Can I Run Command R (35B) on Apple M3 Pro?
Written by Jakub Rusinowski · Last updated September 29, 2026
Not at Q4_K_M — that needs 32.7 GB at 8K context and the Apple M3 Pro has 27 GB usable. Drop to Q3_K_M and it fits in 26.5 GB, with up to 8K of context.
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The numbers
| Model | Command R (35B) |
| Parameters | 35B |
| Quantization | Q4_K_M |
| VRAM needed (8K context) | 32.7 GB |
| Apple M3 Pro usable memory | 27 GB |
| Verdict | Runs at a lower quant |
| Fits at | Q3_K_M (26.5 GB) |
| Max context | 8K |
Command R (35B) on the Apple M3 Pro: VRAM by quantization
| Quant | VRAM needed | Fits 36 GB? | Max context | Whole PC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F16 | 81.5 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q8_0 | 48.7 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q6_K | 40.2 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q5_K_M | 36.3 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q4_K_M | 32.7 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q3_K_M | 26.5 GB | ✓ Yes | 8K | — |
| Q2_K | 23 GB | ✓ Yes | 8K | — |
Assumes an 8K-token context with an f16 KV cache. A longer window needs more; a quantized KV cache needs less. “Max context” is the largest window that still fits in 36 GB of unified memory. Figures are estimates from parameter count, quantization and memory bandwidth — the analyzer lets you tune KV-cache quant and context.
Context costs VRAM too. At Q4_K_M on the Apple M3 Pro: 8K 32.7 GB ✗ · 32K 64.9 GB ✗ · 125K 189.7 GB ✗. Past 8K it no longer fits 36 GB — a q8_0 KV cache buys roughly half of that back, which the calculator will price for you.
What to do next
Quantize to Q3_K_M. That is the cheapest fix — it costs some quality but no money.
No compatible GPU? Command R Family on 256 GB of system RAM, CPU only: runs, but too slowly to be worth it.
Running Command R (35B) on this card:
Command R (35B) needs ~33 GB but this GPU has 36 GB. Rent a A100 (40 GB)-class GPU by the hour instead of buying one:
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Cloud rates verified 2026-07 — estimates, and marketplace prices vary. Buying price is GPU MSRP only, not a full PC.
Other Command R Family sizes on the Apple M3 Pro
- Command R+ (104B) — does not fit (65.7 GB)
Command R (35B) on nearby hardware
- Apple M5 (32 GB) — runs at a lower quant
- NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada Generation (48 GB) — runs
All Command R Family sizes on the Apple M3 Pro | Command R (35B) model page | Apple M3 Pro GPU page | VRAM calculator | Check your hardware