Nvidia H100 graphics accelerator: differences between the original and counterfeit

Nvidia specifications H100

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Фото: Hssl

The Nvidia H100 GPU (Nvidia HGX H100 4 GPU 80GB) is designed primarily for high performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence workloads. Its key technical specifications are as follows:

• Architecture - Hopper;
• The number of cores is 16,896;
• Memory capacity - 80 GB of HBM3 type in the SXM version;
• Fourth generation Tensor Core tensor cores;
• Advanced artificial intelligence capabilities.

Due to its characteristics and high cost, the Nvidia H100 GPU becomes an object for falsification. Understanding its unique features will help avoid buying a fake.

Distinctive features of the original Nvidia accelerators H100

1. Physical characteristics

• Products with precise and clear markings and branding should be selected;
• The serial number of genuine products can be verified through Nvidia support channels.

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Фото: EBay

2. Scope of application

• The Nvidia H100 GPU is optimized for data center (data center) loads rather than gaming. If the seller declares the game orientation of the product, this may indicate a fake;
• Test results must meet expected performance levels; any material deviation may indicate falsification.

Tools such as MLPerf offer a reliable way to evaluate and compare a particular accelerator's performance metrics to official metrics.

MLPerf is a standard set of benchmarks designed to evaluate performance in learning and interference tasks using various hardware and software configurations. A complete guide to using MLPerf, configuration instructions, and detailed analysis of results are available in the GitHub repository.

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Фото: Nvidia blog

3. Cooling system

• The original Nvidia H100 accelerators are not necessarily equipped with traditional coolers, since such cards are intended for use in data centers where external cooling systems are used;
• Caution should be exercised when purchasing products equipped with third-party coolers or non-standard cooling solutions.

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Фото: Nvidia

4. Packaging and Documentation

• Genuine accelerators are supplied in branded packaging and with a complete package of documentation, including installation manual and warranty;
• To detect a fake, you should carefully examine the logo and text on the package.

Common signs of fake Nvidia accelerators H100

• Suspicious pricing: If the cost of a product looks too low compared to the market average, it's likely fake. When choosing a card, you should compare prices on authoritative platforms.
• Seller Reputation - Purchase accelerators from trusted and trusted merchants. Sites that have previously been caught selling counterfeit goods should be avoided.

Sahara Tech is a reputable provider of high-quality technology solutions, founded in 2008. The company has been recognized for its commitment to innovation and high quality customer service. Sahara Tech has created a developed network of suppliers, offering customers authentic products at competitive prices. If necessary, the customer can always use professional advice.

During visual inspection of the purchased product, pay attention to the following points:

• Compliance of the cooler design and other components with the reference design of Nvidia;
• Conformity of colors to original products; presence of poorly stamped logos;
• Compliance of the actual characteristics of the accelerator with the declared ones (verification can be performed using specialized software tools like GPU-Z).

Practical tips for checking

1. Product Review Before Purchase

You should first familiarize yourself with the technical characteristics and appearance of the Nvidia H100 reference accelerators, as well as the average prices for such devices.

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Фото: Nvidia

2. Use of diagnostic tools

Special software such as GPU-Z can provide detailed information about the GPU, including model number and specifications.

How to use GPU-Z

To verify the authenticity of the Nvidia H100 accelerator using GPU-Z, you must first install the current version of this utility (available on this page). The program will help in checking the characteristics of the product: after launch, it will automatically detect the installed accelerator and display its parameters. When viewing the information, you should pay attention to any deviations from the reference values.

If the GPU-Z detects a re-labeled or fake card, a warning symbol (exclamation point) will appear next to the Nvidia logo, and the product name will begin with the prefix "FAKE." You need to make sure that the parameters displayed by the GPU-Z utility meet the expected specifications for Nvidia H100. In addition, through GPU-Z, you can send your results to the TechPowerUp database, which will help confirm the authenticity of the accelerator or identify a fake. It is important to compare the specifications obtained through GPU-Z with those indicated on the official Nvidia website or in reliable sources.

During the test, it is worth paying attention to such key characteristics as the architecture of the GPU, the size and type of memory, as well as the clock speed. Some fake cards may have changed BIOS settings. If such suspicions arise, you need to compare with the genuine version. In addition, if possible, it is worth checking for any inconsistencies in the physical components of the accelerator, including the cooling radiator and port locations, stickers on the back of the board and the GPU chip itself.

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Фото: Videocardz

3. Consulting with Nvidia Customer Support

If in doubt, contact Nvidia Customer Support and provide the product serial number for authentication. In addition, you can take advantage of the Sahara Tech consultation.

4. Community assistance

You can join online forums and communities like Nvidia Developer Forums and Reddit dedicated to GPUs, where participants share experiences and tips for identifying fakes.

By following these guidelines and being vigilant at the time of purchase, you can significantly reduce the risk of purchasing a fake Nvidia H100 accelerator. You should always prioritize purchases on trusted platforms.

At Sahara Tech, we are always ready to help! If you have placed an order or have questions, do not hesitate to contact us. You can contact us by email info@saharatech.ae or call us directly at + 971 4 252 5632. We are always ready to help!^[1]