; How to Choose the Right GPU for AI Workloads | Rackmount GPU Server Guide by NTS

How to Choose the Right GPU for AI Workloads: A Rackmount NTS Guide

How to Choose the Right GPU for AI Workloads: A Rackmount NTS Guide

Introduction

Choosing the right GPU for AI workloads can be overwhelming—especially with the rapid evolution of deep learning, generative models, and edge AI. Whether you're building a rackmount server for training large language models or deploying inference at scale, this guide will help you make an informed decision based on performance, compatibility, and budget.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a GPU
  1. Workload Type
    • Training vs. Inference: Training requires high memory bandwidth and compute cores (e.g., NVIDIA A100), while inference can be optimized with lower-power GPUs (e.g., RTX 4000).
    • Model Size: Larger models like GPT or BERT need more VRAM and tensor cores.
  2. GPU Architecture
    GPU Series Architecture Best For VRAM
    NVIDIA A100 Ampere Large-scale training 40–80 GB
    RTX 6000 Ada Ada Lovelace Mixed workloads 48 GB
    RTX 4000 SFF Ada Lovelace Edge inference 20 GB
    AMD Instinct MI300 CDNA 3 HPC & AI 128 GB
  3. Form Factor & Compatibility
    • Rackmount Size: Ensure GPU fits within 1U, 2U, or 4U chassis.
    • Cooling Requirements: High-performance GPUs may need liquid cooling or enhanced airflow.
  4. Power Consumption
    • Check PSU wattage and redundancy.
    • Consider GPUs with lower TDP for energy-efficient deployments.
Recommended Rackmount GPU Servers
  • RTX 6000 Ada Rackmount Server
  • A100 80GB Deep Learning Server
  • Compact RTX 4000 SFF AI Node

Explore more in our AI Server Collection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What GPU is best for training large AI models? +
For large-scale training, the NVIDIA A100 or H100 are ideal due to their high VRAM and tensor core performance.
Can I use consumer GPUs for AI workloads? +
Yes, GPUs like the RTX 4090 or RTX 4080 can be used for smaller models or prototyping, but they lack enterprise-grade reliability.
How much VRAM do I need for AI training? +
At least 24 GB for medium models; 40 GB+ for large models like LLaMA or GPT variants.
What’s the difference between Ampere and Ada GPUs? +
Ampere (e.g., A100) is optimized for training, while Ada (e.g., RTX 6000 Ada) offers better efficiency for mixed workloads.
Do RackmountNTS servers support AMD GPUs? +
Yes, we offer configurations with AMD Instinct MI300 for HPC and AI workloads.