To run DeepSeek models locally, the system requirements vary significantly based on the model size and the quantization techniques used. Here are the key specifications to consider:
GPU Requirements**
- Model Size: The VRAM requirements increase with the model size. For example:- 7B Model: Approximately 16 GB VRAM (FP16) or 4 GB (4-bit quantization).
- 16B Model: Around 37 GB VRAM (FP16) or 9 GB (4-bit quantization).
- 67B Model: About 154 GB VRAM (FP16) or 38 GB (4-bit quantization).
- 236B Model: Requires around 543 GB VRAM (FP16) or 136 GB (4-bit quantization).
- 671B Model: Needs approximately 1,543 GB VRAM (FP16) or 386 GB (4-bit quantization)[1][3].
- Recommended GPUs:
- For smaller models like the 7B and 16B, consumer GPUs such as the NVIDIA RTX 4090 are suitable.
- Larger models, particularly those over 100 billion parameters, typically require data center-grade GPUs like the NVIDIA H100 or multiple high-end consumer GPUs in a distributed setup[1][3].
CPU and RAM Requirements**
- While specific CPU requirements can vary, a powerful multi-core processor is recommended to handle the computational load effectively. For instance, dual EPYC CPUs with substantial RAM configurations have been reported to perform well[7].- RAM: A minimum of 64 GB is advisable for running larger models efficiently, especially when using high parameter counts that demand significant memory overhead[4][6].
Storage Requirements**
- Sufficient disk space is necessary to accommodate the model files and any additional data required for processing. Depending on the model size, this could range from tens to hundreds of gigabytes.Optimization Techniques**
- Utilizing lower precision formats like FP16 or INT8 can help reduce VRAM consumption without significantly impacting performance.- Techniques such as reducing batch sizes can also decrease memory usage but may affect throughput[1][3].
In summary, running DeepSeek models locally requires careful consideration of GPU capabilities, CPU power, RAM capacity, and storage space according to the specific model you intend to deploy.
Citations:[1] https://www.proxpc.com/blogs/gpu-hardware-requirements-guide-for-deepseek-models-in-2025
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/selfhosted/comments/1i6ggyh/got_deepseek_r1_running_locally_full_setup_guide/
[3] https://apxml.com/posts/system-requirements-deepseek-models
[4] https://huggingface.co/deepseek-ai/DeepSeek-V3-Base/discussions/56
[5] https://apxml.com/posts/gpu-requirements-deepseek-r1
[6] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/78697403/system-requirements-for-the-deepseek-coder-v2-instruct/78825493
[7] https://huggingface.co/deepseek-ai/DeepSeek-R1/discussions/19
[8] https://digialps.com/run-deepseek-r1-locally-a-full-guide-my-honest-review-of-this-free-openai-alternative/