How much VRAM does gemma 3 4b it need?

gemma 3 4b it (4B parameters) requires approximately 7.0 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, MacBook Pro M3 24GB can run gemma 3 4b it with a C grade (Runs well). Expected decode speed: 26.6 tok/s.

CUsable

Runs well

Using Q4_K_M in Ollama

Capabilities:

Fit status

Runs well

Decode

26.6 tok/s

TTFT

7267 ms

Safe context

39K

Memory

7.0 GB / 17.3 GB

Weights2.4 GB

KV Cache0.8 GB

Runtime1.2 GB

Headroom2.6 GB

Workload	Grade	Fit	Decode	TTFT	Context
Agentic Coding	C	Runs well	27.9 tok/s	10104 ms	74K
Chat	C	Runs well	27.9 tok/s	3789 ms	20K
Coding	C	Runs well	26.6 tok/s	7267 ms	39K
RAG	C	Runs well	27.9 tok/s	12631 ms	74K
Reasoning	C	Runs well	27.9 tok/s	8210 ms	39K

How gemma 3 4b it (4B params) fits at each quantization level on MacBook Pro M3 24GB (17.3 GB usable).

Quant	Bits	VRAM	Quality	Fit
Q2_K	2	1.6 GB	Low	D31
Q3_K_S	3	2.0 GB	Low	D32
NVFP4	4

Upgrade options

RX 7900 XT 20GBBudget pick

C196.7 tok/s decode

~$899 MSRP

RX 7900 XTX 24GBBest value

C283.3 tok/s decode

~$999 MSRP