NVIDIA A100 40GB VS NVIDIA L40S
Choosing between **A100 40GB** and **L40S** depends on your specific AI workload requirements. The **L40S** leads in both memory capacity and raw compute power, making it a stronger choice for high-end LLM training. Currently, you can rent these GPUs starting from **$0.00/h** and **$0.26/h** respectively across 32 providers.
A100 40GB
📊 Detailed Specifications Comparison
| Specification | A100 40GB | L40S | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture & Design | |||
| Architecture | Ampere | Ada Lovelace | - |
| Process Node | 7nm | 4nm | - |
| Target Market | datacenter | datacenter | - |
| Form Factor | SXM4 / PCIe | Dual-slot PCIe | - |
| Memory & Bandwidth | |||
| VRAM Capacity | 40GB | 48GB | -17% |
| Memory Type | HBM2 | GDDR6 | - |
| Memory Bandwidth | 1.5 TB/s | 864 GB/s | +80% |
| Memory Bus Width | 5120-bit | 384-bit | - |
| Compute Infrastructure | |||
| CUDA Cores | 6,912 | 18,176 | -62% |
| Tensor Cores (AI) | 432 | 568 | -24% |
| RT Cores (Ray Tracing) | N/A | 142 | |
| AI & Compute Performance (TFLOPS) | |||
| FP32 (Single Precision) | 19.5 TFLOPS | 91.6 TFLOPS | -79% |
| FP16 (Half Precision) | 312 TFLOPS | 183.2 TFLOPS | +70% |
| INT8 (Integer Precision) | N/A | 733 TOPS | |
| Power & Efficiency | |||
| TDP (Thermal Design Power) | 250W | 350W | -29% |
| PCIe Interface | PCIe 4.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 | - |
🎯 Use Case Recommendations
LLM & Large Model Training
NVIDIA A100 40GB
Higher VRAM capacity and memory bandwidth are critical for training large language models. The L40S offers 48GB compared to 40GB.
AI Inference
NVIDIA A100 40GB
For inference workloads, performance per watt matters most. Consider the balance between FP16/INT8 throughput and power consumption.
Budget-Conscious Choice
NVIDIA L40S
Compare live pricing to find the best value for your specific workload.
Technical Deep Dive: A100 40GB vs L40S
This is a generational comparison within the NVIDIA ecosystem, pitting Ampere against Ada Lovelace. The L40S has a significant **8GB VRAM advantage**, which is crucial for training massive datasets or large language models.
NVIDIA A100 40GB is Best For:
- Mainstream AI training
- Scientific computing
- Memory-intensive LLM training
NVIDIA L40S is Best For:
- AI inference
- Generative AI
- Maximum memory bandwidth
Frequently Asked Questions
Which GPU is better for AI training: A100 40GB or L40S?
For AI training, the key factors are VRAM size, memory bandwidth, and tensor core performance. The A100 40GB offers 40GB of HBM2 memory with 1.5 TB/s bandwidth, while the L40S provides 48GB of GDDR6 with 864 GB/s bandwidth. For larger models, the L40S's higher VRAM capacity gives it an advantage.
What is the price difference between A100 40GB and L40S in the cloud?
Cloud GPU rental prices vary by provider and region. Check our price tracker for the latest rates from 50+ cloud providers.
Can I use L40S instead of A100 40GB for my workload?
It depends on your specific requirements. If your model fits within 48GB of VRAM and you don't need the additional throughput of the A100 40GB, the L40S can be a cost-effective alternative. However, for workloads requiring maximum memory capacity or multi-GPU scaling, the A100 40GB's architecture may be essential.
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