Can I Run Cogito v1 3B on Apple M1?
Autor: Jakub Rusinowski · Ostatnia aktualizacja: 12 lipca 2026
Yes. Cogito v1 3B needs 3.6 GB at 8K context (1.8 GB weights + 1.8 GB KV cache/overhead) at Q4_K_M and the Apple M1 has 12 GB usable, leaving about 8.4 GB of headroom, at roughly 16 tok/s (estimated) with room for up to 64K of context.
See what else this hardware can run →
The numbers
| Model | Cogito v1 3B |
| Parameters | 3B |
| Quantization | Q4_K_M |
| VRAM needed (8K context) | 3.6 GB |
| Apple M1 usable memory | 12 GB |
| Verdict | Runs |
| Max context | 64K |
| Estimated speed | ~16 tok/s |
Cogito v1 3B on the Apple M1: VRAM by quantization
| Quant | VRAM needed | Fits 16 GB? | Max context | Whole PC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F16 | 7.7 GB | ✓ Yes | 32K | — |
| Q8_0 | 4.9 GB | ✓ Yes | 64K | — |
| Q6_K | 4.2 GB | ✓ Yes | 64K | — |
| Q5_K_M | 3.9 GB | ✓ Yes | 64K | — |
| Q4_K_M | 3.6 GB | ✓ Yes | 64K | — |
| Q3_K_M | 3 GB | ✓ Yes | 64K | — |
| Q2_K | 2.7 GB | ✓ Yes | 64K | — |
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 3.6 GB · 32K 6.4 GB · 128K 17.6 GB ✗. Past 128K it no longer fits 16 GB — a q8_0 KV cache buys roughly half of that back, which the calculator will price for you.
What to do next
Nothing to change — run it at Q4_K_M. If you want more capability, check whether the next size up also fits.
No compatible GPU? Cogito v1 3B on 8 GB of system RAM, CPU only: runs.
Running Cogito v1 3B on this card:
Cogito v1 3B needs ~4 GB but this GPU has 16 GB. Rent a RTX 4090 (24 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 Cogito v1 sizes on the Apple M1
- Cogito v1 70B — does not fit (45.7 GB)
- Cogito v1 32B — does not fit (22.3 GB)
- Cogito v1 14B — runs (10.9 GB)
- Cogito v1 8B — runs (6.7 GB)
Cogito v1 3B on nearby hardware
- Intel Arc B580 (12 GB) — runs
- AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT (20 GB) — runs
All Cogito v1 sizes on the Apple M1 | Cogito v1 3B model page | Apple M1 GPU page | VRAM calculator | Check your hardware