LLM inference: tokens served, costs under control

LLM inference refers to the process in which a trained large language model processes new inputs and then makes predictions, answers or decisions – for example generating a text, analysing content or classifying data.

Inference is the step in which AI shows its knowledge: it analyses new data and responds to it. Without fast, reliable inference a trained model remains theoretical – only high-performance inference makes it usable in everyday life, e.g. in chatbots, diagnostic systems or automated processes.

GPUs enable the parallel processing of large data volumes, which is essential for compute-intensive tasks such as LLM inference. GPUs therefore make the real-world use of LLMs feasible in the first place; inference on CPUs is theoretical only. They also improve response times and ensure efficient use of resources – especially with large language models.

As a rule of thumb: as soon as your token bill permanently exceeds the cost of a suitable GPU instance, or data protection rules out external APIs. An RTX A4000 from €92.59 per month already serves quantised models in production – check your volume in the price calculator.

GPU dedicated servers offer maximum predictability and constant performance – but are less flexible when load peaks occur or additional resources are needed at short notice. Cloud GPUs, on the other hand, enable fast provisioning, flexible scalability and usage-based costs. For LLM inference this is often the more efficient solution, as additional GPUs can be added as needed and no long-term hardware investment is required.

The starting prices are deliberately low: Cloud GPU from €92.59 per month, Kubernetes from €29.99 per month and Advanced Monitoring from €4.99 per month. New accounts receive a €200 starting credit valid for 60 days – you can calculate the cost of your specific configuration transparently using the price calculator.

With cloud GPUs in Germany, companies should above all pay attention to data sovereignty, transparent resource provisioning and a stable network connection. Computing resources should be operated in German data centres to ensure GDPR compliance and avoid risks from extraterritorial laws such as the US CLOUD Act. The centron cloud is additionally attested to BSI C5:2020 Type 1, creating traceability for security- and compliance-critical workloads. Low latency and guaranteed performance are equally important: many international providers work with oversubscription, where several users share a GPU. That can lead to fluctuating performance. centron offers scalable resources, clear SLAs and locally connected infrastructure so that LLM inference runs reliably, quickly and without performance drops.

centron offers powerful cloud GPU instances from its ISO-certified data centre in Hallstadt. You benefit from high availability, fast scalability, GDPR compliance and a transparent cost structure – ideal for production AI applications in sensitive industries.

Cloud GPUs enable flexible use as needed, avoid high investment costs and offer immediate access to scalable computing power. Especially with changing requirements or short-term projects, these are clear advantages over rigid on-premises infrastructure.

LLM inference is used in numerous areas: healthcare, e.g. for diagnostics or patient communication; the financial sector for analysis, advice or fraud detection; technology & industry for process automation, quality control or system monitoring; across industries within companies for knowledge management with RAG. With centron cloud GPUs these scenarios can be implemented with high performance and privacy compliance.

Yes – that is the central advantage of your own inference: with API services from third countries, prompts and thus frequently personal content leave the EU. If the model runs on centron GPUs, inputs, context and outputs remain entirely in Germany and are not used for third-party training purposes. Operations take place in data centres certified to ISO 27001 based on IT-Grundschutz; for ccloud³ / Managed Cloud there is an unqualified BSI C5:2020 Type 1 attestation. Details can be found in the Trust Center.

centron offers flexible server solutions for different requirements: virtual machines for scalable cloud infrastructures and managed servers for the supported operation of business-critical systems. Companies thus get exactly the infrastructure that fits their needs: from maximum technical flexibility to comprehensive all-round service.