How much VRAM does gemma 3 4b it need?

gemma 3 4b it (4B parameters) requires approximately 7.9 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, MacBook Pro M2 Pro 32GB can run gemma 3 4b it with a C grade (Runs well). Expected decode speed: 53.3 tok/s.

CUsable

Runs well

Using Q4_K_M in Ollama

Capabilities:

Fit status

Runs well

Decode

53.3 tok/s

TTFT

3634 ms

Safe context

47K

Memory

7.9 GB / 23.0 GB

Weights2.4 GB

KV Cache0.8 GB

Runtime1.2 GB

Headroom3.5 GB

Workload	Grade	Fit	Decode	TTFT	Context
Agentic Coding	C	Runs well	57.4 tok/s	4908 ms	88K
Chat	C	Runs well	57.4 tok/s	1840 ms	23K
Coding	C	Runs well	53.3 tok/s	3634 ms	47K
RAG	C	Runs well	57.4 tok/s	6135 ms	88K
Reasoning	C	Runs well	57.4 tok/s	3988 ms	47K

How gemma 3 4b it (4B params) fits at each quantization level on MacBook Pro M2 Pro 32GB (23.0 GB usable).

Quant	Bits	VRAM	Quality	Fit
Q2_K	2	1.6 GB	Low	D31
Q3_K_S	3	2.0 GB	Low	D31
NVFP4	4

Upgrade options

RX 7900 XTX 24GBBudget pick

C283.3 tok/s decode

~$999 MSRP

RTX 3090 24GBBest value

C268.5 tok/s decode

~$1,499 MSRP

MacBook Pro M4 Max 36GBBiggest leap