NVIDIA L4 vs. A40: Which GPU Better Suits Your Requirement?

August 28, 2023

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized industries ranging from healthcare to finance, and at the heart of many AI systems are powerful GPUs. NVIDIA, a leading name in the world of graphics processing units, offers a range of GPUs tailored for AI workloads. In this article, we will compare two of NVIDIA's impressive GPUs: the NVIDIA L4 and the NVIDIA A40. By the end of this article, you will have a clearer picture of which GPU is the right fit for your AI requirements. 

The NVIDIA L4 is a formidable GPU built on the Ada Lovelace architecture. It boasts a 5 nm process size and an impressive 35.8 billion transistors. With 24GB of GDDR6 RAM and 7680 shading units, the L4 is no slouch when it comes to AI tasks. It's designed with efficiency in mind, consuming only 72W of power.

The NVIDIA A40 GPU is based on the Ampere architecture and is built on an 8 nm process with 28.3 billion transistors. What makes the A40 stand out is its hefty 48GB of GDDR6 RAM and a whopping 10,752 shading units. However, this power comes at a price, as it draws 300W of power.

Specifications

The detailed technical specifications of the L4 and the A40 PCIe GPUs are discussed in this section. 

The NVIDIA L4, based on the AD104 architecture, is fabricated using a more advanced 5 nm process and features 35.8 billion transistors. It has a smaller die size of 295 mm² and was released in March 2023, targeting the desktop market segment with a PCIe 4.0 x16 bus interface. On the other hand, the NVIDIA A40 utilizes the Ampere architecture on an 8 nm process with 28.3 billion transistors. It has a larger die size of 628 mm² and was released in October 2020, also catering to the desktop market and employing a PCIe 4.0 x16 bus interface. The L4 has a higher transistor count, but smaller die size. They both have the same bus interface. 

Performance

The performance metrics of the L4 Graphics Processor and the A40 PCIe Graphics Processor is discussed in this section. 


Based on the above table, the NVIDIA A40 GPU is generally better in terms of raw performance and capabilities compared to the NVIDIA L4 GPU. Here's why:

  • RAM Size: The A40 has double the RAM size of the L4 (48 GB vs. 24 GB). More RAM is beneficial for memory-intensive tasks and working with large datasets.
  • Shading Units: The A40 has significantly more shading units (10752) compared to the L4 (7680). This means it can handle more parallel processing tasks and is better suited for complex graphics and AI computations.
  • Power Consumption: While the L4 is power-efficient (72 W), the A40 is a high-performance GPU with higher power consumption (300 W). This means the A40 can deliver more computational power but may require a robust power supply.
  • Clock Speeds: The A40 has higher base and boost clock speeds, indicating better overall performance potential, especially for single-threaded tasks.
  • Memory Bandwidth: The A40 offers significantly higher memory bandwidth (695.8 GB/s) compared to the L4 (300.1 GB/s). This is crucial for handling large datasets and memory-intensive tasks effectively.
  • Memory Bus Width: The A40 has a wider memory bus (384-bit) compared to the L4 (192-bit), contributing to its higher memory bandwidth.

While the NVIDIA A40 is more powerful, it also consumes more power, generates more heat, and is also more expensive. Therefore, the choice between these GPUs depends on your specific use case and requirements. If you need high computational power, ample memory, and have the infrastructure to support it, the A40 is the better option. However, if you are working in a power-constrained environment or have budget considerations, the L4 could be a more suitable choice.

Graphic Feature Specification

The specifications of the graphics of both the GPUs are discussed in this section. Both GPUs support the features.


DirectX Support: Both GPUs offer DirectX 12 Ultimate support, which means that they are capable of running the latest DirectX-based games and applications with advanced graphics features.

  • OpenGL Version: NVIDIA L4: Supports OpenGL 4.6, while NVIDIA A40 supports a slightly newer version, OpenGL 4.68. The A40 has a marginally more updated OpenGL version, which could lead to improved compatibility with OpenGL-based software and potentially better performance in OpenGL-rendered applications.
  • OpenCL Version:  NVIDIA L4: Supports OpenCL 3.0, while A40 supports an older version, OpenCL 2.0. OpenCL is important for general-purpose computing tasks. The NVIDIA L4 offers support for a more recent version, which might provide better performance and compatibility for OpenCL-based software.
  • Vulkan Version:  L4: Supports Vulkan 1.3, while the A40 supports Vulkan 1.18. Vulkan is an API known for its performance benefits. The NVIDIA A40 supports a newer version of Vulkan, potentially offering enhanced performance and features in Vulkan-based applications.
  • CUDA Version: CUDA is NVIDIA's parallel computing platform. In this case, the NVIDIA L4 has a slightly more recent CUDA version. However, CUDA version differences might not have a significant impact on performance unless specific features in the newer version are needed for your tasks.

While both GPUs share DirectX 12 Ultimate support, the NVIDIA A40 holds a slight advantage in OpenGL and Vulkan versions. On the other hand, the NVIDIA L4 offers more recent versions of OpenCL and CUDA. The choice between these GPUs should consider not only their graphics API support but also their hardware specifications and intended use cases, as both factors contribute to overall performance and compatibility with different software applications. 

Capabilities

The capabilities of both the GPUs are compared in this section. 

