Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Running AI Assistants on VPS Servers
Common questions about the workshop, what to expect, and how to prepare.
What is the minimum VPS spec needed to run a capable AI assistant? +
The minimum practical VPS spec for running a capable AI assistant is 16GB RAM and 2 CPU cores. This is sufficient for a 7B parameter model at 10 to 20 tokens per second response speed. For better performance, 32GB RAM and 4 cores provides a noticeably faster and more responsive AI assistant experience.
How much does it cost per month to run my AI assistant on a VPS server? +
A VPS with 16GB RAM typically costs $20 to $40 per month depending on the provider and location. Hetzner Cloud offers some of the most competitive pricing with 16GB RAM instances available from around $15 per month in European data centers.
Does running an AI assistant on a VPS server require Linux knowledge? +
Basic Linux command line familiarity is helpful. You need to be comfortable with SSH connections, running commands, and editing configuration files in a terminal. The workshop covers every command you need — the instructor explains each step without assuming advanced Linux expertise.
Can I run my AI assistant on a VPS server with GPU support? +
Some VPS providers offer GPU-enabled instances for significantly better inference performance. The workshop covers CPU-based deployment which works well for personal use. The instructor briefly covers GPU VPS options during the deployment module.
How do I monitor my AI assistant running on a VPS server? +
The workshop covers monitoring your VPS AI assistant — checking Docker container health, monitoring memory usage, watching inference logs, and verifying the messaging platform connection. Simple monitoring using standard Linux tools is covered to ensure you can detect and resolve issues quickly.
What is the difference between running an AI assistant on a VPS versus a cloud AI service? +
A VPS is infrastructure you rent and control — your AI model runs on that server with no data going to any AI provider. A cloud AI service like OpenAI processes your data on their infrastructure regardless of what server your application runs on. Running on your own VPS with Docker Model Runner keeps AI processing entirely within your controlled infrastructure.
