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How Much VRAM Do I Need for a Local LLM?

Cloudzat GPU & Local AI Hardware Intelligence

Model parameters are only the starting point. Quantized weights, context cache, runtime workspace, concurrent users and additional loaded models all consume GPU memory. This calculator turns those inputs into a planning range.

Calculate local LLM VRAM

Estimate model weights, context cache and runtime headroom.

Quantization changes the weight footprint

Lower-bit quantization reduces model size and can make larger models practical on consumer GPUs. The trade-off can include quality loss, runtime restrictions or reduced speed depending on the format.

Long context consumes additional memory

The key-value cache grows with context length and active sequences. A model that fits at 4K context may become tight at 32K or with several simultaneous users.

Minimum is not the same as comfortable

A model that barely fits can fail when the runtime reserves workspace or another application uses the GPU. Comfortable headroom helps prevent out-of-memory errors.

CPU offload changes the system requirement

Moving layers to system memory can reduce VRAM pressure, but it increases RAM needs and usually reduces speed. It should be planned deliberately rather than treated as free capacity.

Current GPU catalogue

Current Amazon offers identified by exact GPU model. Use the calculator above for workload-specific ranking.

GPU offerVRAMStackPowerConditionPricePrice/GB
Intel Arc B580TFGAJKKKKK Intel Arc B Series Intel Arc B580 Limited Edition Graphics Video Card
12GB
GDDR6
oneAPI / DirectML 190W
600W PSU
New Price Options — Buy on Amazon
Intel Arc B580WEELIAO Intel Arc B580 Limited Edition Graphics Card Black GDDR6 2670MHz Dual Fan Video Card (192-bit, PCI-Express 4.0 x8, One HDMI Three DisplayPorts, Supports 4k)
12GB
GDDR6
oneAPI / DirectML 190W
600W PSU
New Price Options — Buy on Amazon
Radeon RX 7800 XTSapphire 11330-02-20G Pulse AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT Gaming Graphics Card with 16GB GDDR6, AMD RDNA 3
16GB
GDDR6
ROCm / DirectML 263W
700W PSU
New Price Options — Buy on Amazon
Radeon RX 7800 XTGIGABYTE Radeon RX 7800 XT Gaming OC 16GB Graphics Card - 16GB GDDR6 256-bit, Windforce Cooling System, Metal Back Plate, DP 2.1, HDMI 2.1, AMD RDNA 3 Architecture, GV-R78XTGAMING OC-16GD
16GB
GDDR6
ROCm / DirectML 263W
700W PSU
New Price Options — Buy on Amazon
Radeon RX 7800 XTXFX Quicksilver AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT Magnetic Air Gaming Graphics Card with 16GB GDDR6, RDNA3 RX-78TMAIRW9
16GB
GDDR6
ROCm / DirectML 263W
700W PSU
New Price Options — Buy on Amazon
Radeon RX 7800 XTSapphire 11330-01-20G Nitro+ AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT Gaming Graphics Card with 16GB GDDR6, AMD RDNA 3
16GB
GDDR6
ROCm / DirectML 263W
700W PSU
New Price Options — Buy on Amazon
Radeon RX 7800 XTPowerColor Fighter AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT 16GB GDDR6 Graphics Card
16GB
GDDR6
ROCm / DirectML 263W
700W PSU
New Price Options — Buy on Amazon
Radeon RX 7800 XTPowerColor Twin Fan AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT 16GB GDDR6
16GB
GDDR6
ROCm / DirectML 263W
700W PSU
New Price Options — Buy on Amazon

Amazon prices and images are refreshed on a 24-hour cycle when available. A matching listing without a current featured numeric price is shown as Price Options; check Amazon for the current offer.

Frequently asked questions

How much VRAM does a 7B Q4 model need?

The weights are often around 4GB to 5GB, but context cache and runtime overhead mean a comfortable GPU target is higher.

Why do two runtimes report different memory use?

File format, quantization implementation, cache precision, kernels and workspace allocation can differ between runtimes.

Does more context always improve an LLM?

No. Longer context increases memory and processing cost, and model quality may not improve for every task.

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