Budget GPUs for AI
Entry-level GPUs for running 7B parameter models. Great for hobbyists and experimentation.
VRAM Range: 6GB – 12GB
Budget GPUs are perfect for getting started with local AI. You can run quantized 7B models comfortably, and even smaller 13B models at Q4 quantization.
Key considerations:
- Prioritize VRAM over raw speed
- 12GB is the sweet spot for this tier
- CUDA support is important for most frameworks
Recommended GPUs
RTX 3060 12GB
12GB GDDR6
RTX 4060 8GB
8GB GDDR6
Arc A770 16GB
16GB GDDR6
RTX 5060 12GB
12GB GDDR7