Can I Run Cosmos 3 Nano on Apple M1?
Written by Jakub Rusinowski · Last updated July 21, 2026
Not at BF16 — that needs 34.2 GB at 8K context and the Apple M1 has 12 GB usable. Drop to Q4_K_M and it fits in 11.9 GB, with up to 8K of context.
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The numbers
| Model | Cosmos 3 Nano |
| Parameters | 16B |
| Quantization | BF16 |
| VRAM needed (8K context) | 34.2 GB |
| Apple M1 usable memory | 12 GB |
| Verdict | Runs at a lower quant |
| Fits at | Q4_K_M (11.9 GB) |
| Max context | 8K |
Cosmos 3 Nano on the Apple M1: VRAM by quantization
| Quant | VRAM needed | Fits 16 GB? | Max context | Whole PC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F16 | 34.2 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q8_0 | 19.2 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q6_K | 15.4 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q5_K_M | 13.6 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q4_K_M | 11.9 GB | ✓ Yes | 8K | — |
| Q3_K_M | 9.1 GB | ✓ Yes | 16K | — |
| Q2_K | 7.5 GB | ✓ Yes | 16K | — |
Assumes an 8K-token context with an f16 KV cache, on an estimated architecture — this model publishes no config we can read. A longer window needs more; a quantized KV cache needs less. “Max context” is the largest window that still fits in 16 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 BF16 on the Apple M1: 8K 34.2 GB ✗ · 16K 35.7 GB ✗. Past 8K it no longer fits 16 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 Q4_K_M. That is the cheapest fix — it costs some quality but no money.
No compatible GPU? Cosmos 3 Nano on 16 GB of system RAM, CPU only: runs, but it is tight.
Running Cosmos 3 Nano on this card:
Cosmos 3 Nano needs ~34 GB but this GPU has 16 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 Cosmos 3 sizes on the Apple M1
- Cosmos 3 Super — does not fit (131.1 GB)
- Cosmos 3 Edge — runs (9.7 GB)
Cosmos 3 Nano on nearby hardware
- Intel Arc B580 (12 GB) — runs at a lower quant
- AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT (20 GB) — runs at a lower quant
All Cosmos 3 sizes on the Apple M1 | Cosmos 3 Nano model page | Apple M1 GPU page | VRAM calculator | Check your hardware