Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
You can use Ollama models inside ChatGPT Desktop’s Codex mode by enabling Ollama’s ChatGPT (Desktop) integration. This does not make all ChatGPT conversations local: Ollama’s documentation says Codex requests using an Ollama model go through Ollama, while regular Chat and voice keep their usual ChatGPT connection. The setup requires Ollama v0.34.0 or newer.
What the integration changes—and what it doesn’t
Ollama adds compatible local and cloud models to the model picker in ChatGPT Desktop’s Codex mode. Ollama describes the boundary plainly: “Ollama models are for Codex mode. Regular Chat and voice keep using their usual ChatGPT connection.” ChatGPT manages sessions; Ollama routes requests and compaction when Codex asks it to. Ollama’s ChatGPT Desktop integration guide explains the scope.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
That distinction matters if your goal is privacy or local processing. Only requests made with an Ollama model are sent to Ollama; choosing that model does not switch regular Chat or voice to local inference. Also, Ollama’s model selection includes both local and cloud models, so check which kind you choose rather than assuming every option runs on your computer.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallConnect Ollama to ChatGPT Desktop
- Install or update Ollama. The integration guide requires Ollama v0.34.0 or newer.
- Enable the integration. In the Ollama desktop app, open Apps, turn on ChatGPT (Desktop), and follow the prompts. Restart ChatGPT Desktop if prompted.
- Choose models. In Ollama, open Settings → Apps → ChatGPT, select up to five compatible local or cloud models, and save.
- Use Codex mode. Open ChatGPT Desktop, start Codex mode, and select an Ollama model from its model picker.
These steps and the five-model limit are from Ollama’s integration guide and its Quickstart. To disconnect, turn ChatGPT off under Ollama’s Apps. The guide says Ollama restores ChatGPT’s connection settings and usual profile.
#1 Best Overall
- V-COOLING — A MORE ADVANCED ALTERNATIVE TO DUAL HEAT PIPES — The VZMORE AX9 Max mini computers features V-Cooling, replacing conventional dual heat pipes with a large-area VC vapor chamber for faster, more even heat dissipation. Compared with conventional dual heat pipes, the design increases heat-spreading area by 40% and improves heat-transfer efficiency by 50%, helping reduce local hot spots under heavy loads. With 360° bottom air intake, vertical airflow, high-density cooling fins, and intelligent fan control, it helps sustain strong performance while keeping thermals and noise under control.
- V-BOOST PRO WITH UP TO 65W PERFORMANCE HEADROOM — V-Boost Pro gives the AX9 Max mini gaming PC three tuned operating modes: 45W Silent Mode, 54W Normal Mode, and 65W Performance Mode. Choose quieter acoustics, balanced everyday use, or stronger sustained performance for creative and compute-intensive workloads. Working with V-Cooling, V-Boost Pro helps translate available thermal capacity into stable, controlled performance.
- AMD RYZEN AI 9 HX 470 + RADEON 890M GRAPHICS — Powered by AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 with 12 cores, 24 threads, and boost clocks up to 5.2GHz, the VZMORE AX9 Max Ryzen mini PC delivers powerful performance for professional multitasking, software development, content creation, rendering, and encoding. Radeon 890M graphics with RDNA 3.5 architecture support high-resolution media, creative applications, and 1080p gaming in supported titles, bringing work and entertainment together in a compact desktop.
- AI MINI PC BUILT FOR LOCAL AI — Bring AI to your desktop with the VZMORE AX9 Max, an AI mini PC with NPU and up to 86 TOPS of overall AI performance. Designed for local AI workflows, it supports tools such as LM Studio, Ollama, and AMD GAIA for running compatible Qwen, Llama, Gemma, and DeepSeek models locally. Local processing helps keep sensitive data on your device and reduces reliance on cloud-based AI services.
- ENGINEERED FOR LONG-TERM RELIABILITY + 3-YEAR PRODUCT SUPPORT — The VZMORE AX9 Max mini desktop computer combines a durable chassis with an optimized air-intake design for efficient cooling and long-term stability. VZMORE micro pc undergo extensive testing for sustained workloads, thermal balance, acoustics, power stability, port durability, multi-display compatibility, network reliability, memory and storage integrity, and system stability. Backed by a 3-year product support and 24/7 customer support, AX9 Max delivers dependable performance for everyday use.
Choose between local and cloud models
Local models
A local model runs on your computer through Ollama. The Quickstart demonstrates running a model without an API key, but that example should not be read as a promise that every model or Ollama capability is free. Local models also use your device’s memory and storage.
Cloud models
The integration can also expose compatible cloud models. Those are not local inference: the selected model’s requests use its cloud service. Check the model’s details and requirements before selecting it. Ollama’s Quickstart distinguishes local and cloud options.
Rank #2
- Powerful AI Processor: Experience next-generation AI technology, greatly improve productivity, and bring unprecedented high performance with the latest AMD Ryzen Al 9 HX 370 processor (Up to 5.1 GHz, 12 Cores / 24 Threads | Up to 80 TOPS). With the support of AMD Radeon 890M, you can play your favorite AAA games with smooth, stunning graphics and zero latency.
- Intelligent AI Assistant: Mini PC AI X1 Pro has a built-in new Copilot AI function and supports Recall function - just describe the details in your memory to retrieve the content you have recently browsed or used. At the same time, the built-in real-time subtitle translation provides subtitles simultaneously during video calls or watching movies. Press the dedicated Copilot button to activate the AI assistant in Windows 11, quickly answer questions, inspire creativity and improve work efficiency. In addition, the fingerprint sensor realizes fast and secure unlocking.
- Extreme audio experience and efficient noise reduction: Equipped with dual noise reduction DMIC and built-in speakers, you can enjoy clear and noise-free sound quality experience in video conferencing, audio and video entertainment and voice interaction. The audio system and AI assistant work seamlessly together to ensure intelligent and efficient workflows.
