Accelerator and VRAM
Model fit, context, concurrency, quantization, and software support matter more than a model-number hierarchy.
Hardware Lab · Components
Design a system, not a spec sheet.
Component choices become meaningful only after the workload, privacy boundary, software stack, failure tolerance, and upgrade horizon are stated.
Decision surfaces
Six constraints to evaluate together.
The right balance changes by model, workload, privacy class, electricity cost, and operator tolerance.
System memory
Working sets, model loading, data preparation, and concurrent services need headroom beyond the accelerator.
Storage
Capacity, sustained throughput, endurance, backup, and provenance affect more than launch time.
Power and thermals
Electrical limits, sustained load, noise, airflow, and safe operation shape real throughput.
Networking
Remote access, data movement, segmentation, and failure recovery belong in the deployment boundary.
Upgrade path
Slots, lanes, power budget, physical clearance, firmware, and resale change the useful life of a build.