Can I Run StarCoder 2 on Apple M1?
Written by Jakub Rusinowski · Last updated July 12, 2026
Yes, but it's tight — StarCoder 2 15B at Q4_K_M needs 10.8 GB at 8K context (9.4 GB weights + 1.4 GB KV cache/overhead), leaving ~1.2 GB of the Apple M1's 12 GB usable memory, at ~4 tok/s (est.), with room for up to 16K context.
See what else this hardware can run →
or compare on Vast.ai from $0.35/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 Specs
| VRAM | 16 GB unified memory |
| Memory Bandwidth | 68 GB/s |
StarCoder 2 15B on the Apple M1: VRAM by quantization
| Quant | VRAM needed | Fits 16 GB? | Max context | Whole PC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F16 | 32.5 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q8_0 | 17.9 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q6_K | 14.2 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q5_K_M | 12.5 GB | ✗ No | — | — |
| Q4_K_M | 10.8 GB | ✓ Yes | 16K | — |
| Q3_K_M | 8.1 GB | ✓ Yes | 16K | — |
| Q2_K | 6.6 GB | ✓ Yes | 16K | — |
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 16 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: 8K 10.8 GB · 16K 11.5 GB. Every window this model publishes still fits 16 GB.
No compatible GPU? StarCoder 2 15B on 16 GB of system RAM, CPU only: runs, but it is tight.
StarCoder 2 Sizes That Fit the Apple M1 (at 8K context)
| StarCoder 2 15B | Q4_K_M · 10.8 GB at 8K context · ~4 tok/s (est.) |
| StarCoder 2 7B | Q4_K_M · 5.7 GB at 8K context · ~8 tok/s (est.) |
| StarCoder 2 3B | Q4_K_M · 2.9 GB at 8K context · ~18 tok/s (est.) |
StarCoder 2 needs ~11 GB but this GPU has 16 GB. Rent a RTX 4090 (24 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
Is the Apple M1 enough to run StarCoder 2 locally?
Yes, but it's tight — StarCoder 2 15B at Q4_K_M needs 10.8 GB at 8K context (9.4 GB weights + 1.4 GB KV cache/overhead), leaving ~1.2 GB of the Apple M1's 12 GB usable memory, at ~4 tok/s (est.), with room for up to 16K context.
What's the best StarCoder 2 size for the Apple M1?
StarCoder 2 15B at Q4_K_M quantization needs 10.8 GB at 8K context (9.4 GB weights + 1.4 GB KV cache/overhead), estimated ~4 tokens/sec, up to 16K context.
Every StarCoder 2 size on the Apple M1
| Size | VRAM at 8K | Verdict | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| StarCoder 2 15B | 10.8 GB | Runs | ~4 tok/s |
| StarCoder 2 7B | 5.7 GB | Runs | ~8 tok/s |
| StarCoder 2 3B | 2.9 GB | Runs | ~18 tok/s |
StarCoder 2 on Other GPUs
- StarCoder 2 on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080
- StarCoder 2 on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti
- StarCoder 2 on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB
- StarCoder 2 on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Super
- StarCoder 2 on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080
Popular Models on the Apple M1
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? | StarCoder 2 Model Page | Apple M1 GPU Page | VRAM calculator | Check Your Hardware