BEFORE YOU BUY · Local AI
Build for local AI
Compare a GPU workstation with a compact BOSGAME system, then shortlist parts around your model, memory and software.
Research-based buying guidance. We explain what to check; we have not tested the products in this guide.
Start with the workload
Write down the exact model and quantization, the context length you need, your operating system and your intended runtime. A private coding assistant, document search and image generation can have different requirements. Inference and training are different buying decisions.
Budget memory for the model, context/KV cache, runtime and operating system. Leave room for the other applications you intend to keep open. If the setup depends on CPU offload, check whether its response speed will suit you rather than treating “loads successfully” as the whole result.
Memory and software first
| Approach | Memory to plan | Software and expansion checks |
|---|---|---|
| Discrete NVIDIA GPU build | The card has dedicated VRAM. System RAM and SSD space serve other roles; they do not automatically enlarge VRAM. | Check the runtime, driver, full-system power, GPU clearance and cooling. A second GPU does not automatically pool its memory with the first. |
| Compact AMD integrated-GPU system | The CPU and integrated GPU use shared system memory, not an equivalent amount of dedicated GDDR VRAM. | Check the OS, driver/backend and firmware memory allocation. Confirm which RAM and storage can be upgraded on the exact system. |
Ollama lists RTX 5060 Ti and RTX 5080 in its NVIDIA support table. Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 appear in its Linux ROCm list; the Windows ROCm list is different, and Vulkan provides another backend. Support is specific to the software stack, not a promise that every model or app will work. Read the current Ollama hardware requirements.
Four parts to compare
These are individual comparison candidates, not a complete compatible build or four parts you need to buy together. The two graphics cards both have 16GB of memory. A higher compute tier is not automatically a larger-model tier.
These are ordinary store links, without an affiliate commission. Check the current seller, condition, regional warranty and availability at the store.
Manufacturer-supplied product image of ASUS DUAL-RTX5060TI-O16G.
Image credit · Open Icecat 1.4Database Right data-sheet 2026 Icecat. All rights reserved.
Open Icecat content is provided AS IS without warranty.
Complete licenseA 16GB NVIDIA starting point
ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti OC 16GB
The DUAL-RTX5060TI-O16G has 16GB GDDR7. Compare the exact board and current offer against your runtime and model requirements.
Check before choosing: Select the 16GB OC model, not the 8GB card. Check case fit, the 8-pin power connection and complete-system PSU requirements.
View at Newegg →
A different compute tier
ASUS Prime RTX 5080 OC 16GB
The PRIME-RTX5080-O16G also has 16GB GDDR7. Consider it when your workload justifies the compute tier; this guide does not establish a measured speed advantage.
Check before choosing: It does not provide more nominal VRAM than the 16GB 5060 Ti. Check the 16-pin connection, PSU and 304mm card clearance.
View at Newegg →
The workstation host
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X
The boxed 100-100001277WOF is a 16-core, 32-thread AM5 processor. Choose the host around the rest of your workstation and the work you do outside GPU inference.
Check before choosing: Motherboard BIOS, RAM support and CPU cooling. The processor alone is not a substitute for an AI accelerator.
View at Newegg →
Space for models and projects
Samsung 990 EVO Plus 2TB
The MZ-V9S2T0B/AM is a 2TB NVMe M.2 drive. Count model downloads, datasets, environments and backups when choosing storage.
Check before choosing: M.2 slot/interface and heatsink clearance. This is the bare 2TB EVO Plus, not a 990 PRO or another capacity; confirm the seller and regional warranty.
View at Newegg →BOSGAME: two compact options
For readers who want a compact system, the M5 and M6 are worth comparing on configuration and software support. This is a specification-based comparison, not a hands-on review or a Nerdy Deals brand endorsement. Their shared memory is not dedicated GPU VRAM.
| Configuration | What you are comparing | Check before buying |
|---|---|---|
| M5 — Ryzen AI Max+ 395 / 128GB / 2TB | Radeon 8060S integrated graphics and 128GB LPDDR5X shared system memory. A compact shared-memory option to investigate for local inference. | Select M5 395_128G+2TB and your plug region. Installed RAM is not a guarantee of usable GPU/model memory; verify allocation and runtime behavior. |
| M6 — Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 / 32GB / 1TB | Radeon 890M integrated graphics and 32GB DDR5 system memory. Compare it for development and smaller workloads rather than assume it serves the same memory needs as the M5. | Check the exact configuration, OS/backend, sustained workload behavior and upgrade documentation. |
As observed October 24, 2026, the M5 128GB direct listing showed preorder with a stated 20–35 day lead time. Recheck delivery before ordering. The store also offers a 96GB option; that is a different configuration, and this comparison links to the family page with instructions to select 128GB.
View M5 at BOSGAME · View M6 at BOSGAME. These are ordinary direct links without an affiliate commission. Confirm the selected variant, current seller terms, support and regional warranty at the store.
Check the whole system
- Confirm the exact model, quantization and context in the runtime you plan to use. Avoid choosing by a TOPS headline or a vendor maximum-parameter claim.
- For a parts build, check socket/BIOS, DIMM support, GPU dimensions, power cabling, cooling and available storage slots together.
- For a compact system, confirm firmware and driver support, memory allocation, upgrade limits and return terms for your region.
- Separate software compatibility from memory fit and response speed. This guide supplies no measured token rate or model-fit guarantee.
Use the PC builder to organize candidate parts and check recorded compatibility evidence. Its existing templates are general starting points, not validated local-LLM workstation recipes.
Sources
YOUR NEXT STEP
Put the checklist to work
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