Hardware pick
NVIDIA GPU (12GB+ VRAM)
For when a mini PC's CPU-only ceiling isn't enough - larger models, faster responses, or local image generation.
Why a GPU changes the equation
Our mini PC guide is deliberately CPU-only - that covers most people well. A discrete GPU is for the specific cases Building a Full PC for Local AI covers: larger models, faster responses, or image generation, which leans on a GPU far more heavily than text models do.
What to look for
- NVIDIA, not AMD - the CUDA-based software ecosystem this site's guides depend on is built around NVIDIA first
- 12GB VRAM minimum for real headroom with 13B-class models; 16GB+ if larger models or image generation are the goal
- VRAM matters more than clock speed for this use case - a card with more VRAM at a lower clock will often outperform a faster card with less
Good for: anyone who outgrew a mini PC's CPU-only ceiling, or specifically wants image generation at a usable speed.
We don't pin this to one specific card - GPU pricing and availability shifts constantly, and today's best value pick is often gone in a few months. This search link goes straight to current NVIDIA options on Amazon:
See current GPU options on Amazon →This is an Amazon affiliate link. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you - it's one of the ways this site stays free.