---
title: Buying Guides
canonical: "https://consideredgear.com/guides/"
description: "Evidence-based local-AI buying guides for memory, hardware compatibility, and complete-system costs. Current prices are shown only when verified."
---

# Buying guides

Compare configuration requirements, sourced specifications and the full cost of a setup. Each guide identifies which facts were verified and which buying details need a fresh retailer check.

- [Apple Home vs Home Assistant in 2026: keep Siri, add the automations?](https://consideredgear.com/guides/apple-home-vs-home-assistant-2026/) — Already use Apple Home? Learn when Home Assistant is worth adding, which hub or computer you actually need, and how HomeKit Bridge, HomeKit Device and Matter sharing differ before you move anything.
- [Home Assistant ZBT-2 vs ZBT-1: buy, keep, or migrate in 2026?](https://consideredgear.com/guides/home-assistant-zbt-2-vs-zbt-1-2026/) — ZBT-2 or your old SkyConnect? Compare Zigbee vs Thread, migration risks, USB placement and when keeping a working coordinator makes more sense.
- [Home Assistant Green vs Raspberry Pi 5 vs Mini PC in 2026](https://consideredgear.com/guides/home-assistant-green-vs-raspberry-pi-5-vs-mini-pc-2026/) — Choose reliable Home Assistant hardware in 2026. Compare Green, Raspberry Pi 5, N100 or N150 mini PCs, used desktops and Proxmox without guessing prices.
- [Ollama vs LM Studio vs Open WebUI: what should you use?](https://consideredgear.com/guides/ollama-vs-lm-studio-vs-open-webui-2026/) — Choose a local AI setup that fits your computer. Compare Ollama, LM Studio and Open WebUI by privacy, ease of use, hardware, local APIs and upkeep.
- [How much VRAM do you need for local LLMs](https://consideredgear.com/guides/how-much-vram-local-llm/) — Work out whether a local LLM fits an 8GB, 12GB, 16GB or 24GB GPU. Real model sizes, context-memory math and an Ollama check before you buy.
- [SER8 vs used RTX 3090: count the whole computer](https://consideredgear.com/guides/ser8-vs-used-rtx-3090-total-cost/) — Compare a SER8 8845HS with 32 GB/1 TB against a used RTX 3090 in an existing compatible desktop or a new build. A dated research guide, not a benchmark.
- [The best way to run AI at home in 2026](https://consideredgear.com/guides/best-way-to-run-ai-at-home-2026/) — Four local-AI hardware approaches, with configuration, software and complete-cost checks to make before buying.