Open Source vs Closed Source vs Local AI

DeepSeek V4 Pro is open source, but its 1.6 trillion parameter size makes it effectively impossible to run locally. While many developers look to open source models for privacy and control, the reality of hardware requirements often forces reliance on centralized company servers. We analyze why even accessible model weights remain out of reach for most high-end laptops and workstations. This breakdown explains the gap between the open source definition and the practical reality of local AI deployment. Understanding these limitations is essential for engineers deciding between self-hosting and cloud-based infrastructure for their projects. Subscribe for weekly AI engineering breakdowns.