GPU Lifespan in Data Centers: Physical vs. Economic
Data center GPUs physically last 5+ years, but economic replacement cycles are 2-4 years due to rapid performance gains. Resale or GPU-as-a-Service models help maximize value.
Data center GPUs physically last 5+ years, but economic replacement cycles are 2-4 years due to rapid performance gains. Resale or GPU-as-a-Service models help maximize value.
Flex’s $4.4B EPC Power deal adds 800V DC and grid-forming technology as AI data center rack densities rise and operators rethink power delivery.
Recursive self-improvement is touted as AI’s next major milestone. If it’s ever achieved, the impact will be felt across the data center industry and far beyond.
AI data centers' massive capital investments are at risk from corrosion, which begins during construction – not operations – yet preservation is rarely included in project governance or early planning.
Power and water aren’t the only constraints on new builds. In many markets, fiber access and diversity now determine where facilities can be located and how quickly they can scale.
AWS is building a 420 Tbps subsea cable between Japan and Washington State, which is scheduled to enter service in 2029, to support AI workloads and expand trans-Pacific network capacity.
Effective protection depends on early design integration and a holistic approach that considers building construction, emergency procedures, and operational resilience – not just code compliance.
While alternatives to evaporative cooling exist, most data centers don’t adopt them because the economics currently don’t justify the higher capital costs and operational complexity.
A California judge says Imperial County must review a proposed 330 MW data center and its power, water, battery, and generation infrastructure.
AI is reshaping the construction lifecycle. At Ai4 2026, AEC leaders shared how firms are applying AI across design, logistics, safety, and operations, while tackling data standards, culture change, and scaling.
AI’s explosive growth is forcing a fundamental reimagining of data center infrastructure.