Head-to-head · Llama
Llama 3.2 3B vs Llama 3.1 8B
Llama 3.2 3B needs ~3.2 GB at Q4_K_M; Llama 3.1 8B needs ~6.4 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
Llama 3.1 8B scores higher on LMArena (1211 vs 1166). The larger Llama 3.1 8B needs ~6.4 GB; Llama 3.2 3B runs on lighter hardware at ~3.2 GB with more headroom and faster responses. Check each against your exact device: what runs Llama 3.2 3B · what runs Llama 3.1 8B.
More Llama comparisons
FAQ
What is the difference in memory between Llama 3.2 3B and Llama 3.1 8B?
At Q4_K_M, Llama 3.2 3B needs about 3.2 GB and Llama 3.1 8B needs about 6.4 GB, a difference of ~3.2 GB.
Should I run Llama 3.2 3B or Llama 3.1 8B?
Run Llama 3.1 8B if your hardware has the ~6.4 GB it needs and you want maximum quality; run Llama 3.2 3B (~3.2 GB) for lighter hardware, faster responses, and more memory headroom. Llama 3.1 8B scores higher on LMArena (1211 vs 1166).
Full breakdowns: Llama 3.2 3B · Llama 3.1 8B · all models × devices.
Sources
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gorilla.cs.berkeley.edu · 1 source
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huggingface.co · 2 sources
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lmarena.ai · 1 source
Memory figures are estimates at Q4_K_M. Catalog updated 2026-10-12. See methodology.