How much VRAM does Llama 2 7B Chat need?

Llama 2 7B Chat (7B parameters) requires approximately 8.2 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, RX 9060 XT 16GB can run Llama 2 7B Chat with a C grade (Runs well). Expected decode speed: 54.0 tok/s.

CUsable

Runs well

Using Q4_K_M in Ollama

Capabilities:

Fit status

Runs well

Decode

54.0 tok/s

TTFT

3588 ms

Safe context

31K

Memory

8.2 GB / 16.0 GB

Weights4.3 GB

KV Cache1.1 GB

Runtime1.2 GB

Headroom1.6 GB

Workload	Grade	Fit	Decode	TTFT	Context
Agentic Coding	C	Runs well	54.0 tok/s	5219 ms	55K
Chat	C	Runs well	54.0 tok/s	1957 ms	16K
Coding	C	Runs well	54.0 tok/s	3588 ms	31K
RAG	C	Runs well	54.0 tok/s	6524 ms	55K
Reasoning	C	Runs well	54.0 tok/s	4240 ms	31K

How Llama 2 7B Chat (7B params) fits at each quantization level on RX 9060 XT 16GB (16.0 GB usable).

Quant	Bits	VRAM	Quality	Fit
Q2_K	2	2.7 GB	Low	D33
Q3_K_S	3	3.4 GB	Low	D34
NVFP4	4

Upgrade options

RX 7900 XT 20GBBudget pick

C112.4 tok/s decode

~$899 MSRP

MacBook Pro M4 Pro 24GBBest value

C49.2 tok/s decode

~$1,999 MSRP

RTX A4500 20GBBiggest leap