T4 vs L4 : Which GPU Is More Cost‑Efficient?

T4 vs L4

Introduction

The graphics card you select for your server need to be based on your budget and the tasks that you have to perform. The NVIDIA T4 vs L4 GPU is one of the comparisons that many individuals make to get the best value for their money. Both cards assist in artificial intelligence and video work, but they vary in cost and speed.

This guide examines the actual facts concerning these two units. You will learn what their power and price are. We are also going to observe the functionality of T4 and NVIDIA L4 GPUs in a real-world scenario. Cantech offers both options to help you save money and get the work done.

 

NVIDIA T4 vs L4 GPU – Meaning

The L4 and T4 are thin cards that do not use much power. They can be easily accommodated in small servers. These cards are very useful in cloud computing as they handle a lot of small tasks simultaneously.

The T4 is an older 2018 model. It is based on the Turing architecture used in simple AI tasks. The 2023 version is the L4. It is based on the Ada Lovelace architecture. It is designed to be a lot smarter and faster than the old model.

 

Feature NVIDIA T4 NVIDIA L4
Year 2018 2023
Architecture Turing Ada Lovelace
Memory (VRAM) 16 GB GDDR6 24 GB GDDR6
Power (TDP) 70 Watts 72 Watts
FP32 Performance 8.1 TFLOPS 30.3 TFLOPS
Tensor Performance 130 TOPS (INT8) 485 TOPS (INT8)
Manufacturing Process 12nm 4nm

NVIDIA T4 vs L4 GPU – Comparisons

Let us now compare these GPUs based on different angles:

Important Hardware Facts

  • Memory Size: L4 has 24 GB of memory. T4 has 16 GB of memory. L4 has more memory that enables it to execute larger AI models.
  • Overall Speed: The L4 offers 30.3 TFLOPS of standard math speed. Only 8.1 TFLOPS is offered by the T4. This makes the L4 almost four times faster in some tasks.
  • Energy Consumption: The cards consume approximately 70-72 Watts. This is extremely low for a server card.
  • New Features: The L4 supports AV1 video encoding. This new video feature is not available on the T4.
  • Tensor Cores: The L4 features 4th generation Tensor cores. These cores enable AI tasks to run a lot smoother.

 

Technical Performance Details

Businesses ask how do T4 and L4 differ when they look at their technical specs. The architecture within the chip is the key distinction. The L4 uses a 4nm process which puts more power into the same space.

The T4 is still good for basic inference. It is effective when your AI model is small. 

However, the L4 is the obvious choice in the case of modern generative AI. It supports the most up-to-date language models far better than the T4 could.

 

Performance Highlights

  • Generative AI: The L4 is 2.7 times faster than the T4 for creating text or images.
  • Video Streams: An L4 server is able to support more than 1,000 video streams simultaneously.
  • Training: You can use the L4 for light model training because it has more memory
  • Bandwidth: The cards have similar memory bandwidth of approximately 300 GB/s.
  • Efficiency: L4 gives you more work per watt of electricity that you pay for.

 

Price and Cost Value

Price is a significant consideration for all companies when comparing T4 vs L4. These GPUs can be rented in the cloud or purchased to use in your own server. The T4 is the cheaper option to start with.

L4 is more expensive initially, but it does more work in an hour. This means that you may require fewer L4 cards to accomplish the same task. This would save you on server space and power bills in the long run.

Cost Breakdown

  • Rental Price: A T4 normally costs approximately $0.35 per hour. An L4 costs between $0.44 and $0.70 per hour.
  • Purchase Price: T4 costs around 1.8 lakh to buy. L4 is priced nearer to 2.6 lakh.
  • Efficiency Savings: L4 is more efficient per dollar spent and generates a higher AI output per cent.
  • Availability: T4 cards are available everywhere in the cloud. L4 cards are more recent and are gaining popularity.

T4 vs L4 GPU: Which one to choose?

Choosing between T4 and L4 depends on your specific project needs. The T4 is also a good option in case you have a very tight budget. It handles basic tasks without costing too much.

The L4 is superior in case you are working on modern AI like chatbots or video editing. It is faster and has more memory. It will stay useful for more years than the T4 will.

Use Cases for T4 vs L4

Pick T4 for: Basic data analysis and light web tasks.

Pick T4 for: Virtual desktops that do not require intensive graphics.

Use Pick L4 when: You have a Large language models and high-quality video streaming.

Pick L4 for: Real-time AI that needs to be very fast.

Use L4 when: You want to save on energy expenses but have large workloads.

 

Cantech GPU Hosting Features – NVIDIA T4 And L4 GPU.

Cantech offers high-quality NVIDIA T4 vs L4 GPU hosting services to companies in India. We ensure that your equipment is ready when you need it. With our team, you can concentrate on your code and leave the tough stuff to us. You receive the most up-to-date technology at a cost that suits you. We provide easy-to-use managed servers. The following are the features that you get with our hosting:

 

Why Choose Cantech

  • 24/7 Expert Support: Our technical support is available to answer your questions. We assist you in solving problems fast.
  • No Set-up Costs: We do not charge any additional money to start your server. You only pay the listed price for the card.
  • High Security: We use strong encryption and firewalls to ensure your data is secure. Unauthorized people cannot see your files.
  • 99.97% Uptime: Your site and applications are available around the clock. We promise a very stable connection for all clients.
  • Full Server Control: You get root access to your machine. You can install any type of software or change any setting you want.
  • Custom Parts: You can choose how much RAM you need. We build the server to match your exact plan.
  • Quick Storage: We have modern disks to ensure that your data is transferred at the highest speed. This avoids delays in your applications.

 

Conclusion

The NVIDIA T4 vs L4 GPU argument comes down to performance and cost-saving. The king of low-cost tasks is the T4. It is trustworthy and readily available. L4 is the future of AI as it is far quicker and more efficient.

Is the L4 always better than the T4? It is better for performance but the T4 is better for a low entry price. The L4 will be advantageous to most new projects due to its additional memory. Cantech is all set to assist you in installing either of the cards in your next major project.

Is the L4 always better than the T4?

NVIDIA T4 vs L4 GPU

T4 and L4 GPUs

T4 vs L4

About the Author
Posted by Bhagyashree Walikar

I specialize in writing research backed long-form content for B2B SaaS/Tech companies. My approach combines thorough industry research, a deep understanding of business goals, and provide solutions to customers. I write content that provides essential information and insights to bring value to readers. I strive to be a strategic content partner, aim to improve online presence and accelerate business growth by solving customer problems through my writing.

Drive Growth and Success with Our VPS Server Starting at just ₹ 659/Mo