how much RAM do you need for local AI? The number that isn't VRAM

Everyone asks about VRAM — but your system RAM matters too, especially without a big GPU. Here's how much RAM you actually need for local AI, from…

Aliteq
Ravi Malhotra · Hardware Editor

RAM by what you want to run

16GB — runs 8B models (Llama 3.1 8B Q4) comfortably; a fine starting point.

RAM by what you want to run

32GB — the sweet spot: 13-14B models plus RAG, Docker, and dev workflows alongside.

RAM by what you want to run

64GB+ — 70B-class models with CPU offload, heavy multitasking, long-term headroom.

RAM by what you want to run

8GB — tight; ~9B max and little room for the OS. Workable but limiting.

RAM by what you want to run

RAM ≠ VRAM — VRAM is on your GPU (fast); system RAM feeds the CPU and offload.

RAM by what you want to run

Leave headroom — your OS needs a few GB, so don't size a model to your *total* RAM.

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how much RAM do you need for local AI? The number that isn't VRAM

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