AI GPU Buyer's Guide for Local LLMs
Choose the best GPU for local LLM performance with practical VRAM targets, workload-specific recommendations, and clear budget-to-workstation upgrade paths.
Budget ($200 – $600)
Entry-level GPUs for running 7B parameter models. Great for hobbyists and experimentation.
VRAM: 6GB – 12GB1 GPU
Mid-Range ($600 – $1,500)
The sweet spot for AI. Run 13B-30B models comfortably with good token throughput.
VRAM: 12GB – 24GB1 GPU
Premium ($1,500 – $4,000)
High-end GPUs for 70B+ models and multi-GPU setups. Professional-grade performance.
VRAM: 24GB – 48GB1-2 GPUs
Workstation ($4,000+)
Multi-GPU workstations and server-grade hardware for the largest open models.
VRAM: 48GB – 192GB+2-4 GPUs