Why run AI locally

What do you actually gain by running an AI model on your own computer instead of a cloud chatbot? This series takes one advantage at a time, with sources, and ends with when the cloud is still the better choice.

Published

Illustrated thumbnail: “Where Do Chats Go?” with a chat bubble, a cloud and a house with a padlock

Part 1 · 7 min read

Where do your AI chats go, and does a local model keep them private?

Cloud chatbots keep your chats for 72 hours to 5 years depending on the service and your settings. A local model keeps them on your own computer.

Part 2 · 7 min read

Is local AI cheaper than a ChatGPT or Claude subscription?

ChatGPT Plus, Claude Pro and Google AI Pro cost about $20 a month. A $607 mini PC equals 30 months of that. Here is the math, and why it isn’t a like-for-like trade.

Illustrated thumbnail: “Works With No Internet?” with a laptop and a crossed-out Wi-Fi symbol

Part 3 · 6 min read

Can you use AI with no internet connection?

Yes, with a local model. You need the internet once to install the app and download a model; after that, chatting runs entirely on your computer.

Illustrated thumbnail: “Limits and Rules Change” with a gauge in the red and labels reading Limit reached and Model retired

Part 4 · 7 min read

Why do cloud AI limits and rules keep changing, and does local AI avoid that?

Cloud plans cap how much you can use and retire models on the provider’s schedule. A model on your own drive has no usage cap and stays the same until you change it.

Coming in this series

Is local AI faster than ChatGPT? Latency explained
How do you customize a local AI model?
Will your AI tools still work in five years?
Is local AI a good fit for families and small businesses?
When is cloud AI still better than running it locally?

New parts are planned weekly. Want to see what your PC can run now? Try What fits my memory.