PC Specs for Local AI: Hardware Guide for LLMs & Deep Learning

You’ve seen the headlines. AI is writing code, creating unbelievable art, and changing how we work. But what if you could harness that power on your own machine, right here in South Africa? Running models like Stable Diffusion or a local LLM offers privacy and control cloud services can’t match. This hardware guide breaks down the essential PC specs for local AI, ensuring you get the right gear without overspending. Let's get you started.

Intel Core Ultra 7 265K 5.3GHz RTX 5060 8GB DDR5 Gaming PC

R30764.00In Stock

AMD RYZEN 7 5700 4.6GHz A1000 Workstation PC

R18899.00In Stock

[Pre Built] AMD RYZEN 9 9900X RX 9070 XT Gaming PC

R43574.00In Stock

AMD RYZEN 9 9950X 5.7GHz Quadro RTX 5000 Ada 32GB DDR5 Workstation PC

R129779.00In Stock

Ryzen 5 9600X 5.4GHz RTX 5060 8GB DDR5 Budget Gaming PC

R22574.00In Stock

[Pre Built] HP OMEN 35L B1ZR4EA Intel Core Ultra 7 265K RTX 4080 SUPER Gaming PC

R49349.00In Stock

The GPU: Your AI Engine 🚀

When it comes to deep learning and running LLMs, your Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) does almost all the heavy lifting. Forget clockspeeds for a moment; the single most important metric is VRAM (Video RAM). Think of VRAM as the GPU's dedicated workspace. If a model is 10GB, you need more than 10GB of VRAM to load and run it effectively.

For this reason, NVIDIA GPUs with their CUDA core architecture are the undisputed champions in the AI space. While AMD is improving, the vast majority of AI software is optimised for CUDA.

• Entry-Level AI: An NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 with 12GB of VRAM is a fantastic starting point. It offers enough memory for many popular models without breaking the bank.
• Serious Hobbyist: The RTX 4060 Ti (16GB) or RTX 4070 series provide a significant boost in performance and VRAM, letting you tackle more complex tasks. Many of the best gaming PC deals feature these powerful cards, making them excellent dual-purpose machines.

RYZEN 5 8500G 5.0GHz with Vega Graphics DDR5 PC

R11759.00In Stock

[Pre Built] AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D RX 9070 XT Gaming PC

R71399.00In Stock

AMD RYZEN 7 5700 RTX Pro 2000 Workstation PC

R24884.00In Stock

Intel Core Ultra 7 265K 5.5GHz RX 9070 XT 16GB DDR5 Gaming PC

R40949.00In Stock

Intel Core Ultra 7 265K RTX Pro 4500 DDR5 Workstation PC

R79169.00In Stock

RYZEN 5 9600X 5.2GHz GT 710 2GB DDR5 PC

R15434.00In Stock

System RAM: The Unsung Hero

While the GPU's VRAM holds the AI model, your system RAM is crucial for everything else. It juggles the operating system, the application you're using, and the data you're feeding the model. For AI work, 16GB is the absolute minimum, but 32GB is the realistic sweet spot. It prevents system bottlenecks, ensuring your powerful GPU isn't left waiting for data. If you're serious about this, exploring PCs over R20,000 will typically land you in that comfortable 32GB+ territory.

CPU and Storage: The Support Crew 🔧

Your Central Processing Unit (CPU) and storage might not be the stars of the show, but they play vital supporting roles.

RYZEN 5 9600X 5.4GHz A1000 8GB DDR5 Workstation PC

R25199.00In Stock

Intel 14th Gen Core i3 14100F 4.7GHz ARC A380 6GB Gaming PC

R11549.00In Stock

RYZEN 5 9600X 5.2GHz GT 710 2GB DDR5 PC

R15434.00In Stock

RYZEN 5 9600X 5.2GHz ARC B580 12GB DDR5 Gaming PC

R22259.00In Stock

RYZEN 7 7800X3D 5.0GHz RTX 5060 Ti 16GB DDR5 Gaming PC

R27299.00In Stock

[Pre Built] AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D RX 9070 XT Gaming PC

R71399.00In Stock

CPU (Processor)

The CPU isn't doing the core AI calculations, but it handles data preparation, loading tasks, and overall system responsiveness. You don't need a top-of-the-line processor. A modern 6-core CPU like an AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5 is more than enough to keep your AI workflow running smoothly.

Storage

Speed is everything. Models and datasets can be massive, and loading them from a slow hard drive is painful. A fast NVMe SSD is non-negotiable. It drastically cuts down load times, getting you from idea to result much faster. Aim for at least a 1TB NVMe drive to start. Many of our well-balanced pre-built PC deals come standard with fast NVMe storage.

[Pre Built] AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D RTX 5070 Ti Gaming PC

R51134.00In Stock

Intel Core Ultra 5 245K 5.2GHz RTX 5060 Ti 16GB DDR5 Gaming PC

R30659.00In Stock

AMD RYZEN 7 5700 RTX Pro 2000 Workstation PC

R24884.00In Stock

AMD RYZEN 9 9950X 5.7GHz Quadro RTX 5000 Ada 32GB DDR5 Workstation PC

R129779.00In Stock

[Pre Built] AMD RYZEN 7 9700X RX 9070 XT Gaming PC

R40739.00In Stock

Intel 14th Gen Core i3 14100F 4.7GHz ARC A380 6GB Gaming PC

R11549.00In Stock

Building on a Budget: Your Local AI Starting Point

Getting the right PC specs for local AI doesn't have to cost a fortune. The key is smart allocation. Prioritise your budget on the component that matters most: the GPU with the highest VRAM you can afford. You can often find excellent value in budget gaming PCs, which balance a capable GPU with cost-effective components elsewhere. Even with a tighter budget, exploring powerful PCs under R20k can get you a machine that’s ready for your first steps into the exciting world of local AI.