Can I Run Cosmos 3 Super on Apple M3 Max?
Written by Jakub Rusinowski · Last updated September 29, 2026
Not at BF16 — that needs 131.1 GB at 8K context and the Apple M3 Max has 96 GB usable. Drop to Q8_0 and it fits in 71.1 GB, with up to 16K of context.
Get a personalized upgrade path →
The numbers
| Model | Cosmos 3 Super |
| Parameters | 64B |
| Quantization | BF16 |
| VRAM needed (8K context) | 131.1 GB |
| Apple M3 Max usable memory | 96 GB |
| Verdict | Runs at a lower quant |
| Fits at | Q8_0 (71.1 GB) |
| Max context | 16K |
Cosmos 3 Super on the Apple M3 Max: VRAM by quantization
| Quant | VRAM needed | Fits 128 GB? | Max context | Whole PC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F16 | 131.1 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q8_0 | 71.1 GB | ✓ Yes | 16K | — |
| Q6_K | 55.6 GB | ✓ Yes | 16K | — |
| Q5_K_M | 48.5 GB | ✓ Yes | 16K | — |
| Q4_K_M | 41.8 GB | ✓ Yes | 16K | — |
| Q3_K_M | 30.4 GB | ✓ Yes | 16K | — |
| Q2_K | 24.2 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 128 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 M3 Max: 8K 131.1 GB ✗ · 16K 133.4 GB ✗. Past 8K it no longer fits 128 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 Q8_0. That is the cheapest fix — it costs some quality but no money.
No compatible GPU? Cosmos 3 Super on 64 GB of system RAM, CPU only: runs comfortably.
Running Cosmos 3 Super on this card:
Cosmos 3 Super needs ~131 GB but this GPU has 128 GB. Rent a 2× A100 (160 GB)-class GPU by the hour instead of buying one:
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.
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 M3 Max
- Cosmos 3 Nano — runs (34.2 GB)
- Cosmos 3 Edge — runs (9.7 GB)
Cosmos 3 Super on nearby hardware
- NVIDIA H100 80GB (PCIe) (80 GB) — runs at a lower quant
- Apple M2 Ultra (192 GB) — runs
All Cosmos 3 sizes on the Apple M3 Max | Cosmos 3 Super model page | Apple M3 Max GPU page | VRAM calculator | Check your hardware