- High-speed connection and strong expansion performance: Equipped with dual USB4 interfaces to ensure fast and unimpeded data transmission and support connecting to eGPU through the OCuLink port, opening up a super-smooth gaming experience and a stunning visual feast. Supports three ultra-fast PCIe 4.0 SSDs(Total 2TB), supports a loading speed of up to 7000MB/s, and can be expanded to up to 12TB of storage; it is also equipped with up to 96GB 5600MHz DDR5 removable memory (up to 128GB), allowing multitasking with ease.
- Intelligent Cooling Design & Energy Saving: The CPU and SSD are equipped with independent fans, and the memory and built-in power supply adopt efficient heat dissipation design, which further enhances the heat dissipation performance. Even under high load, it can keep the full load noise as low as 45dB and the maximum power consumption of 65W; built-in 135W power adapter to reduce stability issues and noise related to the power adapter connection.
Check compatibility, memory, and storage
Ollama’s published system requirements are not a guarantee that every model will run well, and they do not establish the requirements for ChatGPT Desktop itself.
- macOS: Ollama lists macOS Sonoma 14 or newer. Apple M-series systems are supported for CPU and GPU; x86 systems are supported for CPU.
- Windows: Ollama lists Windows 10 22H2 or newer, Home or Pro. Its binary installation needs at least 4 GB of space, before accounting for models.
- Memory example: Ollama’s Gemma 4 E2B Quickstart example is about 7.2 GB to download and carries a recommendation of 8 GB available VRAM, or Mac unified memory. Larger context windows need more memory. This is an example-specific recommendation, not a universal minimum.
- Storage: Ollama says model files may take tens to hundreds of GB. If your internal drive has room, no extra drive is needed; otherwise, an external SSD can be a practical place to keep model files.
These figures and platform requirements come from Ollama’s Quickstart, Windows guide, and macOS guide, accessed October 7, 2026. The Quickstart describes the ChatGPT Desktop integration as available on macOS. Although Ollama itself runs natively on Windows, these cited sources do not establish that the ChatGPT Desktop integration is supported on Windows; check current official compatibility information before relying on it there.
Rank #3
- AI-Accelerated Processor: Equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 processor (up to 5.2 GHz, 12 cores, 24 threads), this system delivers local AI performance of up to 86 TOPS. This enables low-latency AI workloads directly on the device, reducing reliance on the cloud and providing reliable computing power for productivity and intelligent applications
- Flexible Graphics Expansion: Equipped with an integrated Radeon 890M graphics card, this system easily handles daily creative tasks and multimedia applications. The OCuLink interface supports connecting external dedicated graphics cards for more demanding rendering and gaming workloads without performance loss
- Large Storage Capacity: Supports up to 128 GB of DDR5 memory and three M.2 SSD slots with a total capacity of up to 12 TB. Suitable for running local AI models, 8K video editing, and efficiently handling complex multitasking scenarios
- Powerful Connectivity & Quad Display Support: Equipped with USB 4.0, DP 2.0, HDMI 2.1, and OCuLink ports, it supports up to four 4K displays. Combined with Wi-Fi 7 and two 2.5GbE Ethernet ports, it enables the creation of a stable and powerful professional workstation
- Stabilized Cooling and Integrated Design: Thanks to phase-change materials, dual copper heat pipes, and active cooling technology, it delivers stable performance and controlled noise levels even under full load. The integrated design includes a built-in power supply, fingerprint sensor, microphone, and dual speakers. This eliminates cable clutter and the need for external devices
Understand the license
Ollama’s software repository identifies Ollama as MIT-licensed. The MIT license permits broad use and modification subject to retaining the copyright and license notices. That software license does not determine the license or usage terms of any model you download; check those separately. Ollama’s repository contains the software license.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 【Desktop-Class Power in a Mini PC】Featuring the AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 8845HS CPU (3.8GHz-5.1GHz) and Radeon 780M graphics (on par with GTX 1650), this mini PC dominates with a Cinebench R23 score of 14,000—45% fasterthan the competing mini M4. It also reduces Blender renders by 30%. With a 54W TDP (boost to 65W) and selectable performance modes in BIOS, it excels in gaming, content creation, and heavy office workloads.
- 【Integrated AMD Ryzen AI Engine】Powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor with a dedicated AMD Ryzen AI NPU (Neural Processing Unit), delivering up to 16 TOPS of AI performance and a total system AI capability of up to 38 TOPS. This dedicated AI hardware accelerates tasks like background blur and noise cancellation in video calls, intelligent photo and video editing, and AI-powered game enhancements, making your creative workflows and daily computing smarter and more efficient.
- 【Fast DDR5 RAM for Smooth Multitasking】Equipped with 1*16GB of high-speed DDR5 RAM (Support Dual-Channel, expandable up to 256GB). It provides better speed and efficiency than older DDR4 RAM, ensuring a smooth experience when running multiple applications, browser tabs, and virtual machines at the same time.
- 【Super-Fast PCIe 4.0 SSD Storage】Comes with a 1TB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD. The PCIe 4.0 technology offers incredibly fast read/write speeds, resulting in quick system startups, near-instant game loads, and rapid file transfers. The large capacity provides ample space for all your files and programs.
- 【Comprehensive High-Speed Ports】Offers a wide range of ports for all your needs, two USB 4.0 (40Gbps) Type-C ports (for data, video, and charging), two USB 3.2 ports, and two USB 2.0 ports. For displays, it has both an HDMI 2.1, a DisplayPort 1.4port and two USB 4.0 for four 4K monitor setups. Networking is covered by two 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports for fast, stable wired internet, plus the latest WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connections.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
