Can I Run Llama 4 Scout 17B on Apple M5 Pro?
Written by Jakub Rusinowski · Last updated July 12, 2026
Not at Q4_K_M — that needs 68.2 GB at 8K context and the Apple M5 Pro has 48 GB usable. Drop to Q2_K and it fits in 38.2 GB, with up to 32K of context.
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The numbers
| Model | Llama 4 Scout 17B |
| Parameters | 17B active / 109B total |
| Quantization | Q4_K_M |
| VRAM needed (8K context) | 68.2 GB |
| Apple M5 Pro usable memory | 48 GB |
| Verdict | Runs at a lower quant |
| Fits at | Q2_K (38.2 GB) |
| Max context | 32K |
Llama 4 Scout 17B on the Apple M5 Pro: VRAM by quantization
| Quant | VRAM needed | Fits 64 GB? | Max context | Whole PC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F16 | 220.4 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q8_0 | 118.2 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q6_K | 91.8 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q5_K_M | 79.7 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q4_K_M | 68.2 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q3_K_M | 48.9 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q2_K | 38.2 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 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 M5 Pro: 8K 68.2 GB ✗ · 32K 73.1 GB ✗ · 128K 92.4 GB ✗. Past 8K it no longer fits 64 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 Q2_K. That is the cheapest fix — it costs some quality but no money.
No compatible GPU? Llama 4 Scout 17B on 48 GB of system RAM, CPU only: runs, but it is tight.
Running Llama 4 Scout 17B on this card:
Llama 4 Scout 17B needs ~68 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.
Other Llama 4 sizes on the Apple M5 Pro
- Llama 4 Maverick 17B — does not fit (243.9 GB)
Llama 4 Scout 17B on nearby hardware
- NVIDIA L40S (48 GB) — runs at a lower quant
- NVIDIA A100 80GB (PCIe) (80 GB) — runs
All Llama 4 sizes on the Apple M5 Pro | Llama 4 Scout 17B model page | Apple M5 Pro GPU page | VRAM calculator | Check your hardware