How much VRAM does gemma 3 4b it need?

gemma 3 4b it (4B parameters) requires approximately 5.0 GB of memory with Q4_K_M quantization.

What is the best quantization for gemma 3 4b it?

The recommended quantization for gemma 3 4b it is Q4_K_M, which balances quality and memory efficiency.

Can it run?

Yes, GTX 1060 6GB can run gemma 3 4b it with a C grade (Tight fit). Expected decode speed: 56.7 tok/s.

CUsable

Tight fit

Using Q4_K_M in Ollama

Capabilities:

Fit status

Tight fit

Decode

56.7 tok/s

TTFT

3417 ms

Safe context

19K

Memory

5.0 GB / 6.0 GB

Weights2.4 GB

KV Cache0.8 GB

Runtime1.2 GB

Headroom0.6 GB

Workload	Grade	Fit	Decode	TTFT	Context
Agentic Coding	C	Tight fit	46.4 tok/s	6066 ms	35K
Chat	C	Tight fit	46.4 tok/s	2275 ms	10K
Coding	C	Tight fit	56.7 tok/s	3417 ms	19K
RAG	C	Tight fit	46.4 tok/s	7582 ms	35K
Reasoning	C	Tight fit	46.4 tok/s	4928 ms	19K

How gemma 3 4b it (4B params) fits at each quantization level on GTX 1060 6GB (6.0 GB usable).

Quant	Bits	VRAM	Quality	Fit
Q2_K	2	1.6 GB	Low	D35
Q3_K_S	3	2.0 GB	Low	D37
NVFP4	4

Upgrade options

Intel Arc B580 12GBBudget pick

C89.7 tok/s decode

~$249 MSRP

RX 7600 8GBBest value

B68.5 tok/s decode

~$269 MSRP

RTX 2060 Super 8GBNVIDIA upgrade

B106.5 tok/s decode

~$399 MSRP

Intel Arc A580 8GBBiggest leap