Step-by-step: Free Ai Models through NVIDIA

26d • Gem

Use Kimi K3, GLM, and DeepSeek for free (as of Sept 2026)

What this is: NVIDIA is letting people use some of the best new AI models for free. They run on NVIDIA's computers, so your laptop doesn't matter. The catch is that it cuts you off if you use it too much too fast.

Step 1: Make a free account

Go to build.nvidia.com and sign up. You don't need a credit card.

Step 2: Pick a model

Search Kimi K3 (or GLM or DeepSeek) and click on it.

Step 3: Get your key

Click "Get API Key." You'll get a long code that starts with nvapi-.

Think of it as a password that lets apps use the AI for you. Save it somewhere, and never show it to anyone.

Step 4: Copy the model's name

On that same page, copy the model's exact name (like moonshotai/kimi-k3). Copy and paste it instead of typing it, because one typo breaks it.

Step 5: Put it into your app

Most AI coding apps (Cline, Continue, OpenCode) have a spot to add your own AI. Look for "OpenAI Compatible" and paste in three things:

Link: https://integrate.api.nvidia.com/v1
Key: your nvapi- code
Model: the name from Step 4

That's it. To try a different model, keep everything the same and only swap the model name.

Before you use it:

Free deals change, so this might not last.
Don't paste anything private. What you type goes to NVIDIA.
You'll see Kimi K3 is "downloadable," but it's way too big for a home computer. Use it through NVIDIA.

2 comments

Step-by-step: Free Ai Models through NVIDIA