Can I run Ollama on a NAS?
Yes. Ollama is a free runtime that downloads and runs open language models such as Llama, Qwen, Gemma and DeepSeek. Its official image, ollama/ollama, runs anywhere Docker does. ASUSTOR offers an "Ollama + Open WebUI" package in App Central and ZimaOS lists Ollama in its app store; UGREEN, QNAP and TerraMaster publish their own guides for running it in Docker. On Synology it runs through Container Manager without an official package.
Which systems support it?
The table below lists every system we track, with how support was confirmed. Vendor confirmed means an official app or vendor guide; Community confirmed means credible guides show it working on that platform; Unverified means the platform runs Docker but we have not seen it confirmed for that system.
What RAM is needed?
The current Ollama documentation sets no minimum, because it depends on the model. As a guide, a 4-bit model needs about 0.6GB per billion parameters, and the NAS needs around 8GB for itself (Estimated). QNAP's own tutorial recommends 8GB for 3B models and 16GB for 7B models.
Which architecture works?
The official image supports both amd64 (x86) and arm64. In practice, x86 NAS systems with 16GB or more are the useful hosts. Low-power ARM NAS units have too little memory, and QNAP's tutorial requires an x86_64 NAS.
How do I install it?
Install the vendor's container tool, then create the container with the official command from the Ollama documentation:
`docker run -d -v ollama:/root/.ollama -p 11434:11434 --name ollama ollama/ollama`
Add `--gpus=all` on systems with an NVIDIA card and the NVIDIA Container Toolkit. Our step-by-step guide covers models and a chat interface.
Which systems should I buy for Ollama?
Those with the most memory and a GPU path, shown below with live prices. NAS NPUs are not used by Ollama, so judge on memory and graphics.
Common questions
Does Ollama use a GPU on a NAS?
Yes, with a supported NVIDIA card and the container toolkit, or an AMD card with the ROCm image. Without one it runs on the CPU.
Is Ollama free?
Yes. Ollama is open source, and models are free to download within their licences.
