# Self-Host Decision Framework: OpenAI API vs Your Own GPU — Cost, Privacy, Performance, Independence

> Source: https://sukruyusufkaya.com/en/learn/llm-muhendisligi/self-host-karar-cercevesi-api-vs-gpu
> Updated: 2026-05-13T13:00:30.197Z
> Category: LLM Mühendisliği
> Module: Module 16: Production Engineering — Self-Host, Quantization, Serving, Monitoring
**TLDR:** First critical decision in LLM production: API or self-host? This lesson's aim is to ground decision engineering solidly. Cost mathematics (per-token economics, fixed vs variable costs), privacy (KVKK, sectoral restrictions), performance (latency, throughput), independence (lock-in risk). 5 different scenarios for Turkish SaaS: chatbot, RAG, content gen, legal, health. Right decision different in each.