How much VRAM does gemma 3 4b it need?

gemma 3 4b it (4B parameters) requires approximately 8.3 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 Pro 36GB can run gemma 3 4b it with a C grade (Runs well). Expected decode speed: 40.0 tok/s.

CUsable

Runs well

Using Q4_K_M in Ollama

Capabilities:

Fit status

Runs well

Decode

40.0 tok/s

TTFT

4845 ms

Safe context

50K

Memory

8.3 GB / 25.9 GB

Weights2.4 GB

KV Cache0.8 GB

Runtime1.2 GB

Headroom3.9 GB

Workload	Grade	Fit	Decode	TTFT	Context
Agentic Coding	C	Runs well	44.9 tok/s	6275 ms	94K
Chat	C	Runs well	44.9 tok/s	2353 ms	25K
Coding	C	Runs well	40.0 tok/s	4845 ms	50K
RAG	C	Runs well	44.9 tok/s	7844 ms	94K
Reasoning	C	Runs well	44.9 tok/s	5098 ms	50K

How gemma 3 4b it (4B params) fits at each quantization level on MacBook Pro M3 Pro 36GB (25.9 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

MacBook Pro M4 Pro 64GBBudget pick

C86.2 tok/s decode

~$1,599 MSRP

RTX 5090 32GBBest value

C492.1 tok/s decode

~$1,999 MSRP

MacBook Pro M3 Max 48GBBiggest leap