If you have a PC and want to run private AI — chat with local models, use AI agents, keep your data on your machine — this is where you start.
You need three things: Ollama (runs the models), a model (like Llama 3.1 8B), and optionally Open WebUI (a ChatGPT-like interface). If you have 8GB+ VRAM or 16GB+ RAM, you can run local AI today. Start with the install guide below.
Local AI means running AI models on your own computer — not sending your data to OpenAI, Google, or any cloud service. The model runs on your GPU or CPU, your conversations never leave your machine, and it works without internet.
It's private, it's free (no API costs), and in 2026 the models are good enough for real work — research, writing, coding, document analysis, and more.
You have a gaming PC or mini PC and want to put that GPU to work running AI.
You want agents, MCP, local coding assistants, and automation workflows.
You want a private AI assistant for documents, emails, and internal knowledge.
You want your notes to become useful with AI memory and agent workflows.
| Tier | GPU (VRAM) | RAM | What You Can Run |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 6GB VRAM | 16GB | 7B models (4-bit quantized) — usable but tight |
| Recommended | 12GB VRAM | 32GB | 8B–14B models — good speed and quality |
| Enthusiast | 24GB VRAM | 64GB+ | 14B–70B models — fast, large context |
| CPU Only | None | 32GB+ | 7B models — slow but works (5–10 tokens/sec) |
Not sure where you fall? Get a $99 Setup Review and I'll tell you exactly what your PC can run.
If you're starting from zero, install these three things in this order:
ollama run llama3.1:8b. It's the best general-purpose beginner model.Machine: MSI laptop (dual GPU setup)
GPU: NVIDIA RTX 5070 Ti Laptop (12GB) + RTX 5070 (12GB)
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX (20 cores)
RAM: 96GB
OS: Ubuntu 26.04 LTS
Date: July 2026
| Tool | What It Is | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Ollama | Model runner (CLI + API) | Running models — the engine |
| Open WebUI | Web interface for Ollama | ChatGPT-like experience |
| LM Studio | All-in-one GUI app | Beginners who want a desktop app |
Our recommendation: Ollama + Open WebUI. More powerful, more flexible, and free. See the full comparison →
Do not expose your local AI to the internet without authentication. Ollama and Open WebUI default to localhost-only access, but people accidentally open them to the network or internet. Exposed servers are a real security risk. We'll cover this in every setup guide.
Get the Local AI Starter Checklist — verify your hardware is ready before you install anything.
Get the Free Checklist →Send me your PC specs and I'll tell you exactly what to install, what models to run, and what to avoid. $99 launch price.
Get a $99 Setup Review →