GPU Comparison

NVIDIA A100 vs L40S

Compare NVIDIA A100 and L40S across architecture, GPU memory, bandwidth, AI inference, training, infrastructure requirements and practical workload fit.

Daya ShankarLast verified: August 11, 2026Research methodology

NVIDIA Ampere

A100

GPU Memory

80 GB HBM2e

Bandwidth

2.039 TB/s

Ampere data-center accelerator for AI training, inference, data analytics and HPC.

Explore NVIDIA A100
VS

NVIDIA Ada Lovelace

L40S

GPU Memory

48 GB GDDR6 ECC

Bandwidth

864 GB/s

Ada data-center GPU for generative AI inference, graphics, rendering and media workloads.

Explore NVIDIA L40S

A100 vs L40S at a Glance

Start with workload fit, then validate the choice against the exact cloud configuration and pricing available to you.

Choose A100 when

You need more than 48 GB.

Choose L40S when

48 GB fits the workload.

Compare the full workload

Memory, bandwidth, precision, interconnects, media features, power and cloud price can all change the right answer.

NVIDIA A100 vs NVIDIA L40S Specifications

H100, H200 and A100 use SXM figures. B200 uses current NVIDIA HGX B200 specifications. L40S and L4 use their native PCIe card specifications, so each product is represented in its primary deployment form.

SpecificationNVIDIA A100NVIDIA L40S
ArchitectureNVIDIA AmpereNVIDIA Ada Lovelace
GPU Memory80 GB HBM2e48 GB GDDR6 ECC
Memory Bandwidth2.039 TB/s864 GB/s
FP3219.5 TFLOPS91.6 TFLOPS
TF32 Tensor Core312 TFLOPS*366 TFLOPS*
FP16 / BF16 Tensor Core624 TFLOPS*733 TFLOPS*
FP8 Tensor CoreNot natively supported1,466 TFLOPS*
FP4 Tensor CoreNot natively supportedNot natively supported
NVLink600 GB/sNot supported
MIGUp to 7 MIGs @ 10 GBNot supported
Maximum Power400 W standard SXM350 W
Form FactorSXMDual-slot PCIe

* Tensor Core values marked with an asterisk are NVIDIA sparse specifications where applicable; dense performance is lower.

What Is the Main Difference Between NVIDIA A100 and NVIDIA L40S?

A100 and L40S approach data-center acceleration from different directions. A100 is an Ampere compute accelerator centered on HBM, NVLink, MIG, AI training and HPC. L40S is an Ada Lovelace PCIe GPU combining AI inference with RTX graphics and media features.

A100 offers 80 GB HBM2e and 2.039 TB/s bandwidth in its SXM configuration. L40S offers 48 GB GDDR6 and 864 GB/s, but adds fourth-generation Tensor Cores with FP8 and third-generation RT Cores.

A100 has the stronger memory and scale-up platform. L40S has the stronger feature mix for inference, visualization and video.

Memory Capacity and Bandwidth

These specifications affect model fit, KV-cache headroom, batch size and memory-bound workloads.

GPU Memory

80 GB HBM2e vs 48 GB GDDR6 ECC
A100L40S

Memory Bandwidth

2.039 TB/s vs 864 GB/s
A100L40S

A100 vs L40S for LLM Inference

L40S supports native FP8 and has strong Ada inference throughput, making it attractive for models that fit within 48 GB. A100 has substantially more memory and bandwidth, which can matter for larger models and KV cache.

A100 vs L40S for Training and HPC

A100 is better suited to large training and HPC because it combines 80 GB HBM2e, 600 GB/s NVLink and MIG. L40S can train smaller models, but it is optimized more broadly for inference and graphics.

A100 vs L40S for Graphics and Media

L40S is clearly better for RTX visualization, rendering and video. It has third-generation RT Cores and multiple NVENC/NVDEC engines. A100 is a headless compute accelerator.

Which GPU Fits Your Workload?

Use this as directional guidance. Benchmark your own model and software stack before making a large infrastructure commitment.

WorkloadA100L40SDirection
Large-model trainingBest fitModerate scaleA100
LLM inference <=48 GBStrongBest fitL40S may be attractive
FP8 inferenceNot nativeBest fitL40S
HPCBest fitGeneral computeA100
MIG multi-tenancyBest fitNot supportedA100
Rendering / visualizationNot primary focusBest fitL40S
Video AI / mediaLimited media focusBest fitL40S

Cloud Pricing

Compare Current Provider Pricing

There is no single cloud price for either GPU. Rates vary by provider, region, server configuration, billing model and commitment. Compare current provider offers after you know which hardware class fits the workload.

A100 providers

Compare A100 pricing

View A100

L40S providers

Compare L40S pricing

View L40S

Final Decision

Should You Choose NVIDIA A100 or NVIDIA L40S?

Choose NVIDIA A100 if:

  • You need more than 48 GB.
  • Training or HPC is primary.
  • NVLink or MIG is required.
  • Memory bandwidth matters more than graphics features.

Choose NVIDIA L40S if:

  • 48 GB fits the workload.
  • You want native FP8 inference on Ada.
  • You need RTX or media engines.
  • A standard PCIe deployment is preferable.

A100 vs L40S FAQs

Common questions about choosing between these NVIDIA GPUs.

Which is better, NVIDIA A100 or L40S?
Choose A100 for 80 GB HBM, NVLink, MIG, HPC and larger training workloads. Choose L40S for newer Ada FP8 inference, graphics, rendering and media when 48 GB is sufficient and PCIe deployment is preferred.
What is the main difference between A100 and L40S?
A100 uses Ampere with 80 GB HBM2e and 2.039 TB/s memory bandwidth, while L40S uses Ada Lovelace with 48 GB GDDR6 ECC and 864 GB/s. Tensor Core generation, precision support, interconnects and power can also differ.
Is A100 or L40S better for LLM inference?
L40S supports native FP8 and has strong Ada inference throughput, making it attractive for models that fit within 48 GB. A100 has substantially more memory and bandwidth, which can matter for larger models and KV cache.
Which GPU is better for AI training, A100 or L40S?
A100 is better suited to large training and HPC because it combines 80 GB HBM2e, 600 GB/s NVLink and MIG. L40S can train smaller models, but it is optimized more broadly for inference and graphics.
How much memory do A100 and L40S have?
NVIDIA A100 provides 80 GB HBM2e, while NVIDIA L40S provides 48 GB GDDR6 ECC. Memory capacity alone does not determine performance, so bandwidth, precision support and workload behavior should also be considered.
Which is cheaper to rent, A100 or L40S?
Cloud rental pricing for A100 and L40S varies by provider, region, configuration and billing model. Check current provider pricing rather than assuming one GPU is always cheaper.

Sources & Verification

Hardware specifications were checked against official NVIDIA product pages and documentation.

Last verified: August 11, 2026 · View our data source standards

GPU Profile

NVIDIA A100

See specifications, cloud providers, pricing and workload fit for A100.

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GPU Profile

NVIDIA L40S

See specifications, cloud providers, pricing and workload fit for L40S.

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