What is a GPU Server?: rawcompute.in Glossary

A GPU server is a purpose-built server chassis designed to host GPU accelerators alongside CPUs, memory, storage, and networking components. GPU servers differ from standard servers in several ways: higher-wattage power supplies (2000W-3000W+ for multi-GPU configurations), enhanced cooling (high-airflow fan walls or liquid cooling loops), reinforced PCIe riser assemblies, and chassis designs that accommodate the physical dimensions and power demands of data-centre GPUs.

GPU servers range from 2U systems with 2-4 PCIe GPUs (suitable for inference) to 4U-8U systems with 8 SXM5 GPUs on an HGX baseboard (designed for large-scale training). Examples include the Supermicro SYS-421GE-TNRT (4U, 8x SXM5), Dell PowerEdge XE9680 (4U, 8x SXM5), and ASUS ESC4000A-E12 (2U, 4x PCIe). The total cost of a fully configured 8-GPU H100 server, including CPUs, memory, storage, and networking, can range from INR 2-4 crore depending on configuration.

Why it matters when buying hardware

Not all GPU servers are equal. The key differentiators are GPU form factor (PCIe vs SXM5), GPU count, NVLink support, cooling capacity, and validated configurations. For training workloads, an HGX-based 8-GPU server with NVLink and NVSwitch is the standard building block. For inference, a 2U server with 2-4 PCIe GPUs is often more cost-effective. Rawcompute.in supplies GPU servers from Supermicro, Dell, ASUS, and Gigabyte, and handles import, configuration, rack-and-stack, and colocation in India.