←back to thread

I regret building this $3000 Pi AI cluster

(www.jeffgeerling.com)
468 points speckx | 1 comments | 19 Sep 25 14:28 UTC | HN request time: 0.001s | source
Show context
lumost ◴[19 Sep 25 14:49 UTC] No.45302284[source]▶
I don’t really get why anyone would be buying ai compute unless A) to your goal is to rent out the compute B) no vendor can rent you enough compute when you need it C) you have an exotic funding arrangement that makes compute capex cheap and opex expensive.

Unless you can keep your compute at 70% average utilization for 5 years - you will never save money purchasing your hardware compared to renting it.

replies(6): >>45302322 #>>45302360 #>>45302364 #>>45302606 #>>45302685 #>>45302745 #
2OEH8eoCRo0 ◴[19 Sep 25 14:52 UTC] No.45302322[source]▶
I don't get why anyone would hack on and have fun with unique hardware either /s
replies(1): >>45302432 #
1. seanw444 ◴[19 Sep 25 15:02 UTC] No.45302432[source]▶
It's also not always just about fun or cost effectiveness. Taking the infrastructure into your own hands is a nice way to know that you're not being taken advantage of, and you only have yourself to rely on to make the thing work. Freedom and self-reliance, in short.