Can I Run Poolside Laguna XS 2.1 on Apple M2?
Written by Jakub Rusinowski · Last updated August 15, 2026
Only with offload — Laguna XS 2.1 33B-A3B at Q4_K_M needs 22.6 GB at 8K context (19.9 GB weights + 2.7 GB KV cache/overhead) against the Apple M2's 18 GB usable memory, so part of it spills onto CPU/system RAM and speed drops sharply.
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Apple M2 Specs
| VRAM | 24 GB unified memory |
| Memory Bandwidth | 100 GB/s |
Laguna XS 2.1 33B-A3B on the Apple M2: VRAM by quantization
| Quant | VRAM needed | Fits 24 GB? | Max context | Whole PC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F16 | 68.6 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q8_0 | 37.7 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q6_K | 29.7 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q5_K_M | 26 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q4_K_M | 22.6 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q3_K_M | 16.7 GB | ✓ Yes | 8K | — |
| Q2_K | 13.5 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 24 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 M2: 8K 22.6 GB ✗ · 32K 28.1 GB ✗ · 128K 50.3 GB ✗. Past 8K it no longer fits 24 GB — a q8_0 KV cache buys roughly half of that back, which the calculator will price for you.
No compatible GPU? Laguna XS 2.1 33B-A3B on 24 GB of system RAM, CPU only: runs.
Why It Does Not Fit
Every Poolside Laguna XS 2.1 variant requires more VRAM than the Apple M2 provides (24 GB).
Nearest GPU That Fits
Intel Arc Pro B70 (32 GB VRAM).
Poolside Laguna XS 2.1 needs ~23 GB but this GPU has 24 GB. Rent a RTX 4090 (24 GB)-class GPU by the hour instead of buying one:
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FAQ
Is the Apple M2 enough to run Poolside Laguna XS 2.1 locally?
Only with offload — Laguna XS 2.1 33B-A3B at Q4_K_M needs 22.6 GB at 8K context (19.9 GB weights + 2.7 GB KV cache/overhead) against the Apple M2's 18 GB usable memory, so part of it spills onto CPU/system RAM and speed drops sharply.
What's the cheapest GPU that runs Poolside Laguna XS 2.1?
The Intel Arc Pro B70 (32 GB VRAM) is the cheapest upgrade that fits it.
Poolside Laguna XS 2.1 on Other GPUs
- Poolside Laguna XS 2.1 on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
- Poolside Laguna XS 2.1 on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090
- Poolside Laguna XS 2.1 on AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
- Poolside Laguna XS 2.1 on Apple M4 Pro
- Poolside Laguna XS 2.1 on Apple M3
VRAM Tier
Troubleshooting
- Ollama: "model requires more system memory than is available"
- Out of memory at long context (the KV cache, not the weights)
Buying Guide
← Can I Run It? | Poolside Laguna XS 2.1 Model Page | Apple M2 GPU Page | Check Your Hardware