Rent a GPU

Guides for running AI on your own computer

Written for people who have never done this before. Start with the picker, or jump straight to the guide you need.

Start here: pick a model for meUpgrade or rent?

Install an app

LM Studio is easiest; Ollama is one command. Both are free.

LM Studio on WindowsPoint and click. Easiest start.LM Studio on MacPoint and click. Easiest start.LM Studio on LinuxPoint and click. Easiest start.Ollama on WindowsOne command. Works with other apps.Ollama on MacOne command. Works with other apps.Ollama on LinuxOne command. Works with other apps.

Set up your GPU or Mac

The best models for your hardware and the exact steps to run them.

NVIDIA

AMD

Apple

Fix a problem

What to do when a model won't load, runs slowly, ignores your GPU or gives odd answers.

Out of memory or won't load

The model plus its working memory doesn't fit in your graphics memory. Here is how to make it fit, from the easiest fix to the most advanced.

It's really slow

Most slowness comes from the model not fitting fully in graphics memory, or from "thinking" models reasoning before they answer.

It's not using my GPU

If your graphics card sits idle while the CPU does all the work, one of these is usually the reason.

Weird, wrong or repeating answers

Local models can be excellent, but small or badly configured ones make mistakes that paid assistants don't. Here is what to check.