Microsoft Unveils Next-Gen HXU That Doubles Cooling Power for AI Data Centers

Microsoft is tackling one of the biggest challenges in the AI era. Here, we’re talking about heat. The company has unveiled its next-generation Heat Exchanger Unit (HXU), which promises twice the cooling capacity in the same physical footprint. The system is built to handle the extreme power demands of modern AI infrastructure while maintaining efficiency and uptime.

As AI workloads become more demanding, traditional air cooling methods are hitting their limits. Data centers running AI models now exceed 200 kW per rack, creating intense power density that standard cooling systems can’t manage. Microsoft’s latest HXU bridges this gap, making it possible to deploy liquid-cooled AI systems in existing air-cooled data centers, without expensive overhauls.

Built for the Future of AI Workloads

The new HXU delivers 2x the thermal performance of its predecessor, ensuring that next-generation accelerators and GPUs stay at optimal temperatures. It supports rack densities beyond 240 kW, making it ideal for large-scale AI deployments.

Reliability is another major upgrade. Microsoft says the HXU is designed for >99.9% uptime, featuring redundant pumps, fans, and dual power feeds to protect against disruptions. Each unit also includes predictive telemetry for maintenance, helping prevent failures before they occur.

Compact and Secure by Design

Despite its power, the new HXU keeps the same two-tile width as Microsoft’s earlier model, allowing seamless deployment in existing aisles. It also introduces a modular architecture with quick-disconnect couplings, leak detection systems, and flexible coolant management.

Security hasn’t been overlooked either, as the HXU complies with NIST SP 800-53, CIS, and ISO/IEC 27001 standards, ensuring firmware integrity and cybersecurity protection.

Microsoft says the HXU represents a new standard for sustainable, high-density cooling in AI data centers. By delivering double the cooling capacity without expanding physical space, it enables companies to scale AI operations responsibly.

The design will also contribute to the Open Compute Project Foundation, inviting collaboration from the broader data center community. As AI computing power continues to soar, solutions like the HXU will play a vital role in keeping innovation cool… literally.