A Bloomberg report, citing one source with knowledge of the matter, claims Google is considering the move to ARM chip designs at Intel's expense.
The idea is to integrate Google's custom server hardware more tightly with its servers, the source said.
Google and ARM have not responded to a request for comment. Intel refused to comment.
Speaking to Bloomberg, a Google spokeswoman refused to rule out the possibility.
"We are actively engaged in designing the world’s best infrastructure," she said. "This includes both hardware design (at all levels) and software design."
The company hasn't come to a final decision and might decide to stick with Intel, the report claimed. Intel counts Google as one of its biggest server tech customers.
It isn't clear whether Google has the internal know-how, budget or facilities to design its own chips. Google's made few chip-related acquisitions, other than its Agnilux purchase in 2010.
Still, since the company already designs its own servers, it could make sense to move into custom chips.
ARM has also emerged as a threat to Intel's dominance in the market, attempting to bring its low-power mobile computing expertise to the data centre.
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