NVIDIA A40 Graphics Card
Description Overview
The NVIDIA A40 GPU is a high-performance, enterprise-grade graphics card designed for data centers, AI workloads, and professional visualization. Built on the advanced Ampere architecture, it delivers a powerful combination of graphics performance, artificial intelligence acceleration, and large-scale compute capability for demanding applications.
Unlike consumer GPUs, the A40 is engineered to handle multi-workload environments, making it ideal for industries such as engineering, media production, scientific research, and cloud computing. It supports real-time ray tracing, AI model training, and virtual workstation deployment, enabling professionals to run complex simulations, render high-quality visuals, and process massive datasets efficiently.
With 48GB of high-speed GDDR6 memory (expandable via NVLink), the A40 can manage large datasets and intensive workloads without performance bottlenecks. Its Tensor Cores accelerate AI tasks, while RT Cores enhance rendering realism for 3D design and visualization.
The GPU is also virtualization-ready, allowing multiple users to access powerful GPU resources remotely through virtual machines—making it a key solution for cloud-based workstations and enterprise IT environments.
Designed for server deployment, the A40 features a passive cooling system and integrates into data center infrastructures, delivering reliable, scalable, and energy-efficient performance for mission-critical applications.
Specifications
| GPU Memory | 48 GB GDDR6 with error-correcting code (ECC) |
| GPU Memory Bandwidth | 696 GB/s |
| Interconnect | NVIDIA NVLink 112.5 GB/s (bidirectional) PCIe Gen4: 64GB/s |
| NVLink | 2-way low profile (2-slot) |
| Display Ports | 3x DisplayPort 1.4* |
| Max Power Consumption | 300 W |
| Form Factor | 4.4″ (H) x 10.5″ (L) Dual Slot |
| Thermal | Passive |
| vGPU Software Support | NVIDIA Virtual PC, NVIDIA Virtual Applications, NVIDIA RTX Virtual Workstation, NVIDIA Virtual Compute Server, NVIDIA AI Enterprise |
| vGPU Profiles Supported | See the Virtual GPU Licensing Guide |
| NVENC | NVDEC | 1x | 2x (includes AV1 decode) |
| Secure and Measured Boot with Hardware Root of Trust | Yes (optional) |
| NEBS Ready | Level 3 |
| Power Connector | 8-pin CPU |
Key Features
- High-Performance Ampere Architecture
The NVIDIA A40 GPU is built on the advanced Ampere architecture, which delivers a significant boost in processing power and efficiency compared to previous generations. This architecture enables faster computation, improved multitasking, and better handling of complex workloads such as AI modeling, simulations, and professional rendering. It ensures that users experience reliable and consistent performance even under heavy, enterprise-level demands.
- 48GB High-Capacity GDDR6 Memory
Equipped with 48GB of high-speed GDDR6 memory, the A40 can handle extremely large datasets, high-resolution textures, and complex models without performance bottlenecks. This large memory capacity is especially important for data scientists, engineers, and designers who work with memory-intensive applications, as it allows smoother workflows and reduces the need for data compression or offloading tasks.
- Advanced Tensor Cores for AI Acceleration
The A40 features third-generation Tensor Cores that are specifically designed to accelerate artificial intelligence and machine learning tasks. These cores enhance performance in AI training and inference by enabling faster calculations and supporting advanced precision formats like Tensor Float 32 (TF32). This makes the GPU highly efficient for deep learning, neural networks, and data analytics.
- Real-Time Ray Tracing with RT Cores
With second-generation RT Cores, the A40 delivers real-time ray tracing capabilities that produce highly realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections. This feature is essential for industries such as architecture, media production, and product design, where visual accuracy and realism are critical. It significantly improves rendering quality while reducing the time needed to produce high-end visuals.
- Virtualization (vGPU) Support
The A40 is designed to support GPU virtualization, allowing multiple users to share a single GPU across virtual machines. This feature is ideal for cloud computing and enterprise environments, as it enables remote access to powerful GPU resources without requiring individual physical hardware for each user. It improves resource utilization and reduces overall infrastructure costs.
- NVLink Scalability
With NVLink support, the A40 allows multiple GPUs to be connected, effectively combining their memory and performance capabilities. For example, two A40 GPUs can be linked to provide up to 96GB of shared memory, making it easier to handle extremely large workloads and complex computations. This scalability is crucial for advanced research, AI development, and large-scale simulations.
- Data Center Optimized Design (Passive Cooling)
Unlike consumer GPUs, the A40 is designed for server environments and uses passive cooling, meaning it relies on external airflow within a data center for temperature control. This design ensures quieter operation, improved reliability, and better integration into rack-mounted systems. It is optimized for continuous, long-term operation in professional and enterprise settings.
Common Use Cases
- AI / Machine Learning
- Data Science & simulations
- 3D CAD / engineering design
- Video rendering & virtual production
- Cloud gaming / virtual desktops













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