What is the price of an NVIDIA A100 GPU?

NVIDIA A100 GPU Price: Overview and Factors

The NVIDIA A100 GPU is a high-performance graphics processing unit primarily designed for enterprise data centers, artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning, and high-performance computing (HPC). Due to its advanced capabilities, the pricing for NVIDIA A100 GPUs varies significantly based on factors such as configuration, vendor, and the overall market availability.

Typical Pricing for NVIDIA A100 GPUs

Generally, the price of an NVIDIA A100 GPU ranges between $10,000 and $15,000 for a single GPU unit, depending on the configuration and memory size (40 GB or 80 GB). Pricing can fluctuate due to market demand, supply-chain conditions, and specific vendor offerings.

• NVIDIA A100 PCIe 40 GB GPU: Typically priced between $10,000 – $12,000.
• NVIDIA A100 PCIe 80 GB GPU: Usually priced between $12,000 – $15,000.

These prices reflect approximate estimates, and actual costs may vary due to vendor-specific deals, bulk purchase discounts, and regional factors.

Factors Affecting NVIDIA A100 GPU Pricing

Several factors contribute to the cost of an NVIDIA A100 GPU:

1. Memory Capacity:

   • GPUs with higher memory (80 GB) generally cost more than those with lower memory (40 GB).

2. Form Factor:

   • NVIDIA A100 GPUs are available in PCIe and SXM4 form factors, with SXM modules typically included within NVIDIA DGX systems or specialized OEM hardware. SXM modules are generally sold as part of larger integrated systems, which are significantly more expensive due to additional hardware and configuration.

3. Vendor and Seller:

   • Prices vary among different vendors, distributors, and resellers. Large-scale deployments often receive volume discounts.

4. Market Demand and Availability:

   • High market demand, supply-chain shortages, or global chip shortages can significantly impact the GPU price.

Where to Buy NVIDIA A100 GPUs?

You may consider purchasing an NVIDIA A100 GPU from these common sources:

• Official NVIDIA partners and distributors
• Cloud providers (AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure) if you prefer a cloud-based approach (pay-as-you-go pricing model)
• Enterprise hardware resellers such as CDW, Insight Enterprises, and Server vendors (Dell, HP, Lenovo)

Alternatives to Purchasing NVIDIA A100 GPUs

If upfront costs are prohibitive, consider alternatives such as cloud providers:

• Amazon AWS EC2 P4d instances
• Google Cloud AI Platform (A2 instances)
• Microsoft Azure ND A100 v4 instances

These cloud-based options allow you to rent NVIDIA A100 GPU instances on-demand, paying hourly rates instead of incurring large upfront costs.

Conclusion

While the NVIDIA A100 GPU is a powerful accelerator suitable for advanced AI, machine learning, and HPC workloads, its high cost reflects its advanced capabilities. Carefully evaluate your organization's needs, budget constraints, and long-term plans when making a purchasing decision.