Cost + Stack Choice
Station 3 - Cost lock. Time: 20-30 min. You choose the workshop stack and write down the expected monthly cost. Pass when you know this is not fully free and can point to the exact VPS plan.
What this is
This page explains the default Hermes 101 pilot stack.
For the first Hermes 101 pilot, use one official VPS path unless the facilitator says otherwise:
Flow
DigitalOcean -> Singapore SGP1 -> Ubuntu LTS -> Basic Regular Droplet -> 1 vCPU / 2GB RAM / 50GB diskThe model/API provider is separate. The VPS runs Hermes and tools. The AI model runs through an API provider such as OpenRouter or another facilitator-approved provider.
Why it matters
Owning an agent means owning the bill too. A VPS and API model can be cheap for light use, but premium models or forgotten servers can cost much more.
We are choosing the 2GB DigitalOcean plan because it is easier to teach, easier to support, and less likely to freeze than the smaller plans.
1 vCPU is enough for Hermes 101 because Hermes is not running the AI model locally. The heavy thinking happens through the model API. For this workshop, RAM and setup reliability matter more than premium CPU.
What to do
Use this default unless your facilitator says otherwise:
| Part | Workshop default | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | DigitalOcean | Beginner-friendly dashboard, predictable billing, good docs |
| Region | Singapore SGP1 | Near Malaysia and simple for the room |
| Plan type | Basic | Shared CPU is enough for Hermes 101 |
| CPU option | Regular | Premium CPU/NVMe is optional, not required |
| Size | 1 vCPU, 2GB RAM, 50GB disk, 2TB transfer | Smooth enough for beginner Hermes without overpaying |
| Slug | s-1vcpu-2gb | This matches the expected DigitalOcean summary |
| Price | $12/month, about RM50/month before API usage | Verify live price before class |
| OS | Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, or Ubuntu 22.04 LTS if needed | Stable and common for tutorials |
| Model access | OpenRouter | Default Hermes 101 path: one key can access multiple models |
| Budget fallback | DeepSeek | Use only if the facilitator chooses the cost-conscious fallback |
| Advanced/optional | Kilo Code | Use only for a cohort that specifically needs it |
| Interface | CLI first | Fewer moving parts than Telegram on day one |
| Telegram | Bonus | Useful, but not needed to graduate Hermes 101 |
Model provider choice
For Hermes 101, use OpenRouter as the official workshop default unless the facilitator says otherwise.
| Option | Use when | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| OpenRouter | Default workshop path | One key can access many models. The facilitator will choose the starter model. |
| DeepSeek | Budget fallback | Good low-cost path if current pricing and account setup are suitable. |
| Kilo Code | Advanced/optional | Use only if the facilitator specifically chooses it for this cohort. |
Do not choose a random premium model during class. Premium models can cost much more. Use the exact starter model given by the facilitator.
Before you create the VPS
Do not click Create Droplet yet unless:
- You can log into DigitalOcean.
- Your payment method is accepted.
- You know this VPS is around $12/month before API usage.
- You have or can create an SSH key.
- You have an OpenRouter account, or the facilitator has given you a fallback path.
- The facilitator has confirmed your plan summary.
Write your estimate:
Reference
VPS provider: DigitalOcean
Region: Singapore SGP1
Plan: Basic Regular, 1 vCPU, 2GB RAM, 50GB disk
VPS monthly cost:
API/model provider:
Expected API budget:
Estimated total monthly cost:Common mistakes
- Choosing the 512MB RAM plan because it looks cheapest. It is too tight for Hermes 101.
- Choosing Premium AMD/Intel because it sounds faster. Regular CPU is enough.
- Forgetting API/model usage is a separate cost from the VPS.
- Creating several VPS instances while troubleshooting.
- Choosing a provider or region the facilitator cannot support in the room.
Next step
Go to Create Your VPS.