how much VRAM do you need to run AI models? The simple rule, by model size

VRAM is the single number that decides which AI models you can run. Here's the simple rule of thumb, a size-by-size table, and a calculator to check… Aliteq Ravi Malhotra · Hardware Editor

At 4-bit quantization (the normal way to run local models), a model needs roughly half its parameter count in GB, plus overhead.

8GB VRAM → ~7–8B models · 16GB → ~14B · 24GB → ~32B · 48GB+ → 70B.

Context length adds memory on top — long chats need more headroom.

Quantization is the lever — 4-bit fits far more than 16-bit for a small quality cost.

Check any model against your card in the VRAM calculator.

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