Resources
Hardware glossary.
Plain-English definitions for the terms we use most.
Compute
Compute
- VRAM: memory on the GPU; decides which AI models fit
- TDP: the heat a chip is designed to dissipate
- Inference: running a trained model to get answers
- Render farm: a group of machines that renders or computes jobs in parallel
- Agentic workload: AI agents chaining many model calls and tools to finish tasks
- PoW (proof-of-work): the GPU mining method Ethereum retired in 2022
Networking
Networking
- PoE: power delivered over ethernet cable
- Cat6A: ethernet cable rated for 10 Gb at 100 m
- MDF / IDF: main and intermediate wiring closets
- VLAN: a virtual network separated on the same switch
Power
Power
- kWh: energy used over time
- kW: power at a moment
- Inverter: converts solar DC to home AC
- LFP: lithium iron phosphate, a safe long-life battery chemistry
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