posted in Technology
Nobody Asked for AI
jacobin.com/2026/08/ai-llms-monopoly-bubble-capital
jacobin.comNobody Asked for AIWe tend to think that markets reflect consumer choice. But the artificial-intelligence boom has been powered by the investment decisions of concentrated capital rather than by consumer demand.
Replying to @sanitation@lemmy.today
Self-hosted LLMs are neat and private, if you (already) have the hardware/budget and some cheap (solar PV) surplus juice to drive it.
Replying to @eleitl@lemmy.zip
Do you know anyone doing all of that? Running a local model on off-grid power?
Replying to @scarabic@lemmy.world
What would you like to know about it?
I glossed over it the other day here -
From go to woah (including the compute), total project cost is about $1400 USD / ~$2K AUD. I realise I have the privilege of claiming that’s not a lot, but for a hobby spend that makes me happy / does useful stuff (see TV example above), it’s not a lot.
Replying to @SuspiciousCarrot78@aussie.zone
It just sounded like the kind of thing that makes good sense on paper but I’m wondering if it actually works out well. Sounds like you are in the process of getting ready to try it.
Replying to @scarabic@lemmy.world
I am indeed. With the amount of solar here - and the relatively low cost for this sort of mini DIY set up - it’s something I’ve been meaning to do for a while.