Model → hardware
Qwen3 4B
Plan for 6 GB of dedicated GPU memory at Q4_K_M and a 4,000-token context. 8 GB gives more headroom under the same settings.
Small general-purpose model. Memory fit is an estimate, not a speed or quality guarantee.
Hardware starting points
Planning estimatesQ4_K_M · 32 GB system RAM · one active request · full GPU residency
| Dedicated GPU memory | At 4,000 tokens | At 16,000 tokens | Example from these guides |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 GB | Smallest listed tier that fits5.1 GB + 0.18 GB reserve | Fits the estimate5.5 GB + reserve | RTX 2060 6 GB |
| 8 GB | More headroom5.1 GB + 0.24 GB reserve | Fits the estimate5.5 GB + reserve | RTX 4060 8 GB |
| 12 GB | More headroom5.1 GB + 0.36 GB reserve | Fits the estimate5.5 GB + reserve | RTX 3060 12 GB |
The smallest tier fits the calculation; it is not a verified minimum. Cache precision and runtime buffers can change the fit. “More headroom” means at least 2 GB remains after the estimate and reserve.
Use the publisher’s Instruct / chat template in a current GGUF-capable runtime. The 6 GB tier can become tight when display use, buffers or context grow. CPU offloading needs adequate system RAM and changes performance; it is not included in these full-GPU estimates.
Compare quantisation and context
| File profile | Weight input¹ | GPU estimate at 4K | GPU estimate at 16K |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q4_K_M | 4.00 GB | 5.1 GB | 5.5 GB |
| Q5_K_M | 4.90 GB | 6.0 GB | 6.4 GB |
¹ Catalogue planning weights. These can differ from an exact downloaded file; runtime memory also includes cache and buffers. The current 4B profile uses a conservative 4.00 GB Q4 planning input rather than the publisher’s smaller download.
Keep the exact file, runtime version, cache type and context limit consistent when comparing. Q5 uses more memory; compare its answers on your own tasks before accepting the trade-off.
Setup and common questions
Which checkpoint should I download?
Use Qwen/Qwen3-4B with the publisher’s GGUF files and Qwen3 chat template. The official Q4_K_M download is about 2.50 GB; the comparison above uses the catalogue’s more conservative weight input. File size excludes cache and buffers.
How should I compare its answers?
Keep thinking mode fixed and use the same prompts. Follow the publisher’s sampling guidance. If it misses details you need, compare Qwen3 8B on that task before moving up.
Can I use longer context?
Qwen lists 32,768 native tokens and 131,072 with YaRN. The longer limit needs runtime support and enough memory. Start small and check allocation before increasing it.
How are these recommendations chosen?
We compare dedicated GPU memory tiers using the main Finder’s memory calculation at the stated quantisation and context. These tiers describe memory fit, not speed or output quality.
GPU memory includes weights, context cache and a 0.9 GB runtime allowance, plus a 3% reserve (0.15–1.5 GB). Cache format and runtime buffers can change the fit. See the calculation assumptions.
Sources and related guides
Specification sources checked 2 October 2026.
These comparisons are planning estimates. No reviewed or independently reproduced measurements are available yet. About test evidence.