Host hardware selection

Key concepts

• Start with the task, candidate model, context, and peak concurrency. Then choose full-GPU or hybrid inference and budget host RAM and VRAM together.
• Check CPU PCIe lanes, board wiring, DIMM slots, and supported memory. Four DIMM slots and four memory channels are different specifications.
• Check case clearance, power, cooling, and expansion room. Size the host and GPUs together.

Checkpoint

Two developers need a coding-agent pilot in four weeks, with possible department-wide use in three months. Where do you invest first?

1. Reuse a workstation for the pilot

   Fits teams with existing hardware and uncertain demand.

   Tradeoffs · Low initial spend, with limits in lanes, memory, power, and serviceability.

   Verify · Measure bug-fix acceptance, human intervention, and concurrent queueing before upgrading.

2. Buy an expandable workstation

   Fits office teams that tune and expand gradually.

   Tradeoffs · Pay for expansion early and verify dual-card wiring, spacing, power, and noise.

   Verify · Require a populated layout, DIMM configuration, and sustained-load test.

3. Deploy an enterprise server

   Fits teams with rack facilities, operations staff, and shared demand.

   Tradeoffs · Management and serviceability help, but chassis, facilities, and support add cost.

   Verify · Verify supported GPUs, cooling, fault alerts, and recovery for the exact model.

Hands-on check

Produce a host inventory with populated PCIe widths, available RAM, power, and cooling.

References

• See the PCIe and DIMM animations
• Build reference · Hobby Engineered

Illustration credits

• PILOT WORKSTATION · AI-generated concept illustration. Verify actual specifications in product documentation.
• EXPANDABLE WORKSTATION · AI-generated concept illustration. Verify actual specifications in product documentation.
• ENTERPRISE SERVER · AI-generated concept illustration. Verify actual specifications in product documentation.

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