Weights
Roughly the parameter count times bytes per parameter: about 0.55 bytes at 4-bit, 1 byte at 8-bit, 2 bytes at full 16-bit precision.
Personal Agent · Mac configurator
Right-size your Mac
for a private agent.
Check the Mac you already own, or plan the one you'll buy, for a Personal Agent that runs its model on your own hardware. No cloud model required.
Memory decides which models fit. Storage decides how many you can keep. This tool works out both in seconds.
Two minutes, no sign-up
Tell us about your Mac.
Choose your Mac and how you'll use your agent. Results update as you go. Figures are planning estimates; Brian confirms them before any install.
Why memory decides everything
The whole model has to
fit in memory.
On an Apple silicon Mac, the processor and graphics share one pool of memory. A local model loads all of its weights into that pool, so the memory you bought sets the ceiling on the model you can run.
Speed comes from memory bandwidth. A Mac Studio moves data several times faster than a base Mac mini, so the same model answers faster.
Mixture-of-experts models
A model like Gemma 4 26B A4B only uses about 4B parameters per word, so it's fast. It still needs memory for all 26B.
Working memory
The model's context grows with conversation length, roughly 0.1–0.5 MB per token. We plan with a conservative 0.25 MB.
The graphics share
macOS lets the GPU use about two-thirds to three-quarters of memory by default. Brian can raise that limit safely during setup.
Upgrading an older Mac
What you can add—
and what you can't.
Upgrades done outside Apple are not covered by Apple's warranty or AppleCare. We explain the options honestly; you decide.
Memory
Can't be added on Apple silicon
On every M-series Mac, memory is built into the chip package. No slot, adapter or software unlock adds more. A one-off chip-level rework was demonstrated on an M1 MacBook Air in 2021, but it isn't a reliable service and we don't recommend it.
Your options: run a smaller local model, shorten the context window, or trade up. Brian can recommend the smallest Mac that fits.
Storage · every Mac
Add an external SSD
A fast Thunderbolt or USB4 SSD is the simplest, warranty-safe way to add room. Your model library can live there while macOS and your agent stay on the internal drive.
Best for: 256 GB and 512 GB Macs, and anyone who wants several models on hand.
Storage · selected models
Replace the internal SSD module
The 2024 Mac mini with M4 or M4 Pro uses a removable storage module. Third-party modules up to 4 TB exist; installing one requires a full DFU restore from a second Mac. Mac Studio modules are also removable, but larger third-party modules are not yet proven. The 2026 M5 Pro Mac mini's storage is soldered.
Out of warranty: back up first. A mistake can damage the Mac.
Intel Macs
Upgradeable, but not supported
Many Intel Macs accept more memory, but the local-model tools we use require Apple silicon. Extra memory won't make an Intel Mac a practical home for a local agent.
Instead: a Mac mini with Apple silicon is the most affordable route.
Included with the Signature install
A person, not a script.
This tool gives you a starting point. With the $1,490 Signature install, Brian personally reviews your Mac or your planned purchase on a live call: memory and storage plan, model choice and quantization, macOS GPU memory tuning, and any upgrade or buying decision. Then he installs and tests it with you. It's done by hand, not automated.
Sources · checked October 2026
- Gemma 4 memory figures: Google AI for Developers, Gemma 4 overview (includes 20% loading overhead; excludes context).
- Qwen3.6 35B-A3B and Qwen3.8 27B sizes: llmrun.dev comparison.
- Current Mac configurations and bandwidth: Apple Mac mini specs, Apple MacBook Pro specs, Macworld on Mac Studio (2026), EveryMac, Mac mini M5 Pro.
- Muse Spark Open on two Mac Studios: MacRumors, October 15, 2026.
- Storage module upgrades: Jeff Geerling on M4 Pro Mac mini storage; EveryMac on Mac Studio storage.
- Memory can't be upgraded on Apple silicon: Evetech explainer; 2021 chip rework: Macworld.
- macOS GPU memory limit and working-memory estimates: developer note on iogpu.wired_limit_mb; unified memory guide.
Speeds are rough estimates from memory bandwidth, not benchmarks. Prices are US list prices where Apple published them and change often; confirm at apple.com before buying.