Running large language models locally on your computer is now more accessible than ever. Today, I’ll guide you through the process of setting up and running Llama 3.1, including the 8B, 70B, and even the massive 45B models, directly on your machine. With the right hardware, you can leverage the power of these models without needing an internet connection, ensuring complete privacy. Let’s dive into the steps required to achieve this.

Step 1: Download and Install Ollama

First, you need to download a free software called Ollama. Here’s how to do it:

1. Visit Ollama’swebsite and download the appropriate version for your operating system (Mac, Windows, or Linux).
2. Install Ollama like any other application and move it to the applications folder.
3. After installation, launch AMA and follow the prompts to install the command line tools.

Step 2: Install Llama 3

With Ollama installed, you’ll need to use the Terminal (or Command Prompt on Windows) to install Llama 3:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Paste the following command: ollama run llama3
3. Press Enter and wait for the installation to complete. This will download and set up the Llama 3 model on your computer.

Step 3: Explore and Install Additional Models

Llama 3.1 comes in various sizes, including 8B, 70B, and 45B parameters. Here’s how you can install different versions:

1. Go to the Models tab in Ollama.
2. Choose the desired model size (e.g., 8B, 70B, 45B) and note the required command.
3. Open Terminal and run the command corresponding to the model size you want to install.

For example, to install the 8B model, you might use:

ollama run llama3.1:8B

Note that larger models require significantly more computing power and storage.

Step 4: Install Docker

To run these models locally, you need Docker installed on your machine:

1. Download Docker from Docker’s website.
2. Install Docker and move it to the applications folder.
3. Ensure Docker is running on your computer.

Step 5: Set Up and Run the Open Web UI

For a user-friendly interface, use the Open Web UI:

1. Visit the Open Web UI GitHub page and follow the setup instructions.
2. Open Terminal and run the provided command to link Ollama with Open Web UI.
3. Start Docker if it’s not already running.
4. Open the link provided by Docker (typically localhost:3000) to access the Web UI.

Hardware Requirements

Running large models locally requires substantial hardware resources. Here’s a brief overview:

• 8B Model: At least 32GB RAM, a modern multicore CPU, and a GPU with 24GB VRAM.
• 70B Model: At least 128GB RAM and a GPU with 80GB VRAM.
• 45B Model: 500GB RAM and a GPU with 400GB VRAM.

Use tools like ChatGPT to verify if your hardware meets the requirements by pasting the model’s specifications and asking for a detailed breakdown.

Final Thoughts

Running Llama 3.1 locally provides a private and powerful AI experience. Whether you’re using it for coding assistance, content generation, or any other application, having these models on your machine unlocks new possibilities without relying on external servers. If you encounter any issues or want a deeper dive into using these models, consider exploring courses that cover large language models in detail.

Experiment with different model sizes and see which one fits your needs and hardware capabilities. Enjoy the powerful capabilities of Llama 3.1 directly on your computer!

More: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xdneyn6zjw