How much VRAM does gemma 2b need?

gemma 2b (2B parameters) requires approximately 4.4 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, RTX 3080 12GB can run gemma 2b with a C grade (Runs well). Expected decode speed: 538.2 tok/s.

CUsable

Runs well

Using Q4_K_M in Ollama

Capabilities:

Fit status

Runs well

Decode

538.2 tok/s

TTFT

360 ms

Safe context

43K

Memory

4.4 GB / 12.0 GB

Weights1.2 GB

KV Cache0.8 GB

Runtime1.2 GB

Headroom1.2 GB

Workload	Grade	Fit	Decode	TTFT	Context
Agentic Coding	C	Runs well	568.1 tok/s	496 ms	87K
Chat	C	Runs well	568.1 tok/s	350 ms	22K
Coding	C	Runs well	538.2 tok/s	360 ms	43K
RAG	C	Runs well	568.1 tok/s	620 ms	87K
Reasoning	C	Runs well	568.1 tok/s	403 ms	43K

How gemma 2b (2B params) fits at each quantization level on RTX 3080 12GB (12.0 GB usable).

Quant	Bits	VRAM	Quality	Fit
Q2_K	2	0.8 GB	Low	D31
Q3_K_S	3	1.0 GB	Low	D31
NVFP4	4

Upgrade options

MacBook Pro M3 Pro 18GBBudget pick

C89.8 tok/s decode

~$1,999 MSRP