Check GPU memory first when selecting a GPU
Whether a model runs depends on VRAM—not raw compute: 7B inference requires ~16GB; full-parameter fine-tuning of a 7B model needs ≥160GB (2× GPU minimum); 70B inference requires ≥140GB+. Choosing the wrong GPU model renders even the cheapest option unusable.
Three practical tips to save money
1. Use spot/preemptible instances for interruptible training jobs—they’re typically 30%–60% cheaper; 2. Platforms billing by the minute eliminate idle time costs better than hourly-billed ones; 3. Validate workflows on smaller GPUs first, then scale up to larger ones for full-scale runs.