NVIDIA H100 vs. NVIDIA L40: When to choose which

GPU cloud services deliver high-performance computing capabilities with specialized infrastructure for AI and machine learning workloads. Users get access to GPU clusters connected through high-bandwidth networks for distributed processing and faster model training. These services include pre-configured environments optimized for common AI frameworks, reducing setup time and complexity.

The infrastructure scales on demand from single GPU instances to multi-GPU clusters. Features include low-latency networking and high-speed interconnects. Security measures, compliance certifications, and technical support come standard. Pricing models are usage-based, with costs varying by GPU type, usage duration, and resource allocation.

About the NVIDIA H100

The NVIDIA H100 delivers peak GPU performance for AI work with 80GB of memory and roughly 2,000 TFLOPs of computing power. It represents the gold standard for training large AI models that make headlines. Built specifically for transformer models powering applications like ChatGPT, it includes hardware optimizations for the mathematical operations these models need most.

Organizations doing serious AI research and companies building large language models choose the H100. Tech giants, research labs, and well-funded startups use it to train models with billions of parameters or run massive computational experiments. While it consumes significant power and represents overkill for smaller projects, teams working on cutting-edge AI consider it essential infrastructure.

The H100 has become the preferred choice for pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence capabilities.

About the NVIDIA L40

The NVIDIA L40 bridges AI computing and graphics work with 48GB of memory and around 362 TFLOPs of performance. It excels at running pre-trained AI models rather than training new ones from scratch. The L40 draws less power than alternatives while handling demanding tasks, though memory bandwidth limitations make it slower for heavy-duty training work.

Studios working on visual effects, researchers running AI vision models, and companies building virtual environments choose the L40. It appeals to organizations needing both AI inference and graphics rendering capabilities. This makes it valuable for projects that blend these applications.

The GPU works well for deploying AI models in production or working with generative AI applications. It suits users who don't need the highest performance for training massive models.

Comparison

• The NVIDIA H100 offers exceptional performance with 2,000 FP16 TFLOPs and 80GB HBM3 memory. This makes it ideal for training large AI models and HPC workloads. However, it costs $30,000 with high power consumption that may exceed smaller task requirements.
• The NVIDIA L40 provides balanced performance with 362 FP16 TFLOPs and 48GB GDDR6 memory at $11,000. It's optimized for AI inference and graphics workloads with lower power consumption. Its main limitation is reduced memory bandwidth that makes it less suitable for full-scale model training compared to the H100.

The NVIDIA H100 suits organizations and researchers working with large-scale AI model training, particularly transformer models. Maximum performance and memory capacity justify the premium cost. Research institutions, large tech companies, and enterprises requiring cutting-edge HPC capabilities benefit most from the H100's superior specifications.

The NVIDIA L40 serves organizations focused on AI inference, generative AI applications, and mixed graphics workloads where cost efficiency matters. Smaller companies, startups, and businesses deploying production AI services find the L40's balance of performance and affordability more practical for operational needs.

FAQ

Q. What is the price difference between the NVIDIA H100 and L40?

A. The NVIDIA H100 costs approximately $30,000 retail while the L40 costs around $11,000. This makes the H100 nearly three times more expensive than the L40.

Q. How much does it cost to rent these GPUs per hour?

A. The NVIDIA H100 rental cost ranges from $3-$10 per hour, while the L40 costs approximately $1.00 per hour to rent.

Q. What are the memory specifications for each GPU?

A. The NVIDIA H100 features 80 GB of HBM3 memory, while the L40 has 48 GB of GDDR6 memory.

Q. Which GPU should I choose for training large AI models?

A. The NVIDIA H100 is best suited for training large AI models and HPC workloads. It offers cutting-edge performance optimized for transformer models, though it comes with high price and power consumption.

Q. What is the L40 best used for?

A. The NVIDIA L40 is optimized for inference tasks with generative AI, vision models, and virtual environments. It suits inference workloads with lower power consumption but is less ideal for full-scale training due to lower memory bandwidth.

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