I replaced ChatGPT and Claude with this powerful local LLM and saved over $20 a month while gaining full control
The author replaced cloud-based AI models like ChatGPT and Claude with the locally run Qwen3.6-35B-A3B, saving over $20 monthly while gaining greater data privacy and control. Despite running on older hardware, the local model delivers strong performance for development tasks. The setup required some technical adjustments but ultimately provided a cost-effective and efficient alternative to subscription-based services.
- ▪The author switched from using ChatGPT and Claude to running Qwen3.6-35B-A3B locally on their gaming PC.
- ▪Running the local LLM saved the author over $20 per month compared to cloud-based AI subscriptions.
- ▪Qwen3.6-35B-A3B achieved performance comparable to large cloud models despite running on outdated hardware.
- ▪The local setup ensures greater privacy by keeping sensitive documents and logs off external servers.
- ▪The model was able to generate over 20 tokens per second after optimization.
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