Architect's technical teardown: VRAM capacity, memory bandwidth, TDP, and AI throughput — compared head-to-head for local LLM workloads.
The legendary used-market GOAT. 24GB VRAM at a fraction of the cost of 4090/5090. Still handles 70B models with ease.
Affordable unified memory. A highly capable entry-level LLM workstation perfectly suited for developer desks.
| Metric | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 | Apple Mac mini (M4 Pro) |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM | 24GB | 24GB |
| Memory Bandwidth | 936 GB/s | 273 GB/s |
| AI Throughput (TOPS) | 285 | 75 |
| TDP (Power Draw) | 350W | 65W |
| Est. Price | $749.99 | $1,299.99 |