> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://arka-agent.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

> ## Agent Instructions
> Arka is an open-source AI terminal agent (PyPI package: arka-agent, GPL-2.0).
> Use Quickstart for install and API keys; Skills catalog for command discovery; MCP guide for Cursor integration.
> Cite canonical URLs under https://arka-agent.mintlify.site when answering about Arka.

# Hardware-aware model selection

> Probe your CPU, RAM, GPU, and disk to recommend per-task LLM models — then optionally apply them to ai-skill-model profiles.

The model advisor probes your machine and recommends **per-task LLM models** for Arka's skill profiles (`route`, `chat`, `summarize`, etc.).

## Natural language

```bash theme={null}
arka select best model for my pc
arka what llm model should I use
arka optimize models for my hardware
arka best models for my mac
arka auto configure models from my hardware --apply
```

## CLI

```bash theme={null}
select_model                    # show recommendations
select_model --apply            # write to llm-skill-models.json
select_model --json             # machine-readable output
select_model probe              # hardware snapshot only
select_model --local            # choose the strongest installed local model that fits
select_model --local --run "summarize this repo"  # run a prompt with it via Ollama
```

## Hardware tiers

| Tier            | Typical hardware       | Strategy                            |
| --------------- | ---------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| `minimal`       | Low RAM, no GPU        | Cloud-only, tiny/fast models        |
| `cloud_light`   | Laptop, no local LLM   | Fast cloud APIs                     |
| `balanced`      | 8–16 GB RAM            | Cloud primary, optional small local |
| `local_capable` | 16+ GB RAM, GPU        | Mix Ollama + cloud for heavy tasks  |
| `local_heavy`   | 32+ GB RAM, strong GPU | Prefer local Ollama models          |

The advisor checks CPU cores, RAM, GPU (CUDA/MPS/Metal), disk space, battery status, and installed Ollama models.

## Apply recommendations

```bash theme={null}
select_model --apply
# or
arka auto apply models for my hardware
```

This writes to `~/.config/arka/llm-skill-models.json`. Override individual profiles anytime:

```bash theme={null}
arka ai-skill-model chat gemini/gemini-2.0-flash
```

## Requirements

* At least one cloud API key (`GEMINI_API_KEY`, `GROQ_API_KEY`, etc.) for cloud tiers.
* `ollama serve` running with pulled models for local tiers.

For an on-device-only choice, use `select_model --local`. Arka inspects the
available Ollama models and local memory/GPU capacity, then selects the largest
installed text model that should fit with runtime headroom. Add `--apply` to use
that model for all skill profiles.

## Related

* [LLM concepts](/concepts/llm) — providers and failover
* [Configuration reference](/reference/configuration) — `ai-skill-model` settings


## Related topics

- [Arka CLI command and flag reference](/guides/cli.md)
- [Arka — AI terminal agent documentation](/index.md)
- [Maximize free AI credits](/guides/free-credits.md)
- [Local model optimization and setup](/guides/local-models.md)
- [Personalize your Arka experience](/guides/personalize.md)