Strix HaloOut of stock
Framework Desktop DIY
Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB
$3,449at Framework store
128 GB · 256 GB/s
Check priceBudget guide
Best local AI rig under $5,000
9 of the rigs we track cost $5,000 or less right now. For local AI, memory decides what you can run, so we rank by usable memory, then bandwidth. Top pick: the Framework Desktop DIY at $3,449. It runs up to Qwen3.5 122B-A10B at ~29 tok/s. Prices & stock checked 2026-10-23. Prices change daily and some retailers block our checker, so always confirm on the store page.
Our picks under $5,000
Strix HaloAvailable
GMKtec EVO-X2
Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB / 1TB
$3,500at GMKtec store
128 GB · 256 GB/s
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Strix HaloAvailable
Minisforum MS-S1 Max
Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB / 2TB
$3,919at Minisforum store
128 GB · 256 GB/s
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Strix HaloPre-order
Beelink GTR9 Pro
Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB / 2TB
$4,349at Beelink store
128 GB · 256 GB/s
Check priceStrix HaloAvailable
GMKtec EVO-X2
Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 64GB / 1TB
$2,200at GMKtec store
64 GB · 256 GB/s
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Mac StudioAvailable
Mac Studio M5 Max
18-core CPU / 40-core GPU, 48GB
$3,099at Apple Store
48 GB · 614 GB/s
Check priceMac StudioAvailable
Mac Studio M5 Max
18-core CPU / 32-core GPU, 36GB
$2,499at Apple Store
36 GB · 460 GB/s
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RTX 4090In stock
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4090 Windforce V2
24GB card
$4,899at Newegg
24 GB · 1,008 GB/s (card only, needs a host PC)
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Mac miniAvailable
Mac mini M5 Pro
15-core CPU / 16-core GPU, 24GB
$1,699at Apple Store
24 GB · 307 GB/s
Check priceRanked
| # | Machine | Price | Usable for models | Bandwidth | $ / GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Framework Desktop DIYRyzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB | $3,449 | ~96 GB | 256 GB/s | $26.95 |
| 2 | GMKtec EVO-X2Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB / 1TB | $3,500 | ~96 GB | 256 GB/s | $27.34 |
| 3 | Minisforum MS-S1 MaxRyzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB / 2TB | $3,919 | ~96 GB | 256 GB/s | $30.62 |
| 4 | Beelink GTR9 ProRyzen AI Max+ 395, 128GB / 2TB | $4,349 | ~96 GB | 256 GB/s | $33.98 |
| 5 | GMKtec EVO-X2Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 64GB / 1TB | $2,200 | ~48 GB | 256 GB/s | $34.37 |
| 6 | Mac Studio M5 Max18-core CPU / 40-core GPU, 48GB | $3,099 | ~36 GB | 614 GB/s | $64.56 |
| 7 | Mac Studio M5 Max18-core CPU / 32-core GPU, 36GB | $2,499 | ~27 GB | 460 GB/s | $69.42 |
| 8 | Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4090 Windforce V224GB card | $4,899 | ~22 GB | 1,008 GB/s | $204.12 |
| 9 | Mac mini M5 Pro15-core CPU / 16-core GPU, 24GB | $1,699 | ~17 GB | 307 GB/s | $70.79 |
GPU prices are for the card only. You need a host PC, which may push the total over $5,000.
Just over $5,000
Mac StudioAvailable
Mac Studio M5 Ultra
30-core CPU / 64-core GPU, 96GB
$5,499at Apple Store
96 GB · 1,200 GB/s
Check price
FAQ
What's the best local AI rig under $5,000?
Of the machines we track, the Framework Desktop DIY at $3,449 has the most usable memory for models in this budget (~96 GB). Prices checked 2026-10-23.
What models can I run for under $5,000?
Biggest model per machine at 8+ tok/s: Framework Desktop DIY: Qwen3.5 122B-A10B; GMKtec EVO-X2: Qwen3.5 122B-A10B; Minisforum MS-S1 Max: Qwen3.5 122B-A10B; Beelink GTR9 Pro: Qwen3.5 122B-A10B; GMKtec EVO-X2: Qwen3.6 35B-A3B; Mac Studio M5 Max: Qwen3.6 35B-A3B; Mac Studio M5 Max: Qwen3.6 35B-A3B; Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4090 Windforce V2: Gemma 4 31B; Mac mini M5 Pro: GPT-OSS 20B.
Do these prices include a PC for GPU cards?
No. GPU prices are for the card only. Mini PCs, Macs and DGX Spark-class boxes are complete computers.