Gemma 3 12B
High quality 12B model. Excellent for iPad Pro and Mac.
About This Model
Gemma 3 12B is a large language model developed by Google, featuring 12 billion parameters and an impressive context length of 32,768 tokens. This model excels in generating high-quality text across a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to, creative writing, summarization, and question-answering. Its extensive context window allows it to maintain coherence over longer passages, making it particularly suitable for tasks that require deep understanding and long-term memory.
In its size class, Gemma 3 12B holds its own, offering a balance between performance and resource efficiency. While it may not outperform the largest models in terms of raw capabilities, it provides a compelling trade-off between computational demands and output quality. The model supports quantization options like Q4_K_M and Q8_0, which help reduce the VRAM requirements to a range of 7.3 to 12.2 GB, making it feasible for users with mid-range GPUs. Ideal for researchers, developers, and enthusiasts who need a powerful yet manageable LLM, Gemma 3 12B is a solid choice for those looking to deploy advanced text generation capabilities on local hardware without the need for top-tier GPUs.
Check Your Hardware
See which quantizations of Gemma 3 12B your hardware can run.
Quantization Options
| Quantization | Bits | File Size | VRAM Needed | RAM Needed | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q4_K_M | 4.5 | 6.799 GB | 7.3 GB | 7.8 GB | 85% |
| Q8_0 | 8 | 11.651 GB | 12.15 GB | 12.65 GB | 98% |
See It In Action
Real model outputs generated via RunThisModel.com — watch responses stream in real time.
Outputs generated by real AI models via RunThisModel.com. Generation speed shown is from cloud inference. Local speeds vary by hardware — check your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much VRAM do I need to run Gemma 3 12B?
Gemma 3 12B requires 7.3GB VRAM minimum with Q4_K_M quantization. For full precision, you need 12.15GB VRAM.
What is the best quantization for Gemma 3 12B?
Q4_K_M offers the best balance of quality and VRAM usage. Q8_0 is near-lossless if you have enough VRAM.