How much VRAM does gemma 2b need?

gemma 2b (2B parameters) requires approximately 8.0 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 L40S 48GB can run gemma 2b with a C grade (Runs well). Expected decode speed: 509.9 tok/s.

CUsable

Runs well

Using Q4_K_M in Ollama

Capabilities:

Fit status

Runs well

Decode

509.9 tok/s

TTFT

380 ms

Safe context

96K

Memory

8.0 GB / 48.0 GB

Weights1.2 GB

KV Cache0.8 GB

Runtime1.2 GB

Headroom4.8 GB

Workload	Grade	Fit	Decode	TTFT	Context
Agentic Coding	C	Runs well	552.4 tok/s	510 ms	192K
Chat	C	Runs well	552.4 tok/s	350 ms	48K
Coding	C	Runs well	509.9 tok/s	380 ms	96K
RAG	C	Runs well	552.4 tok/s	637 ms	192K
Reasoning	C	Runs well	552.4 tok/s	414 ms	96K

How gemma 2b (2B params) fits at each quantization level on NVIDIA L40S 48GB (48.0 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

MacBook Pro M4 Max 96GBBudget pick

C282 tok/s decode

~$2,499 MSRP

MacBook Pro M3 Max 128GBBest value

C196.7 tok/s decode

~$2,499 MSRP