GPU, VRAM, Unified Memory, Apple Silicon, used server hardware, or a compact Intel NUC. This guide walks you through which hardware suits which model sizes, when a Mac Studio makes sense, and why secondhand equipment often delivers the best value. Includes buying advice from mini PCs to full workstations.
Why this matters: The most expensive hardware upgrade is one you didn’t actually need.
The checklist below follows the order that makes learning most natural: understand first, experiment second, then deepen your knowledge. Check off what you’ve already read or implemented. Your progress saves locally in your browser.
Getting Started & Overview
AI Hardware Fundamentals
Apple Silicon for Local AI
Used Server Hardware for Local AI
GPU Comparison for Local AI
AI Hardware Buying Guide
Installing Proxmox on an Intel NUC
Installing Proxmox on a Mac Pro Trashcan
Done? Continue with the next category in the free AI learning path.