Smelt Cloud vs Google Cloud
Matched at equal memory: GCP's n2-highmem-64 gives 32 physical cores and 512 GB; Smelt's Compute node gives 64 physical cores at the same 512 GB, with NVMe and free egress included. The price below is GCP's public on-demand list rate, compute only.
Google Cloud figures verified Apr 5, 2026
| Dimension | Google Cloud n2-highmem-64 | Smelt Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Memory (matched) | 512 GB | 512 GB ECC |
| Physical cores | 32 (64 vCPU, shared SMT) | 64 (whole dedicated server) |
| Monthly price | $3,061 on-demand ($1,377 3-yr), compute only | Compute tier — pricing Coming Soon (NVMe + egress included) |
| Storage | Persistent Disk billed separately | NVMe included with the node |
| Egress | Metered per GB, including cross-zone | Free on the included transfer allowance |
Comparisons match the closest Google Cloud configuration by cores and memory (compute) or by cost per terabyte (storage), and normalize for included storage and egress. Specs for both sides are shown so you can judge the fit.
Smelt Cloud as a Google Cloud alternative
As a Google Cloud alternative, Smelt targets the steady-state, memory-heavy workloads GCP prices at a premium. At equal RAM, Smelt's Compute node gives twice the physical cores of n2-highmem-64, plus included NVMe and free egress, where GCP bills disk and egress separately. For continuous compute and in-memory databases, dedicated hardware costs materially less.
Physical cores, not vCPUs
GCP's 64-vCPU instance is 32 physical cores on shared silicon. A comparable Smelt node gives you whole physical cores you do not share.
Storage and egress included
GCP bills Persistent Disk and metered egress separately. Smelt includes NVMe and a free transfer allowance with the node.
A high-bandwidth step-up
n2-highmem-64 is a high-memory instance. If your workload is memory-bandwidth-bound, Smelt's Compute Ultra tier adds dual-socket Xeon AMX with far higher bandwidth — a distinct step up from the core-matched Compute node above.
Where Google Cloud is the better fit
GCP autoscales, spans many regions, and offers deep managed data and ML services (BigQuery, Vertex AI) plus a strong compliance posture. For elastic workloads, global footprints, or GCP-specific managed products, it is the right tool. Smelt wins on cost for steady-state, memory-bound compute.
Questions, answered.
Does Smelt cost less than GCP high-memory instances?
For steady-state workloads, yes. A GCP n2-highmem-64 lists at roughly $3,061 per month on-demand before storage and egress; Smelt's dedicated equivalent is priced below that with NVMe and free egress included.
Why do the core counts differ?
GCP counts vCPUs, where two vCPUs equal one physical core via shared multithreading. Smelt quotes dedicated physical cores.
When should I stay on GCP?
For elastic or many-region workloads, or when you depend on GCP-specific managed services like BigQuery or Vertex AI.
- Google Cloud Compute pricing — verified Apr 5, 2026
Google Cloud and other names are trademarks of their respective owners. Smelt Cloud is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Google Cloud. Figures shown are the competitor's public list prices as of the dates above and may change; Smelt figures are effective rates described in our documentation. This comparison is provided for informational purposes.
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