UnitedCompute's GPU Price Tracker monitors and charts the prices of various NVIDIA GPUs across different cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and GCP. It aims to help users find the most cost-effective options for their cloud computing needs by providing historical price data and comparisons, allowing them to identify trends and potential savings. The tracker focuses specifically on GPUs suitable for machine learning workloads and offers filtering options to narrow down the search based on factors such as GPU memory and location.
The webpage titled "GPU Price Tracker" hosted by United Compute AI provides a comprehensive and regularly updated overview of the market pricing for Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), specifically focusing on models relevant to artificial intelligence and machine learning tasks. The tracker aims to offer transparency and insight into the often volatile GPU market, allowing users to make informed decisions about purchasing or renting these crucial components. It achieves this by aggregating pricing data from various reputable online retailers like Amazon and eBay, presenting the information in an easily digestible tabular format.
The tracker differentiates itself by showcasing not only the current lowest prices but also historical price trends, providing valuable context for evaluating current deals. This historical data is visualized through interactive charts, enabling users to observe price fluctuations over time and identify potential patterns. Furthermore, the tracker incorporates filtering mechanisms, allowing users to refine their search by specific GPU models, manufacturers (like NVIDIA and AMD), memory capacity, and even retailer. This granular control empowers users to quickly pinpoint the best deals for their specific needs and budget.
The platform explicitly focuses on higher-end GPUs commonly used in computationally demanding tasks, such as the NVIDIA GeForce RTX series, the NVIDIA A series, and AMD Radeon RX series. While the primary emphasis is on purchasing options, the tracker also incorporates information regarding cloud GPU rental costs from prominent cloud providers like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. This allows users to compare the costs of owning hardware versus utilizing cloud-based solutions, facilitating a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis. Moreover, the tracker’s design is responsive and mobile-friendly, ensuring accessibility across a range of devices. The overall goal of the "GPU Price Tracker" is to empower users with the necessary data to navigate the complexities of the GPU market effectively and efficiently.
Summary of Comments ( 27 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43811105
Hacker News users discussed the practicality of the GPU price tracker, noting that prices fluctuate significantly and are often outdated by the time a purchase is made. Some commenters pointed out the importance of checking secondary markets like eBay for better deals, while others highlighted the value of waiting for sales or new product releases. A few users expressed skepticism towards cloud gaming services, preferring local hardware despite the cost. The lack of international pricing was also mentioned as a limitation of the tracker. Several users recommended specific retailers or alert systems for tracking desired GPUs, emphasizing the need to be proactive and patient in the current market.
The Hacker News post titled "GPU Price Tracker" with the ID 43811105 has several comments discussing the linked GPU price tracker and the state of the GPU market.
Several users express appreciation for the tracker, finding it useful and well-designed. One user specifically praises the inclusion of European retailers, highlighting the frequent omission of non-US markets in similar tools. This sentiment is echoed by another commenter who appreciates the site's comprehensive coverage across various retailers and models.
The conversation also touches on the inflated GPU prices and the impact of cryptocurrency mining. One commenter notes the still-high prices of GPUs like the 3080, despite the cryptocurrency market downturn. They suggest that manufacturers may be maintaining artificially high prices. Another user mentions the difficulty in finding older, lower-end cards at reasonable prices, making it challenging for those on tighter budgets or with specific needs. Someone also raises the point that the tracker's prices don't always align with in-store prices, possibly due to online retailers adjusting prices more dynamically.
There's a brief discussion about the potential resurgence of GPU mining if cryptocurrency prices recover. A commenter observes that while mining profitability is currently low, a market rebound could reignite demand and drive prices back up. Another user points out the environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining and expresses hope that GPU prices remain low to discourage it.
Finally, a few comments offer alternative methods for finding affordable GPUs, including checking local marketplaces, considering used options, and waiting for sales events like Black Friday. One user even suggests looking at workstations being decommissioned by companies, as a potential source for used GPUs at reasonable prices.
Overall, the comments reflect a mix of gratitude for the price tracker tool, continued frustration with the GPU market, and cautious optimism about the possibility of more affordable prices in the future.