How much VRAM does Gemma 3 27B need?

Gemma 3 27B (27B parameters) requires approximately 28.8 GB of memory with Q4_K_M quantization.

What is the best quantization for Gemma 3 27B?

The recommended quantization for Gemma 3 27B is Q4_K_M, which balances quality and memory efficiency.

Can it run?

Yes, Mac mini M4 64GB can run Gemma 3 27B with a C grade (Runs well). Expected decode speed: 4.7 tok/s.

CUsable

Runs well

Using Q4_K_M in Ollama

Capabilities:

Fit status

Runs well

Decode

4.7 tok/s

TTFT

40879 ms

Safe context

26K

Memory

28.8 GB / 46.1 GB

Weights16.5 GB

KV Cache4.2 GB

Runtime1.2 GB

Headroom6.9 GB

Workload	Grade	Fit	Decode	TTFT	Context
Agentic Coding	C	Runs well	5.2 tok/s	53680 ms	45K
Chat	C	Runs well	5.2 tok/s	20130 ms	14K
Coding	C	Runs well	4.7 tok/s	40879 ms	26K
RAG	C	Runs well	5.2 tok/s	67100 ms	45K
Reasoning	C	Runs well	5.2 tok/s	43615 ms	26K

How Gemma 3 27B (27B params) fits at each quantization level on Mac mini M4 64GB (46.1 GB usable).

Quant	Bits	VRAM	Quality	Fit
Q2_K	2	10.5 GB	Low	D34
Q3_K_S	3	13.2 GB	Low	D35
NVFP4	4

Ollama

ollama run gemma-3-27b

HuggingFace

huggingface-cli download gemma-3-27b

Upgrade options

MacBook Pro M4 Max 96GBBudget pick

C20.9 tok/s decode

~$2,499 MSRP

Mac Studio M2 Ultra 128GBBest value

C28.2 tok/s decode

~$3,999 MSRP

RTX PRO 5000 Blackwell 48GBBiggest leap