The NVIDIA DGX H100 system represents the pinnacle of AI infrastructure, engineered to meet the intensive demands of modern artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads. As of mid-2025, understanding the investment required for such a system is crucial for organizations aiming to enhance their computational capabilities.
Pricing Overview
The cost of an NVIDIA DGX H100 system varies based on configurations, regional factors, and additional services. As of early 2025, the price for a single DGX H100 system ranges between $300,000 and $500,000. This variation depends on factors such as hardware specifications, support plans, and operational expenses
For organizations considering cloud-based solutions, DGX Cloud offers access to NVIDIA H100 GPUs on a subscription basis. For instance, a one-month subscription for an H100 80GB instance is priced at $30,964, while a three-month subscription is available for $88,909
Hardware Specifications
The DGX H100 system is equipped with cutting-edge hardware to deliver unparalleled performance:
GPUs: 8* NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs (SXM5)
GPU Memory: 640GB total
Performance: 32 petaFLOPS FP8
CPU: Dual 56-core 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors
System Memory: 2TB
Storage server: 2* 1.9TB NVMe M.2 for OS; 8* 3.84TB NVMe U.2 for internal storage
Networking: 4* OSFP ports, NVIDIA ConnectX-7 VPI, options for 400 Gb/s InfiniBand or 200 Gb/s Ethernet
Power Usage: 10.2kW max
Cooling: Liquid-cooled for efficiency and thermal management
Software: Pre-loaded with NVIDIA AI Enterprise software suite, NVIDIA Base Command, and choice of Ubuntu, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, or CentOS operating systems
These specifications make the DGX H100 suitable for advanced AI training, generative AI, and exascale HPC
Additional Costs to Consider
Beyond the initial purchase price, several operational expenses contribute to the total cost of ownership:
1. Support and Maintenance
NVIDIA offers support plans for DGX H100 systems, ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on the level of service required.
2. Power Consumption
The DGX H100 system features dual 3,200W power supplies, meaning the total power draw for the system can be as high as 6.4 kW at peak usage. Annual power consumption running continuously at full load would consume approximately 56,064 kWh/year, translating to an annual power cost of about $5,610.24 at $0.10 per kWh .
3. Cooling Infrastructure
Operating the DGX H100 system entails additional costs for cooling infrastructure. Given the system's power usage, robust cooling solutions are necessary to maintain optimal operating temperatures, which might add 10-20% to the total operational power cost
Alternative Solutions: Cloud-Based Access
For organizations seeking high-performance computing without the substantial upfront investment, cloud-based cloud services offer a viable alternative. Platforms like Go4hosting provide access to NVIDIA H100 GPUs, enabling businesses to leverage advanced computational resources on a pay-as-you-go basis. This approach allows for scalability and flexibility, aligning expenses with actual usage and project demands.
Market Trends and Future Outlook
The demand for AI infrastructure is experiencing significant growth. For instance, Elon Musk's artificial intelligence startup, xAI, is constructing what is claimed to be the world's largest supercomputer in Memphis, Tennessee, with projected costs exceeding $400 million . This facility plans to utilize 1 million GPUs, highlighting the escalating scope and investment in AI technologies.
NVIDIA's CEO, Jensen Huang, announced that the next generation of AI chips, code-named Blackwell, will be affordably priced to attract a broad customer base. These chips are successors to the highly successful Hopper chips, with the H100 experiencing high demand and supply shortages .
Conclusion
Investing in an NVIDIA DGX H100 system represents a substantial commitment, with prices starting around $373,462 as of early 2025. This investment encompasses state-of-the-art hardware, support services, and operational considerations. Alternatively, cloud-based solutions like those offered by Go4hosting present flexible and scalable options, allowing organizations to access cutting-edge GPU technology in alignment with their operational and financial strategies.
When determining the most suitable approach, it's essential to assess factors such as workload requirements, budget constraints, and long-term objectives. By carefully evaluating these aspects, businesses can make informed decisions that best support their AI and HPC endeavors.