How much VRAM does gemma 2b need?

gemma 2b (2B parameters) requires approximately 5.6 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, Tesla P40 24GB can run gemma 2b with a C grade (Runs well). Expected decode speed: 204.2 tok/s.

CUsable

Runs well

Using Q4_K_M in Ollama

Capabilities:

Fit status

Runs well

Decode

204.2 tok/s

TTFT

948 ms

Safe context

68K

Memory

5.6 GB / 24.0 GB

Weights1.2 GB

KV Cache0.8 GB

Runtime1.2 GB

Headroom2.4 GB

Workload	Grade	Fit	Decode	TTFT	Context
Agentic Coding	C	Runs well	167.3 tok/s	1683 ms	137K
Chat	C	Runs well	167.3 tok/s	631 ms	34K
Coding	C	Runs well	204.2 tok/s	948 ms	68K
RAG	C	Runs well	167.3 tok/s	2104 ms	137K
Reasoning	C	Runs well	167.3 tok/s	1367 ms	68K

How gemma 2b (2B params) fits at each quantization level on Tesla P40 24GB (24.0 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 M3 Pro 36GBBudget pick

C89.8 tok/s decode

~$1,999 MSRP

MacBook Pro M4 Max 36GBBest value

C211.7 tok/s decode

~$2,499 MSRP