  • Deep Learning: With 7680 shading units and 240 Tensor Cores, the L4 is well-equipped for deep learning tasks. Its 24GB of RAM can handle moderately sized neural networks efficiently. The architecture's power efficiency can be an advantage in large-scale deep learning projects that run for extended periods. In comparison, the A40 is a powerhouse for deep learning with its 10,752 shading units and 336 Tensor Cores. Its massive 48GB of RAM is a significant advantage for training large neural networks and handling vast datasets. This GPU is suitable for the most demanding deep learning applications.
  • Machine Learning: The L4 provides good machine learning performance, particularly for small to medium-sized models. It can handle various machine learning frameworks and libraries efficiently. The A40 excels in machine learning, especially for tasks that involve large datasets and complex models. Its higher memory capacity and computational power make it a top choice for machine learning research and applications.
  • Data Analytics: The L4 is capable of handling data analytics tasks effectively, especially when combined with optimized software. Its efficient architecture can process data efficiently, making it suitable for data-driven applications. The A40 is ideal for data analytics in large-scale environments. Its extensive RAM and processing power can handle complex data processing tasks, including real-time analytics and big data applications.
  • Scientific Computing: Both L4 and A40 can support scientific computing tasks, particularly those that benefit from GPU acceleration. They can assist in simulations, numerical computations, and other scientific applications.

Both L4 and A40 GPUs have their strengths in AI workloads, but the choice depends on the scale and complexity of your projects. The L4 is a cost-effective option suitable for small to medium-sized AI tasks, while the A40 is a high-performance GPU tailored for demanding, large-scale AI workloads where computational power and memory capacity are critical.

AI Modes

Both the NVIDIA L4 and NVIDIA A40 GPUs offer distinct advantages for various AI workloads. In terms of training, the L4 is capable for small to medium-sized model training, thanks to its 24GB RAM and 7,680 shading units, whereas the A40 excels in large model training with its 48GB RAM and 10,752 shading units, making it ideal for deep learning tasks with substantial computational demands. Inference-wise, the L4 proves efficient with 7,680 shading units and 240 Tensor Cores, suitable for real-time applications, while the A40 is outstanding for AI inference with 10,752 shading units and 336 Tensor Cores, particularly suited for high-throughput inference tasks such as recommendation systems. Both GPUs support mixed-precision training, with the L4 offering power efficiency and the A40 providing computational muscle. Finally, for AI-driven simulations, the L4 is suitable for moderate GPU computational power requirements, while the A40 excels in complex, high-fidelity simulations, making it a robust choice for scientific research and engineering simulations. Your choice should align with your specific AI workload's scale, computational needs, and budget constraints.

Choosing the Right Graphics Processor

Selecting between the L4 and A40 PCIe GPUs involves a strategic evaluation of your specific requirements, budget constraints, and the performance demands of your AI workloads.

Workload Requirements

  • Both L4 and A40 can work well for AI tasks that involve model training versus real-time inference. They work well for multimedia, image processing, video processing and gaming.
  • The A40 has double the memory size of L4, making it better for deep learning applications. 

Budget Constraints 

  • The initial investment is one of the major factors if the GPU needs to be purchased. The cost price of the L4 is more budget-friendly, while the A40 variant is expensive. L4 costs Rs 2,50,000 in India, while the A40 costs Rs 4,50,000. 
  • Operating or rental costs can also be considered if opting for a cloud GPU service provider like E2E Networks.
  • NVIDIA L4 costs Rs 50/hr, while the A40 costs Rs 96/hr.
  • One must strike a balance between performance and cost according to the specific needs of the AI workload. If the budget allows for it, the A40 variants present an advantage with their superior tensor core count and memory bandwidth, which could potentially result in substantial performance improvements, particularly for deep learning applications.

Use Cases and Scalability

  • Both L4 and A40 GPUs are suitable for applications where multimedia, image, processing, video processing and gaming would be used. Both are also useful for deep learning; however due to higher RAM size, A40 would be comparatively better for deep learning with larger datasets. 
  • It is essential to project the growth path of AI applications. If there are expectations of expansion and increasing workload complexity, the A40 variants might provide superior scalability.

By making use of the cost information provided and adhering to this budget-focused guide, you'll be well-prepared to make a knowledgeable choice that matches your financial constraints and guarantees the most economical solution for your organization's AI workload demands. This evidence-based strategy will steer you toward a graphics processor that effectively harmonizes performance and cost-effectiveness for your AI endeavors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the comparison between the L4 and A40 PCIe GPUs highlights different capabilities and benefits that cater to diverse AI workloads and use cases. 

Which Is Better?


When comparing between NVIDIA L4 and NVIDIA A40 GPUs, several key distinctions emerge. While the L4 is a more cost-effective option, it falls short in terms of performance, memory capacity, the number of cores, complexity, and suitability for deep learning tasks. On the other hand, the A40 excels in these areas, making it a preferred choice for users who prioritize robust performance, ample memory, and the computational power required for complex AI and deep learning workloads. Both GPUs, however, demonstrate strengths in image processing, video processing, multimedia applications, and gaming, indicating their versatility in handling a range of tasks beyond AI. Ultimately, the choice between the L4 and A40 should align with specific needs and budget considerations, with the A40 standing out for those demanding top-tier AI capabilities.

On E2E Cloud, you can utilize both L4 and A40 GPUs for a nominal price. Get started today by signing up. You may also explore the wide variety of other available GPUs on E2E Cloud.

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