Can I Run GLM-5 / GLM-5.1 on Apple M1 Max?
Written by Jakub Rusinowski · Last updated September 29, 2026
Yes, but it's tight — GLM-5.1 72B at Q4_K_M needs 46.7 GB at 8K context (43.5 GB weights + 3.2 GB KV cache/overhead), leaving ~1.3 GB of the Apple M1 Max's 48 GB usable memory, at ~5 tok/s (est.), with room for up to 8K context.
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Apple M1 Max Specs
| VRAM | 64 GB unified memory |
| Memory Bandwidth | 400 GB/s |
GLM-5.1 72B on the Apple M1 Max: VRAM by quantization
| Quant | VRAM needed | Fits 64 GB? | Max context | Whole PC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F16 | 147.2 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q8_0 | 79.7 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q6_K | 62.3 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q5_K_M | 54.2 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q4_K_M | 46.7 GB | ✓ Yes | 8K | — |
| Q3_K_M | 33.9 GB | ✓ Yes | 32K | — |
| Q2_K | 26.9 GB | ✓ Yes | 64K | — |
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 64 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 M1 Max: 8K 46.7 GB · 32K 53.9 GB ✗ · 125K 82 GB ✗. Past 32K it no longer fits 64 GB — a q8_0 KV cache buys roughly half of that back, which the calculator will price for you.
No compatible GPU? GLM-5 / GLM-5.1 on 8 GB of system RAM, CPU only: runs, but it is tight.
GLM-5 / GLM-5.1 Sizes That Fit the Apple M1 Max (at 8K context)
| GLM-5.1 72B | Q4_K_M · 46.7 GB at 8K context · ~5 tok/s (est.) |
| GLM-5 32B | Q4_K_M · 22 GB at 8K context · ~10 tok/s (est.) |
| GLM-5 9B | Q4_K_M · 7.4 GB at 8K context · ~33 tok/s (est.) |
GLM-5 / GLM-5.1 needs ~47 GB but this GPU has 64 GB. Rent a A100 (80 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.
FAQ
Is the Apple M1 Max enough to run GLM-5 / GLM-5.1 locally?
Yes, but it's tight — GLM-5.1 72B at Q4_K_M needs 46.7 GB at 8K context (43.5 GB weights + 3.2 GB KV cache/overhead), leaving ~1.3 GB of the Apple M1 Max's 48 GB usable memory, at ~5 tok/s (est.), with room for up to 8K context.
What's the best GLM-5 / GLM-5.1 size for the Apple M1 Max?
GLM-5.1 72B at Q4_K_M quantization needs 46.7 GB at 8K context (43.5 GB weights + 3.2 GB KV cache/overhead), estimated ~5 tokens/sec, up to 8K context.
GLM-5 / GLM-5.1 on Other GPUs
- GLM-5 / GLM-5.1 on Apple M5 Pro
- GLM-5 / GLM-5.1 on NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada Generation
- GLM-5 / GLM-5.1 on NVIDIA L40S
- GLM-5 / GLM-5.1 on NVIDIA A100 80GB (PCIe)
- GLM-5 / GLM-5.1 on NVIDIA H100 80GB (PCIe)
Popular Models on the Apple M1 Max
VRAM Tier
Troubleshooting
- Ollama: "model requires more system memory than is available"
- Which GGUF quant should I download? (Q4 vs Q5 vs Q8)
Buying Guide
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