How much VRAM does Llama 2 7B Chat need?

Llama 2 7B Chat (7B parameters) requires approximately 7.2 GB of memory with Q4_K_M quantization.

What is the best quantization for Llama 2 7B Chat?

The recommended quantization for Llama 2 7B Chat is Q4_K_M, which balances quality and memory efficiency.

Can it run?

Yes, GTX 1660 Super 6GB can run Llama 2 7B Chat with a D grade (Very compromised). Expected decode speed: 48.8 tok/s.

DPoor

Very compromised

Using Q4_K_M in Ollama

Capabilities:

Fit status

Very compromised

Decode

48.8 tok/s

TTFT

3965 ms

Safe context

13K

Memory

7.2 GB / 6.0 GB

Offload

20%

Weights4.3 GB

KV Cache1.1 GB

Runtime1.2 GB

Headroom0.6 GB

Workload	Grade	Fit	Decode	TTFT	Context
Agentic Coding	F	Too heavy	43.3 tok/s	6507 ms	23K
Chat	C	Very compromised (needs ~0.5 GB host RAM)	38.2 tok/s	2762 ms	7K
Coding	D	Very compromised	48.8 tok/s	3965 ms	13K
RAG	F	Too heavy	43.3 tok/s	8133 ms	23K
Reasoning	D	Very compromised (needs ~0.7 GB host RAM)	36.8 tok/s	6216 ms

How Llama 2 7B Chat (7B params) fits at each quantization level on GTX 1660 Super 6GB (6.0 GB usable).

Quant	Bits	VRAM	Quality	Fit
Q2_K	2	2.7 GB	Low	D39
Q3_K_SBest for your GPU	3	3.4 GB	Low	C42

Upgrade options

Intel Arc B580 12GBBudget pick

C51.3 tok/s decode

~$249 MSRP

RX 7600 8GBBest value

C39.1 tok/s decode

~$269 MSRP

RTX 3080 10GBNVIDIA upgrade

B135.3 tok/s decode

~$699 MSRP

RTX 2080 Ti 11GBBiggest leap