Secure Short-Term GPU Capacity: EC2 Capacity Blocks for ML & SageMaker Training Plans

AI Impact Summary

This post outlines strategies for securing short-term GPU capacity for ML workloads, offering two primary options: Amazon EC2 Capacity Blocks for ML and Amazon SageMaker training plans. Capacity Blocks provide self-service reservations with a discounted rate (40-50%) and better availability for P-type instances, ideal for load testing and event preparation. SageMaker training plans offer a managed service with reserved capacity, but with limitations on instance types (G-type excluded) and a different pricing model based on upfront commitments.