SSD — Solid-state drive
Also: NVMe
A fast storage drive with no moving parts, where files and model downloads live.
The fuller definition
A solid-state drive stores data persistently using flash memory. NVMe is a protocol commonly used by fast SSDs over PCIe.
- Disk
Persistent model file
- Load
Transfer into memory
- Compute
Use RAM or VRAM
A simplified relationship, not a screenshot or a complete design.
A concrete example
Model files and document indexes are stored on an SSD and loaded into working memory when needed.
The distinction that matters
Fast storage does not replace the need for sufficient RAM or VRAM during computation.
Related terms
RAM — Random-access memory
A computer's short-term working memory. Programs and data live here while in use.
Hardware & hostingVRAM — Video random-access memory
The memory on the graphics card. A model has to fit in it to run quickly.
Hardware & hostingLocal model
A model that runs on your own computer, so your documents never leave it.
Where it is taught
Understand the hardware a local model needsSource and further reading
Hugging Face · Model inference and quantizationThe definition and example are written for this library. The link gives background, official documentation or legal authority as labelled. Legal scope depends on the jurisdiction and current text; product features depend on release and settings.