# Can I run this model on my computer?

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Compare the selected weight files with your available memory, check the runner supports the architecture and format, and test a short local load. Hugging Bay uses 60% of total memory as an initial file-size screen; runtime overhead and context still need room.

Sources checked: 2026-10-26

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## Start with the weight-file screen

These are decimal GB limits from Finder's current rule, not measured runtime requirements. Add all the required weight shards for the selected variant before comparing. Do not compare the size of an entire repository containing several alternative quantizations with one model's weight size.

| Your RAM | File-size ceiling |
| --- | --- |
| 8 GB | 4.8 GB |
| 16 GB | 9.6 GB |
| 24 GB | 14.4 GB |
| 32 GB | 19.2 GB |
| 64 GB | 38.4 GB |

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## Check four things before a large download

1. Identify your system RAM and, on a discrete GPU, VRAM. Apple silicon uses shared memory.
2. Check the exact architecture, file format and companion files your runner requires.
3. Leave room for the operating system, runner and context cache. More context increases memory use.
4. Load a small test and record the exact file, runner version, context and result. A fit estimate is not execution evidence.

Use [hardware pages](/hardware) to inspect device profiles, [Finder](/find) for current files, or the [16 GB Mac comparison](/learn/best-model-16gb-mac) for a concrete starting point.

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## When a file does not fit

Inspect a smaller model or a smaller supported quantization, reduce context, and close other memory-heavy apps. Check [common local AI problems](/learn/troubleshooting) if loading fails. Avoid treating a smaller download as proof of better quality or adequate performance for your task.

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## Sources

- [Hugging Bay Finder memory-screen rule](https://huggingbay.xyz/learn/choose-a-model)
- [Ollama context and memory](https://docs.ollama.com/context-length)
- [LM Studio system requirements](https://lmstudio.ai/docs/app/system-requirements)
- [llama.cpp supported model files](https://github.com/ggml-org/llama.cpp/blob/master/docs/models.md)

[Check current models in Finder](/find)