Uncovering NVIDIA DGX's Power Efficiency & Value: In-depth Comparison

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Evolution of NVIDIA DGX Appliances
3. Comparison of DGX h-100 and DGX a100
4. DGX2: The Oddity in the Lineup
5. The First AI Appliance: DGX-1
6. Benchmarking the Performance
   • Floating Point Precision Levels
   • Performance Speed-Up
   • Power Efficiency
   • Value for Money
7. Conclusion
8. About Scan AI

The Evolution of NVIDIA DGX Appliances

NVIDIA's DGX appliances have revolutionized the field of artificial intelligence (AI) by introducing the concept of AI appliances - servers optimized for AI workloads. These appliances come packed with powerful GPU accelerators that enable fast training of AI models, making them commercially viable. In this article, we will Delve into the evolution of NVIDIA DGX appliances and compare the latest models to their predecessors.

Comparison of DGX h-100 and DGX a100

The latest addition to the DGX lineup is the DGX h-100, named after its utilization of the h-100 GPUs Based on the hopper architecture. These GPUs are designed exclusively for AI workloads, making them an order of magnitude faster than their predecessors. With 8 h-100 GPUs, 80 gigabytes of RAM per GPU, two x86 CPUs, and two terabytes of system memory, the DGX h-100 offers exceptional performance. However, the price tag of 379,000 pounds can be a deterrent for some.

Another powerful AI appliance from NVIDIA is the DGX a100, launched in May 2020. This appliance features 8 a100 GPUs based on the Ampere architecture, with 80 gigabytes of RAM per GPU. Accompanied by two AMD Epic CPUs and two terabytes of system memory, the DGX a100 delivers impressive performance at a list price of 266,000 pounds.

DGX2: The Oddity in the Lineup

The DGX2, released in March 2018, stands out from the other DGX appliances as it was designed to supplement rather than replace the DGX-1. With 16 V100 GPUs based on the Volta architecture, 32 gigabytes of RAM per GPU, two Intel Xeon CPUs, and 1.5 terabytes of system memory, the DGX2 packed a punch. However, its higher price tag of 379,000 pounds made it less accessible to all consumers.

The First AI Appliance: DGX-1

The DGX-1 was the pioneer of AI appliances, released in April 2016. Equipped with eight P100 GPUs based on the Pascal architecture, 16 gigabytes of RAM per GPU, two Intel Xeon CPUs, and 512 gigabytes of system memory, the DGX-1 marked the beginning of a new era. A later version with V100 GPUs boasted the introduction of tensor cores, accelerating deep learning calculations. The DGX-1 had a list price of 166,000 pounds, providing a viable option for early adopters.

Benchmarking the Performance

To further understand the performance improvements across the different DGX appliances, our team conducted benchmark tests at three levels of floating point precision: fp16 (half precision), fp32 (full precision), and fp64 (double precision). These tests allowed us to compare the capabilities of each appliance and identify the best performer at each precision level.

Floating Point Precision Levels

While most AI models use fp16 or fp32, a small number of customers rely on the more precise fp64 format. The benchmark tests revealed that the DGX-1 with V100 GPUs performs exceptionally well at fp64 precision, surpassing even the newer DGX a100. However, in terms of fp16 and fp32 precision, each subsequent DGX appliance demonstrated significant performance gains compared to its predecessor.

Performance Speed-Up

The performance improvements across generations of DGX appliances are remarkable. The introduction of tensor cores in the DGX-1 with V100 GPUs resulted in a substantial acceleration of AI training. The latest DGX h-100 is an astonishing 46.6 times faster than the original DGX-1, showcasing the unprecedented progress made over the past six years.

Power Efficiency

Power efficiency is a crucial factor to consider when investing in AI appliances. Despite its high power rating of 10.2 kilowatts, the DGX h-100 stands out as the most power-efficient appliance in the lineup, delivering more performance per watt than its predecessors. Its efficiency is nearly 15 times higher than the original DGX-1.

Value for Money

When comparing the different DGX appliances in terms of value for money, the progression is evident. The DGX-1 with V100 GPUs offered between five and six times better value than the original version with P100 GPUs. Subsequent models, including the latest DGX h-100, provide even more bang for the buck, despite their higher unit costs.

Conclusion

The evolution of NVIDIA DGX appliances has brought forth remarkable advancements in AI training and performance. From the groundbreaking DGX-1 to the latest DGX h-100 and DGX a100, each iteration has pushed the boundaries of AI capabilities. With faster training speeds, improved power efficiency, and better value for money, these appliances Continue to drive innovation in the AI landscape.

About Scan AI

Scan AI is a comprehensive AI solution provider, offering hardware, software, and training services. We specialize in leveraging the power of NVIDIA DGX appliances to accelerate your AI Journey. Get in touch with us to explore how we can help you unleash the full potential of artificial intelligence.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between the DGX h-100 and the DGX a100? A: The DGX h-100 and DGX a100 differ in terms of GPU architecture and performance. The h-100 utilizes h-100 GPUs based on the hopper architecture, while the a100 uses a100 GPUs based on the Ampere architecture. Additionally, the h-100 is faster and more power-efficient than the a100.

Q: What is fp64 precision, and why is it important? A: Fp64 precision refers to double-precision floating point calculations, which provide higher accuracy compared to lower precision formats like fp16 and fp32. While fp64 is not commonly used in deep learning, it is crucial for certain high-performance computing workloads that require precise calculations.

Q: Which DGX appliance offers the best value for money? A: The latest DGX appliances, such as the DGX h-100 and DGX a100, provide superior value for money compared to their predecessors. Despite their higher unit costs, these appliances offer significantly better performance and power efficiency, making them a worthwhile investment.

Q: Can I upgrade from an older DGX appliance to a newer one? A: Yes, you can upgrade from an older DGX appliance to a newer model. The benchmark data presented in this article can help you assess the performance improvements and benefits of upgrading to a more advanced DGX appliance. It is recommended to consult with our experts for a tailored recommendation based on your specific requirements.