Open-source LLM inference

Self-hosted vLLM inference server on AWS and Google Cloud

Serve the open model of your choice from your own GPU with vLLM, the high-throughput inference engine. The pre-configured image comes with NVIDIA drivers, CUDA and an OpenAI-compatible API, and you pay for the GPU instead of per token.

  • GPU drivers pre-installed
  • OpenAI-compatible API
  • No per-token fees
vLLM inference server deployed on AWS by Meetrix

What is vLLM?

vLLM is an open-source, Apache 2.0 engine for serving large language models. PagedAttention and continuous batching keep GPU memory and compute busy across many requests, which gives high throughput and low latency under load. Its OpenAI-compatible HTTP API means code written for the OpenAI SDK works with a change of base URL.

What's in the Meetrix vLLM image

The hard part of self-hosting vLLM is the GPU toolchain. The marketplace image ships with drivers, CUDA and the container runtime already matched to the GPU.

How to set up a self-hosted vLLM server

  1. Check your GPU quota

    New AWS accounts and GCP projects often have a GPU quota of zero. Request an increase for your region before launching.

  2. Launch with your model

    Subscribe on AWS Marketplace or Google Cloud Marketplace, choose a GPU machine and enter the Hugging Face model ID, such as Qwen/Qwen2.5-7B-Instruct.

  3. Wait for the model to load

    On first boot vLLM downloads the weights and loads them onto the GPU, which takes 5-15 minutes depending on the model.

  4. Secure it and call the API

    Restrict access to trusted IPs or add authentication, then point any OpenAI client at https://your-domain/v1.

Choose your cloud

vLLM on Google Cloud

The same inference server as a Google Cloud Marketplace image, deployed on a GPU VM in your own GCP project.

Deploys with
Marketplace deployment form
Recommended size
g2-standard-8 (L4, 24 GB)
Free trial
5 days, up to USD 50 licence credit

Setup guides

Launch on Google Cloud

vLLM GPU sizing

vLLM needs an NVIDIA GPU; CPU-only machines will not work. Pick a machine whose GPU memory fits the model you want to serve.

CloudMachine typeGPUGood for
AWSg5.2xlarge1× NVIDIA A10G, 24 GB7B to 8B models
AWSg5.12xlarge or g6e sizesMore GPU memoryLarger models, higher concurrency
Google Cloudg2-standard-81× NVIDIA L4, 24 GB7B to 8B models
Google CloudLarger L4 or a2 (A100) typesMore GPU memoryLarger models, longer context

If the logs show an out-of-memory error, choose a smaller or quantised model, or a larger machine.

vLLM by Meetrix vs Together AI vs Amazon Bedrock

vLLM by MeetrixTogether AIAmazon Bedrock
HostingA GPU instance in your own accountTogether's cloudAWS-managed, not an instance in your VPC
Pricing modelGPU instance rate, no per-token feePay per tokenPay per token
Model choiceAny Hugging Face model that fits your GPUTogether's model catalogueBedrock's model catalogue
Data locationYour own AWS account or GCP projectTogether's infrastructureAWS's shared infrastructure

With vLLM, your prompts and the model weights stay on infrastructure you control. Read the full vLLM on AWS comparison →

vLLM FAQ

What is vLLM?

An open-source inference and serving engine for large language models. PagedAttention and continuous batching give it high throughput and low latency, and its OpenAI-compatible API lets OpenAI SDKs talk to your own model without code changes.

Which machine should I choose?

A GPU machine: g5.2xlarge (one A10G, 24 GB) on AWS or g2-standard-8 (one L4, 24 GB) on Google Cloud for 7B to 8B models. Move to larger GPU types for bigger models or more concurrency.

Which models can I run?

Any Hugging Face model that fits in your GPU memory, including Llama, Qwen, Mistral, Gemma and Phi. Set it by repository ID at deployment; gated or private models also need a Hugging Face token.

Is the API secured by default?

No. The endpoint answers anyone who can reach it. Restrict the security group or firewall to trusted IPs, put it behind a VPN or an authenticating proxy, or run vLLM with an API key before exposing it.

How do I call it from my code?

Point any OpenAI-compatible client at https://your-domain/v1 and use the chat completions or completions route with the model you deployed. Swagger UI at /docs lists every route.

Why do I get a 502 error after launch?

vLLM is still downloading the model weights and loading them onto the GPU. Wait 5-15 minutes and refresh.

How do I change the model?

Update the model setting (the ModelName stack parameter on AWS, or the service configuration on the server) and restart vLLM. Make sure the new model fits your GPU memory.

Does stopping the server stop GPU billing?

Yes. Stopping the instance or VM halts GPU charges while keeping the disk, so you can start it again later.

vLLM guides and articles

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