> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nebulablock.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nebulablock.com/products/gpu-cloud/quickstart.md).

# Quickstart

Deploy your first Nebula Block GPU instance: pick hardware and a region, attach an SSH key, and connect.

Deploy your first GPU instance.

## Before you start

* [Create an account](https://console.nebulablock.com/register), or sign in with Google.
* **Deposit $10 to reach Tier 3**, which is what unlocks GPU instances. CPU instances need Tier 2 ($5). See [Tiers and Rate Limits](/account/tiers-and-limits.md).
* [Add an SSH key](/products/gpu-cloud/ssh-keys.md) so you can log into the instance once it is running.

## Create a GPU Instance

Open [**Deploy**](https://console.nebulablock.com/deploy) in the console.

* Choose a Location
  * Canada, the United States, Finland, France, or Norway. Pick the region closest to you, or the one your data-residency requirements call for.
* Select Hardware Configuration
  * Choose from the available GPU options:

    * NVIDIA B300 / B200: Blackwell-class training and inference.
    * NVIDIA H200: Large-model training and high-throughput inference.
    * NVIDIA H100: Large-scale training, also offered as container and bare metal.
    * NVIDIA A100: AI/ML training and data analytics.
    * NVIDIA L40 / L40S: Cost-effective inference and graphics workloads.
    * NVIDIA RTX series: Budget-friendly rendering and smaller jobs.

    Configurations run from a single GPU up to 8-GPU nodes, and 10 in some regions. What is in stock varies by region — the [Deploy](https://console.nebulablock.com/deploy) page shows current availability.
* Choose an Operating System/Image
* Select an SSH Public Key (if applicable)
  * Create or select an existing SSH public key for secure access to the instance.
  * Note that some instances may not support SSH Public Keys yet, in which case a secure username and password will be provided to you.
* Set a Server Name
  * Assign a meaningful name to your instance for easy identification.
* Deploy
  * Review your configuration and click "Deploy". Your instance will be provisioned and ready within minutes.

## Connect to Your GPU Instance

**SSH Key Authentication**

Once your instance is running, connect to it using SSH:

```bash
ssh -i /path/to/your/private/key username@instance-ip
```

* Replace `/path/to/your/private/key` with the path to your private SSH key.
* Replace `username` with the username of your instance, and replace `instance-ip` with the public IP Address of your instance. You can find the username and Public IP Address information in your instance detail page.

**Password Authentication**

Once your instance is running, connect to it using SSH:

```bash
ssh username@instance-ip
```

* You'll then be prompted for your password. Simply enter it and press Enter.
* Replace `username` with the username of your instance, and replace `instance-ip` with the public IP Address of your instance.
* You can find the username, password and Public IP Address in your instance detail page.

## Manage Your Instance

* Open [**Instances**](https://console.nebulablock.com/instance) in the console to see everything you have running, and click through for an instance's details, credentials, and firewall rules.
* Use the controls there to power on, power off, reboot, or terminate an instance. Some configurations support only terminate.
* The same actions are available through the API — see [Instances](/api-reference/platform-api/list-products/list-instances.md).

> **Important:** An instance is billed for as long as it exists, whether or not it is powered on. Terminate anything you are finished with, and keep an eye on your balance — instances are deleted automatically if you run out of credit.

## See also

* [GPU Cloud](/products/gpu-cloud.md)
* [SSH Keys](/products/gpu-cloud/ssh-keys.md)
* [Billing](/getting-started/get-started/billing.md)