Written by Jakub Rusinowski · Last updated August 15, 2026
Not at Q4_K_M — that needs 65.8 GB and the Apple M3 Max has 64 GB. Drop to Q3_K_M and it fits in 48.9 GB, with up to 64K of context.
| Model | Llama 4 Scout 17B |
| Parameters | 17B active / 109B total |
| Quantization | Q4_K_M |
| VRAM needed | 65.8 GB |
| Apple M3 Max VRAM | 64 GB |
| Verdict | Runs at a lower quant |
| Fits at | Q3_K_M (48.9 GB) |
| Max context | 64K |
Quantize to Q3_K_M. That is the cheapest fix — it costs some quality but no money.
Running Llama 4 Scout 17B on this card:
Llama 4 Scout 17B needs ~66 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.
All Llama 4 sizes on the Apple M3 Max | VRAM calculator for Llama 4 Scout 17B | Apple M3 Max GPU page | Check your hardware