Can I Run Command R (35B) on NVIDIA L40S?
Written by Jakub Rusinowski · Last updated July 21, 2026
Yes. Command R (35B) needs 32.7 GB at 8K context (21.1 GB weights + 11.6 GB KV cache/overhead) at Q4_K_M and the NVIDIA L40S has 48 GB, leaving about 15.3 GB of headroom, at roughly 28 tok/s (estimated) with room for up to 16K of context.
See what else this hardware can run →
The numbers
| Model | Command R (35B) |
| Parameters | 35B |
| Quantization | Q4_K_M |
| VRAM needed (8K context) | 32.7 GB |
| NVIDIA L40S VRAM | 48 GB |
| Verdict | Runs |
| Max context | 16K |
| Estimated speed | ~28 tok/s |
Command R (35B) on the NVIDIA L40S: VRAM by quantization
| Quant | VRAM needed | Fits 48 GB? | Max context | Whole PC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F16 | 81.5 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q8_0 | 48.7 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q6_K | 40.2 GB | ✓ Yes | 8K | — |
| Q5_K_M | 36.3 GB | ✓ Yes | 16K | — |
| Q4_K_M | 32.7 GB | ✓ Yes | 16K | — |
| Q3_K_M | 26.5 GB | ✓ Yes | 16K | — |
| Q2_K | 23 GB | ✓ Yes | 16K | — |
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 48 GB. 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 NVIDIA L40S: 8K 32.7 GB · 32K 64.9 GB ✗ · 125K 189.7 GB ✗. Past 32K it no longer fits 48 GB — a q8_0 KV cache buys roughly half of that back, which the calculator will price for you.
What to do next
Nothing to change — run it at Q4_K_M. If you want more capability, check whether the next size up also fits.
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:
At 2 hrs/day, buying (~$7,499) beats renting at $0.55/hr after about 18.9 years.
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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 NVIDIA L40S
- Command R+ (104B) — runs at a lower quant (65.7 GB)
Command R (35B) on nearby hardware
- Apple M3 Pro (36 GB) — runs at a lower quant
- NVIDIA A100 80GB (PCIe) (80 GB) — runs
All Command R Family sizes on the NVIDIA L40S | Command R (35B) model page | NVIDIA L40S GPU page | VRAM calculator | Check your hardware