How much VRAM does gemma 3 27b it need?

gemma 3 27b it (27B parameters) requires approximately 25.8 GB of memory with Q4_K_M quantization.

What is the best quantization for gemma 3 27b it?

The recommended quantization for gemma 3 27b it is Q4_K_M, which balances quality and memory efficiency.

Can it run?

Yes, MacBook Pro M3 Pro 36GB can run gemma 3 27b it with a C grade (Runs with offload). Expected decode speed: 5.9 tok/s.

CUsable

Runs with offload

Using Q4_K_M in Ollama

Capabilities:

Fit status

Runs with offload

Decode

5.9 tok/s

TTFT

32704 ms

Safe context

16K

Memory

25.8 GB / 25.9 GB

Weights16.5 GB

KV Cache4.2 GB

Runtime1.2 GB

Headroom3.9 GB

Workload	Grade	Fit	Decode	TTFT	Context
Agentic Coding	D	Very compromised (needs ~2.2 GB host RAM)	6.4 tok/s	44156 ms	28K
Chat	C	Tight fit	6.6 tok/s	15883 ms	9K
Coding	C	Runs with offload	5.9 tok/s	32704 ms	16K
RAG	D	Very compromised (needs ~2.2 GB host RAM)	6.4 tok/s	55194 ms	28K
Reasoning	C	Runs with offload	6.6 tok/s	34414 ms

How gemma 3 27b it (27B params) fits at each quantization level on MacBook Pro M3 Pro 36GB (25.9 GB usable).

Quant	Bits	VRAM	Quality	Fit
Q2_K	2	10.5 GB	Low	D38
Q3_K_S	3	13.2 GB	Low	C40
NVFP4	4

Upgrade options

Mac mini M4 64GBBudget pick

C5.2 tok/s decode

~$1,099 MSRP

MacBook Pro M4 Pro 64GBBest value

C12.8 tok/s decode

~$1,599 MSRP

RTX 5090 32GBBiggest leap