What is one month earlier worth? The time value of an AI data center
One formula turns construction time into GPU revenue.
When comparing ways to build, it is worth counting time as well as construction cost.
One formula
Monthly GPU revenue = GPU count × hourly rate per GPU × 730 hours × utilization
An example
1,024 GPUs at $2 per GPU-hour and 70% utilization bring in about $1.05M a month. Going live six months earlier is worth roughly $6.28M in gross revenue. These figures are only an example; use your actual rates and utilization.
Also consider
- This is gross revenue, before power, operations and depreciation
- Utilization takes time to ramp up
- GPU rental rates move with the market
Put time value and construction cost side by side and the choice becomes clearer.