Comparing NVIDIA H100 and GH200: High-Performance AI Chips

The exponential growth in AI and machine learning technologies has spurred significant innovation in hardware, particularly in the realm of specialized AI chips. NVIDIA, a pioneer in this field, has developed several groundbreaking products, including the H100 and GH200. 

Overview of NVIDIA H100

Architecture: Hopper

  • Memory: Up to 80 GB HBM3
  • Tensor Cores: Fourth-generation
  • Performance:
  • FP32: Up to 40 TFLOPS
  • INT8: 1200 TOPS
  • Key Features:
  • NVLink: Enhanced connectivity for multi-GPU configurations
  • Third-generation NVSwitch: Improves scalability
  • Enhanced Performance: Significant improvement in AI training and inference tasks compared to previous generations

Applications:

  • Large-scale AI Training: Ideal for deep learning models that require extensive computational power
  • AI Inference: Suitable for deploying AI models in production environments
  • High-Performance Computing (HPC): Effective in scientific simulations and complex data analysis

Overview of NVIDIA GH200

Architecture: Grace Hopper

  • Memory: Hybrid memory cube with HBM3 and DDR5
  • Tensor Cores: Fifth-generation
  • Performance:
  • FP32: Yet to be fully detailed, but expected to exceed H100 significantly
  • INT8: Enhanced performance expected
  • Key Features:
  • Hybrid Design: Combines CPU and GPU on a single package for improved data throughput
  • Advanced NVLink: Facilitates higher bandwidth and faster data transfer
  • Energy Efficiency: Improved performance per watt, making it suitable for power-sensitive applications

Applications:

  • Next-generation AI Research: Suitable for cutting-edge AI research and development
  • Real-time Data Analytics: Optimized for high-speed data processing and analytics
  • Advanced HPC Applications: Enhanced capabilities for complex computational tasks in various scientific fields

Performance:

  • Top Performer: GH200 is expected to lead in overall performance due to its fifth-generation Tensor Cores and hybrid architecture, which combines CPU and GPU capabilities.
  • High Capacity: Both models support high memory bandwidth, but GH200 offers a hybrid memory solution that combines HBM3 and DDR5, potentially providing better performance for data-intensive tasks.

Architecture:

  • H100: Based on the Hopper architecture, the H100 is optimized for deep learning training and inference, offering significant improvements over its predecessors.
  • GH200: The Grace Hopper architecture is designed to push the boundaries further by integrating CPU and GPU on a single package, enhancing data throughput and energy efficiency.

Applications:

  • H100: Best suited for large-scale AI training, AI inference, and high-performance computing tasks.
  • GH200: Targeted at next-generation AI research, real-time data analytics, and advanced HPC applications, providing superior performance and efficiency.

The NVIDIA H100 and GH200 represent significant advancements in AI hardware, each tailored to specific applications and performance requirements. The H100 excels in deep learning training and inference, making it a robust choice for existing AI workloads. In contrast, the GH200, with its hybrid architecture and enhanced capabilities, is designed to meet the demands of next-generation AI research and advanced computational tasks. Businesses and researchers should consider their specific needs and the nature of their applications when choosing between these two powerful AI chips.

Read more:




7/8/2024