Recommended Hardware
Project NOMAD runs on any x86 Linux computer. Here are our recommended builds at three price points, based on real performance data from the community leaderboard.
Budget Build
$150–$300
Score: 15–40Offline knowledge library, maps, education. Basic AI with small models.
Specifications
Hardware
Used/refurbished mini PC or desktop (Dell OptiPlex Micro, Lenovo ThinkCentre Tiny, HP EliteDesk Mini)
Processor
Intel Core i5/i7 (8th gen+) or AMD Ryzen 5
Memory
16–32 GB DDR4 RAM
Storage
500 GB SSD
GPU
Integrated (no dedicated GPU)
What you get
- Full Wikipedia, maps, and education platform at full speed
- AI chat with small models (1–3B parameter) — basic Q&A at 5–15 tokens/sec
- DDR4 platform sidesteps the current DDR5 shortage — much cheaper RAM
- Great starting point — add a dedicated GPU later to transform AI performance
Where to find deals
Refurbished mini PCs on Amazon or eBay. Search "refurbished mini PC 16GB" — these come off corporate leases and are excellent value. DDR4 systems ship with RAM already installed, saving you hundreds vs. buying DDR5 separately.
Recommended Build
$500–$800
Score: 75–87The full Project NOMAD experience. The most popular configuration on the community leaderboard.
Specifications
Hardware
Minisforum, Beelink, or similar compact mini PC
Processor
AMD Ryzen 7 (8700G / 8845HS / 7840HS) with integrated Radeon graphics
Memory
32 GB DDR5 RAM
Storage
1 TB NVMe SSD
GPU
Integrated AMD Radeon 780M or 890M
What you get
- AMD Radeon iGPU runs AI at 30–50 tokens/sec — fast enough for real conversations
- Run 3–8B parameter models with responsive performance
- Room for comprehensive content collections across all categories
- Compact mini PC form factor — fits on a shelf or in a closet
RAM market note
DDR5 prices are significantly inflated right now. A 32GB DDR5 kit runs $360–$440 as of early 2026. Buying a preconfigured mini PC with RAM included is often cheaper than building from parts.
Power Build
$1,000+
Score: 85–95Serious AI workloads. Dedicated GPU changes everything — fast responses on large, capable models.
Specifications
Hardware
Desktop PC, or mini PC with eGPU
Processor
AMD Ryzen 7/9 or Intel Core i7/i9
Memory
32–64 GB RAM
Storage
1–2 TB NVMe SSD
GPU
NVIDIA RTX 3060 12GB or better — more VRAM = bigger models
What you get
- GPU-accelerated AI: 100–450+ tokens per second
- RTX 3060 (12GB VRAM): Run 7B models at blazing speed
- RTX 3090 (24GB VRAM): Run 13B+ models — real intelligence on complex questions
- Used RTX 3090 at $700–$1,000 is the best value in local AI right now
GPU note
Project NOMAD auto-detects NVIDIA GPUs and configures Ollama for GPU acceleration. Just install the NVIDIA Container Toolkit on your host and Project NOMAD handles the rest. GPU prices are inflated — a used RTX 3060 runs $200–$300, and a used RTX 3090 runs $700–$1,000.
Already Have Hardware?
Don't buy anything yet. Project NOMAD runs on almost any x86 Linux machine. That old desktop under your desk, a retired office PC, even a laptop you're not using — any of these could be a Project NOMAD server.
Run the built-in System Benchmark after install to see how your hardware performs, and compare your NOMAD Score on the community leaderboard.
Score ranges above are based on real data from 41 community submissions. Average NOMAD Score: 67.2 | Median: 72.3
What About Raspberry Pi?
Project NOMAD is designed for more capable hardware to support local AI. If you're looking for a Raspberry Pi-based solution, check out Internet in a Box — it's a great lightweight option for basic offline content.
Project NOMAD is for when you want the full experience: GPU-accelerated AI, comprehensive content libraries, and a professional management interface.
Operating System
Project NOMAD requires Ubuntu or Debian-based Linux. The install script handles everything else — Docker, the database, the web interface, all of it.
Power & Connectivity
Project NOMAD is designed to work offline, but you need power. Some things to consider:
- A mini PC draws 15–65W depending on load — easily powered by solar + battery
- Connect a WiFi router or access point to your Project NOMAD box so devices can connect to it
- An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) protects against sudden shutdowns
For a truly off-grid setup: solar panel + battery + mini PC + WiFi access point = complete offline knowledge station.
Ready to Build?
Pick your hardware, install Project NOMAD with one command, and you're up and running. It's free and open source.