Can I Run Nemotron 3 Super on Apple M1 Max?
Written by Jakub Rusinowski · Last updated September 29, 2026
No — Nemotron 3 Super 120B-A12B at Q4_K_M needs 76.1 GB at 8K context (72.5 GB weights + 3.6 GB KV cache/overhead), and the Apple M1 Max's 48 GB usable memory leaves it ~28.1 GB short. The cheapest card that runs it is the NVIDIA A100 80GB (PCIe) (80 GB).
Get a personalized upgrade path →
or compare on Vast.ai from $0.77/hr (typical low · varies)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Cloud GPU links are referral links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Apple M1 Max Specs
| VRAM | 64 GB unified memory |
| Memory Bandwidth | 400 GB/s |
Nemotron 3 Super 120B-A12B on the Apple M1 Max: VRAM by quantization
| Quant | VRAM needed | Fits 64 GB? | Max context | Whole PC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F16 | 243.7 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q8_0 | 131.2 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q6_K | 102.1 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q5_K_M | 88.7 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q4_K_M | 76.1 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q3_K_M | 54.8 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q2_K | 43.1 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 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 76.1 GB ✗ · 32K 84.7 GB ✗ · 128K 118.9 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.
No compatible GPU? Nemotron 3 Super 120B-A12B on 64 GB of system RAM, CPU only: runs.
Why It Does Not Fit
Every Nemotron 3 Super variant requires more VRAM than the Apple M1 Max provides (64 GB).
Nearest GPU That Fits
NVIDIA A100 80GB (PCIe) (80 GB VRAM).
Nemotron 3 Super needs ~76 GB but this GPU has 64 GB. Rent a A100 (80 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.
FAQ
Can I run Nemotron 3 Super on the Apple M1 Max?
No — Nemotron 3 Super 120B-A12B at Q4_K_M needs 76.1 GB at 8K context (72.5 GB weights + 3.6 GB KV cache/overhead), and the Apple M1 Max's 48 GB usable memory leaves it ~28.1 GB short. The cheapest card that runs it is the NVIDIA A100 80GB (PCIe) (80 GB).
What's the cheapest GPU that runs Nemotron 3 Super?
The NVIDIA A100 80GB (PCIe) (80 GB VRAM) is the cheapest upgrade that fits it.
Nemotron 3 Super on Other GPUs
- Nemotron 3 Super on Apple M5 Pro
- Nemotron 3 Super on NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada Generation
- Nemotron 3 Super on NVIDIA L40S
- Nemotron 3 Super on NVIDIA A100 80GB (PCIe)
- Nemotron 3 Super 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
← Can I Run It? | Nemotron 3 Super Model Page | Apple M1 Max GPU Page | Check Your Hardware