Best GPUs for Local LLMs in 2026

Ranked for local inference, VRAM efficiency, usable token speed, and real 2026 street pricing. Token speed measured running Llama 3 8B Q4 via Ollama on each card at stock settings.

Local AI:

RTX 3090—still dominates sub-$500 local AI builds—24 GB for ~$390 · eBay listings 24 GB VRAM—remains the strongest practical threshold for serious local LLM use RTX 3060 12GB—cheapest true entry card—~$145 used—runs small Llama models · check price Avoid high-price gaming cards with weak VRAM math—RTX 5080 at $1,149 gives only 16 GB RTX 4090—top consumer performance at 52 tok/s—but pricing is hard to justify vs 3090 used RTX 3090—still dominates sub-$500 local AI builds—24 GB for ~$390 · eBay listings 24 GB VRAM—remains the strongest practical threshold for serious local LLM use RTX 3060 12GB—cheapest true entry card—~$145 used—runs small Llama models · check price Avoid high-price gaming cards with weak VRAM math—RTX 5080 at $1,149 gives only 16 GB RTX 4070 Ti Super—16 GB new—safest modern balance for local inference under $900

All AI picks ›

Explore: Main Rankings Best Used Deals Local LLM GPUs Worst Value

Used GPU Fair Price Checker Check if VRAM-per-dollar still makes sense for local AI builds.

GPU

Asking Price ($)

Seller Source

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# ▲	GPU	VRAM ⇅	Used / New Price ⇅	Local LLM Tier	Token Speed ⇅	Verdict	Best Source

Token speed = Llama 3 8B Q4_K_M via Ollama, stock settings, Mar 2026. Used prices = eBay 90-day sold median. Full methodology ›

Local AI Buyer Notes

Best Starter

RTX 3060 12GB

Cheapest serious local inference card. 12 GB runs small Llama models and Stable Diffusion. ETH limiter kept mining saturation low — safer used buy than most Ampere cards.

Best Used

RTX 3090

Strongest VRAM-per-dollar on the market. 24 GB for ~$390 used. No new card under $1,000 matches it for local inference value. Check eBay sold listings, not asking prices.

Best New

RTX 4070 Ti Super

Safest modern balance for new buyers. 16 GB VRAM, current architecture, CUDA ecosystem fully supported. Better long-term driver support than used Ampere cards.