Hardware comparison for local LLaMA workloads: MacBook Pro vs eGPU vs Mini PC
Evaluate GPU RAM and eGPU compatibility for local LLaMA workloads.
Assess GPU RAM and eGPU setup to match local LLaMA requirements.
Summary
A Reddit user asks which machine to choose for local LLaMA workloads when priced similarly at around $3000. The options discussed include a MacBook Pro 16" with 48 GB of GPU RAM, a laptop with a 20 GB AMD GPU in an eGPU dock paired with 32 GB of system RAM, and a 64 GB RAM mini PC. The user notes that the MacBook Air has 24 GB of RAM and that the 20 GB GPU is available in an eGPU setup with a Strix Halo. They wonder whether the 20 GB GPU would make sense in an eGPU configuration with the Strix Halo. The discussion also touches on the relative ease of use of Drawthings on macOS versus comfyUI on other platforms.
The post highlights the trade‑off between GPU memory, system RAM, and the convenience of macOS for local LLaMA usage, prompting readers to evaluate their own hardware constraints.
Key changes
- 48 GB vs 96 GB GPU RAM available on different setups
- 24 GB MacBook Air with 24 GB system RAM
- 20 GB AMD GPU in eGPU dock with 32 GB RAM laptop
- 64 GB RAM mini PC
- Strix Halo eGPU considered for 20 GB GPU