Epoch AI modeled the total cost of ownership of a typical 1-gigawatt AI data center built by a US hyperscaler around Nvidia's GB200 NVL72 systems, and found the up-front capital expenditure alone comes to $38 billion for one hyperscale AI data center
Epoch AI modeled the total cost of ownership for a typical 1-gigawatt AI data center, owned and operated by a US hyperscaler, using Nvidia's GB200 NVL72 systems. Their model found that the up-front capital expenditure for such a data center is $38 billion. This figure represents the initial investment required before any operating expenses.
Verified 2026-09-13
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A single large AI site costs as much as a major infrastructure project, before it earns anything.
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