Head-to-head · Granite
Granite 4.1 3B vs Granite 4.2 8B
Granite 4.1 3B needs ~3.3 GB at Q4_K_M; Granite 4.2 8B needs ~6.5 GB. That ~3.2 GB gap decides which hardware runs each; they differ on 2 of the 11 devices below.
Which devices run each
A representative spread across the memory range. Tap a verdict for the full breakdown.
Size at each quantization
* derived from bits-per-weight; unstarred sizes are measured GGUF files.
Bottom line
The larger Granite 4.2 8B needs ~6.5 GB; Granite 4.1 3B runs on lighter hardware at ~3.3 GB with more headroom and faster responses. Check each against your exact device: what runs Granite 4.1 3B · what runs Granite 4.2 8B.
More Granite comparisons
FAQ
What is the difference in memory between Granite 4.1 3B and Granite 4.2 8B?
At Q4_K_M, Granite 4.1 3B needs about 3.3 GB and Granite 4.2 8B needs about 6.5 GB, a difference of ~3.2 GB.
Should I run Granite 4.1 3B or Granite 4.2 8B?
Run Granite 4.2 8B if your hardware has the ~6.5 GB it needs and you want maximum quality; run Granite 4.1 3B (~3.3 GB) for lighter hardware, faster responses, and more memory headroom.
Full breakdowns: Granite 4.1 3B · Granite 4.2 8B · all models × devices.
Sources
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ollama.com · 2 sources
Memory figures are estimates at Q4_K_M. Catalog updated 2026-10-05. See methodology.