Head-to-head · Kimi
Kimi K2 Instruct vs Kimi K3
Kimi K2 Instruct needs ~586.6 GB at Q4_K_M; Kimi K3 needs ~1522.2 GB. That ~935.6 GB gap decides which hardware runs each; they differ on 0 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 Kimi K3 needs ~1522.2 GB; Kimi K2 Instruct runs on lighter hardware at ~586.6 GB with more headroom and faster responses. Check each against your exact device: what runs Kimi K2 Instruct · what runs Kimi K3.
More Kimi comparisons
FAQ
What is the difference in memory between Kimi K2 Instruct and Kimi K3?
At Q4_K_M, Kimi K2 Instruct needs about 586.6 GB and Kimi K3 needs about 1522.2 GB, a difference of ~935.6 GB.
Should I run Kimi K2 Instruct or Kimi K3?
Run Kimi K3 if your hardware has the ~1522.2 GB it needs and you want maximum quality; run Kimi K2 Instruct (~586.6 GB) for lighter hardware, faster responses, and more memory headroom.
Full breakdowns: Kimi K2 Instruct · Kimi K3 · all models × devices.
Sources
Memory figures are estimates at Q4_K_M, validated 2026-09-07. See methodology.