently. This translates to faster build times and reliable testing that are crucial for continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) workflows.

• Cost Efficiency: These runners offer a cost-effective solution compared to historical x86 runners. The reduced power consumption not only lowers operation costs but also contributes to a more sustainable development environment.

• Versatility and Flexibility: The dpdsv5 machines support both Linux and Windows environments, providing developers with the flexibility to build and test across different operating systems seamlessly. This versatility is important for diverse development needs and broad compatibility.

Real-World Impact
The integration of Ampere-powered Arm-based runners in GitHub Actions is not just a technical capability upgrade; it represents a shift towards more responsible and efficient computing practices. Developers can now achieve faster build times without compromising their environmental responsibilities. This capability is particularly beneficial for large organizations with extensive CI/CD pipelines, where even minor improvements in efficiency can lead to significant time and cost savings.

By embracing Ampere-powered builds, developers are not only enhancing their build systems but also contributing to a greener future. It’s good for the developer, good for your pocket, and good for the planet.

For more information on how to get started and the benefits of Ampere on GitHub Actions, visit the GitHub blog.