CodeLlama 3.1 Instruct Variations

To optimize performance based on your system’s memory, here are Code Llama Instruct model variations from LM Studio, categorized by performance tier. These categories range from fast and efficient to resource-intensive with maximum precision.

When using LM Studio, you’ll notice that it provides helpful compatibility suggestions for each model, such as “Full GPU Offload Possible,” “GPU Offload Maybe Possible,” and “Likely Too Large for This Machine.” These suggestions are critical in determining whether a model will run efficiently on your hardware.

  • Full GPU Offload Possible: This indicates that the model can entirely offload processing to the GPU, which is ideal for maximizing performance and minimizing memory usage. If you see this message, it’s likely that the model will run smoothly on your system.
  • GPU Offload Maybe Possible: This suggests that the model might offload some, but not all, of its processing to the GPU. While this can still improve performance, it may not fully relieve the memory burden on your system, so you should be cautious with larger models.
  • Likely Too Large for This Machine: This warning indicates that the model may exceed your system’s capabilities due to insufficient memory or GPU power. Attempting to run such a model might result in crashes or significantly degraded performance, so it’s generally best to only use these models if you have a high-end system with ample resources.

These guidelines are meant to help you get started with choosing the right models, but finding the optimal configuration for your specific needs and hardware will involve some trial and error. Start with models that fall comfortably within your system’s capabilities, and gradually test more demanding models as you gain confidence in your system’s performance. Here are some of the ones I’ve been testing with.

Fast and Efficient (8 GB Memory)

For developers with 8 GB of memory, the TheBloke/CodeLlama-7B-Instruct-GGUF-Q5_K_M model provides a good balance between speed and precision, offering the highest practical performance within this memory range.

Parameter Value
Memory Usage ~5.73 GB
Resources Required Moderate
Speed Fast
Precision High

This model is well-suited for tasks requiring quick responses and moderate precision, making it ideal for rapid iterations and less resource-intensive coding tasks. The Q5_K_M quantization strikes a good balance between memory usage and computational efficiency. However, suppose you want to push the boundaries with higher precision. In that case, you might try the phind-codellama-7B-v1.Q8_0.gguf model, which offers maximum precision with a memory usage that’s likely higher than most 8 GB systems can comfortably handle, so it may be worth trying on systems with 16 GB of memory.

High Precision (32 GB Memory)

For developers using systems with 32 GB of memory, the phind-codellama-34B-v1.Q5_K_M.gguf model is a strong choice. It offers high precision without exceeding the system’s memoryding capacity, provi a good balance between precision and resource usage.

Parameter Value
Memory Usage ~23.84 GB
Resources Required High
Speed Moderate
Precision Very High

This model is designed for demanding coding tasks that require detailed and accurate outputs, such as advanced problem-solving or algorithm development. The Q5_K_M quantization ensures that your system’s memory is used effectively, delivering high precision without compromising performance.

However, if your system can handle even more demanding models, consider the phind-codellama-34B-v1.Q8_0.gguf model, which offers maximum precision with a memory usage of approximately 35.86 GB. This model is ideal for tasks requiring the highest detail and accuracy level. Remember that this model might be on the edge of what a 32 GB system can handle, especially without full GPU offload capabilities. Therefore, while pushing your system’s limits with these higher-end versions is possible, it’s essential to monitor performance and stability closely.

Maximum Performance (64 GB Memory or More)

For systems with 64 GB of memory or more, the TheBloke/codellama-70B-Instruct.Q2_K.gguf model represents a significant step up in performance. This model uses around 28-32 GB of memory, which places it at the upper limit of what my 34 GB system can handle, especially since LM Studio indicates that “GPU offload may be possible.” While your system might manage this model, monitoring performance closely is essential as it could be on the edge of your system’s capabilities.

Parameter Value
Memory Usage ~28-32 GB
Resources Required High
Speed Moderate
Precision Very High

This model is well-suited for complex tasks that require high precision, such as advanced algorithm development or detailed code analysis. However, due to your system’s memory constraints, this model may push your resources to their limits, and performance might vary depending on the workload and GPU offload effectiveness.

If you have more than 64 GB of RAM, there are larger models you can experiment with for even better results. For example, models like phind-codellama-70B-v1.Q4_K_S.gguf or phind-codellama-70B-v1.Q6_K_S.gguf provide enhanced precision and detail, with memory usage that can range from 35 GB to over 40 GB. These models are designed for the most demanding tasks and offer the highest level of precision available in the Code Llama series.

  • phind-codellama-70B-v1.Q4_K_S.gguf: With memory usage around 35-40 GB, this model provides a strong balance between resource utilization and precision. It’s ideal for systems with 64 GB of memory that need to handle highly detailed coding tasks.

  • phind-codellama-70B-v1.Q6_K_S.gguf: This model pushes the limits further, with memory usage exceeding 40 GB, delivering maximum precision and detail. It’s best suited for the most advanced systems with ample resources to spare.