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Head-to-head · Llama

Llama 3.1 8B vs Llama 3.3 70B

Llama 3.1 8B needs ~6.4 GB at Q4_K_M; Llama 3.3 70B needs ~45.3 GB. That ~38.9 GB gap decides which hardware runs each; they differ on 8 of the 11 devices below.

Spec Llama 3.1 8B Llama 3.3 70B
Parameters8B70B
Memory at Q4_K_M~6.4 GB~45.3 GB
Context window128k128k
LMArenaElo 1211Elo 1318
LicenseLlama 3.1 CommunityLlama 3.3 Community

Which devices run each

A representative spread across the memory range. Tap a verdict for the full breakdown.

Size at each quantization

Quant Llama 3.1 8B Llama 3.3 70B
Q2_K 3.4 GB* 29.3 GB*
Q3_K_M 3.9 GB* 34.2 GB*
Q4_K_M 4.92 GB 42.52 GB
Q5_K_M 5.7 GB* 49.9 GB*
Q6_K 6.6 GB* 57.4 GB*
Q8_0 8.54 GB 74.98 GB
FP16 16 GB* 140 GB*

* derived from bits-per-weight; unstarred sizes are measured GGUF files.

Bottom line

Llama 3.3 70B scores higher on LMArena (1318 vs 1211). The larger Llama 3.3 70B needs ~45.3 GB; Llama 3.1 8B runs on lighter hardware at ~6.4 GB with more headroom and faster responses. Check each against your exact device: what runs Llama 3.1 8B · what runs Llama 3.3 70B.

More Llama comparisons

FAQ

What is the difference in memory between Llama 3.1 8B and Llama 3.3 70B?

At Q4_K_M, Llama 3.1 8B needs about 6.4 GB and Llama 3.3 70B needs about 45.3 GB, a difference of ~38.9 GB.

Should I run Llama 3.1 8B or Llama 3.3 70B?

Run Llama 3.3 70B if your hardware has the ~45.3 GB it needs and you want maximum quality; run Llama 3.1 8B (~6.4 GB) for lighter hardware, faster responses, and more memory headroom. Llama 3.3 70B scores higher on LMArena (1318 vs 1211).

Full breakdowns: Llama 3.1 8B · Llama 3.3 70B · all models × devices.

Sources

Memory figures are estimates at Q4_K_M. Catalog updated 2026-10-12. See methodology.