Can I Run EXAONE 3.5 7.8B on Apple M5?
Written by Jakub Rusinowski · Last updated July 12, 2026
Yes. EXAONE 3.5 7.8B needs 6.6 GB at 8K context (4.7 GB weights + 1.9 GB KV cache/overhead) at Q4_K_M and the Apple M5 has 24 GB usable, leaving about 17.4 GB of headroom, at roughly 15 tok/s (estimated) with room for up to 32K of context.
See what else this hardware can run →
The numbers
| Model | EXAONE 3.5 7.8B |
| Parameters | 7.8B |
| Quantization | Q4_K_M |
| VRAM needed (8K context) | 6.6 GB |
| Apple M5 usable memory | 24 GB |
| Verdict | Runs |
| Max context | 32K |
| Estimated speed | ~15 tok/s |
EXAONE 3.5 7.8B on the Apple M5: VRAM by quantization
| Quant | VRAM needed | Fits 32 GB? | Max context | Whole PC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F16 | 17.5 GB | ✓ Yes | 32K | — |
| Q8_0 | 10.2 GB | ✓ Yes | 32K | — |
| Q6_K | 8.3 GB | ✓ Yes | 32K | — |
| Q5_K_M | 7.4 GB | ✓ Yes | 32K | — |
| Q4_K_M | 6.6 GB | ✓ Yes | 32K | — |
| Q3_K_M | 5.2 GB | ✓ Yes | 32K | — |
| Q2_K | 4.4 GB | ✓ Yes | 32K | — |
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 32 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 M5: 8K 6.6 GB · 32K 9.8 GB. Every window this model publishes still fits 32 GB.
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? EXAONE 3.5 7.8B on 16 GB of system RAM, CPU only: runs.
Running EXAONE 3.5 7.8B on this card:
EXAONE 3.5 7.8B needs ~7 GB but this GPU has 32 GB. Rent a RTX 4090 (24 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 EXAONE 3.5 sizes on the Apple M5
- EXAONE 3.5 32B — runs (22.3 GB)
- EXAONE 3.5 2.4B — runs (2.9 GB)
EXAONE 3.5 7.8B on nearby hardware
- AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX (24 GB) — runs
- Apple M3 Pro (36 GB) — runs
All EXAONE 3.5 sizes on the Apple M5 | EXAONE 3.5 7.8B model page | Apple M5 GPU page | VRAM calculator | Check your hardware