How much VRAM does gemma 2b need?

gemma 2b (2B parameters) requires approximately 7.2 GB of memory with Q4_K_M quantization.

What is the best quantization for gemma 2b?

The recommended quantization for gemma 2b is Q4_K_M, which balances quality and memory efficiency.

Can it run?

Yes, NVIDIA A100 40GB can run gemma 2b with a C grade (Runs well). Expected decode speed: 917.7 tok/s.

CUsable

Runs well

Using Q4_K_M in Ollama

Capabilities:

Fit status

Runs well

Decode

917.7 tok/s

TTFT

350 ms

Safe context

89K

Memory

7.2 GB / 40.0 GB

Weights1.2 GB

KV Cache0.8 GB

Runtime1.2 GB

Headroom4.0 GB

Workload	Grade	Fit	Decode	TTFT	Context
Agentic Coding	C	Runs well	1070.7 tok/s	350 ms	177K
Chat	C	Runs well	1070.7 tok/s	350 ms	44K
Coding	C	Runs well	917.7 tok/s	350 ms	89K
RAG	C	Runs well	1070.7 tok/s	350 ms	177K
Reasoning	C	Runs well	1070.7 tok/s	350 ms	89K

How gemma 2b (2B params) fits at each quantization level on NVIDIA A100 40GB (40.0 GB usable).

Quant	Bits	VRAM	Quality	Fit
Q2_K	2	0.8 GB	Low	D30
Q3_K_S	3	1.0 GB	Low	D30
NVFP4	4

Upgrade options

Mac mini M4 64GBBudget pick

C70.8 tok/s decode

~$1,099 MSRP

MacBook Pro M4 Pro 64GBBest value

C172.3 tok/s decode

~$1,599 MSRP