Can Inkling Small run on Mac mini M4 16GB?
NO — Won’t fit
Q4_K_M · 4K context · formula estimate
What this means
The checked Q4_K_M build needs about 190.7GB, above this Mac's conservative 13GB working budget.
−177.7GB short
above the working budget
190.7GB
needed at Q4_K_M
Q4_K_M
quant selected
0GB
working headroom
needs 190.7 GBworking budget 13 GB · short 177.7 GB
Where the memory goes
| Component | Detail | GB |
|---|---|---|
| Model weights | Q4_K_M GGUF (162.5 GB) + mmap overhead | 170.6 |
| KV cache | 4K context window | 19.3 |
| Runtime | macOS inference app + compute buffers | 0.8 |
| Total needed | at Q4_K_M, 4K context | 190.7 |
| Working budget | 16 GB unified memory − conservative macOS reserve | 13 |
| Headroom | memory shortfall | −177.7 |
Pick your quant
| Quant | Download | Memory | Estimated speed | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IQ1_S | 74.8 GB | 98.7 GB | — | ✕ Won't fit |
| Q3_K_M | 119.4 GB | 145.5 GB | — | ✕ Won't fit |
| IQ4_XS | 127.4 GB | 153.9 GB | — | ✕ Won't fit |
| Q4_K_S | 152.3 GB | 180 GB | — | ✕ Won't fit |
| MXFP4 | 158 GB | 186 GB | — | ✕ Won't fit |
| Q4_K_M ★ | 162.5 GB | 190.7 GB | — | ✕ Won't fit |
| Q5_K_M | 196.1 GB | 226 GB | — | ✕ Won't fit |
| Q6_K | 218.9 GB | 250 GB | — | ✕ Won't fit |
| Q8_0 | 280.3 GB | 314.4 GB | — | ✕ Won't fit |
Other models on this Mac
Inkling Small on other Mac mini M4 configurations
FAQ
Can the Mac mini M4 · 16GB run Inkling Small?
Not with the quants currently tracked. The selected Q4_K_M build needs about 190.7GB, above the 13GB working budget.
Which Inkling Small quant should I use on this Mac?
None of the tracked quants fit this configuration safely. Choose a smaller model or a Mac with more unified memory.
Which app should I use for Inkling Small on this Mac?
Start with LM Studio. This page gives the complete point-and-click walkthrough.
Are these speeds measured on a Mac mini M4?
No. The range is a formula estimate based on memory bandwidth, model size, active parameters, cooling, and a 4K context. The app, backend, thermals, and prompt can change real performance.