Run Gemma 3 12B locally: hardware requirements
Gemma 3 12B by Google installs on a paired computer through idapt's local engine. RAM decides whether a build fits; a GPU only changes speed. Local runs are not billed.
- Download
- 8.1 GB-13 GB
- RAM needed
- 12 GB-16 GB
- Builds
- 2
Will it run on your machine?
Enter your system RAM to get verdicts. RAM decides whether a build fits; a GPU only changes speed.
Every build
| Build | Quantization | Download | RAM needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12b-it-q4_K_MDefault | q4_K_M | 8.1 GB | 12 GB |
| 12b-it-q8_0 | q8_0 | 13 GB | 16 GB |
RAM figures are working-set recommendations: when GPU memory is short, the runtime spills to CPU and system memory instead of failing.
Install it
Pair a computer with idapt and install Gemma 3 12B from the model page: the local engine bootstraps itself, pulls the build you pick, and streams progress. Or pull it directly:
ollama pull gemma3:12b-it-q4_K_MFrequently asked
How much RAM do I need to run Gemma 3 12B locally?
The smallest Gemma 3 12B build runs with about 12 GB of system RAM; the largest needs 16 GB. RAM is the binding requirement: when GPU memory is short, the runtime spills to CPU and system memory instead of failing.
Which quantization of Gemma 3 12B should I pick?
Start with the default 12b-it-q4_K_M build: a 8.1 GB download that wants about 12 GB of RAM. Smaller quantizations shrink the download and memory needs at some cost in output quality; larger ones do the reverse.
Do I need a GPU to run Gemma 3 12B?
No. A GPU with enough VRAM makes generation faster, but Gemma 3 12B runs on CPU and system RAM alone. Whether a build fits is decided by RAM; the GPU only changes speed.
How big is the Gemma 3 12B download?
Between 8.1 GB and 13 GB, depending on the quantization you pick across 2 available builds.
Can idapt install Gemma 3 12B for me?
Yes. Pair a computer with idapt and install Gemma 3 12B from this page: the local engine bootstraps itself, pulls the build you pick (ollama pull gemma3), and streams download progress. Local runs are not billed.
Part of the Gemma 3 12B model page · Gemma 3 12B pricing · Check every local model against your hardware