Internal emails from August 2026 reveal the company expected $5 billion in GB300 server racks, plus $3 billion in other hardware. AWS utilizes an "Early Rack Receipt" program to pay for AI infrastructure before it is operational.
The practice has led to "Dark GPUs," where chips remain idle in warehouses due to power shortages at data centers. Some teams lack predictable timelines for deployment, while others face design flaws that prevent full utilization of the connected hardware.
Amazon projects $220 billion in 2026 capital expenditures despite recent negative free cash flow. CEO maintains these AI investments offer high returns, while spokespeople say storing hardware near sites ensures rapid installation once ready.