8 GB VRAM (+2)512 GB/s (+320)
B
Adds memory headroom for longer context windows and future model growth.42 tok/s decode
Adds memory headroom for longer context windows and future model growth.
~$179 MSRP
Can SmolLM3 3B run on Intel Arc Pro A40 6GB?
YES — Tight Fit
B59Good
○Estimated from fit model
SmolLM3 3B needs ~5.3 GB VRAM. Intel Arc Pro A40 6GB has 6.0 GB. With Q4_K_M quantization, expect ~42 tok/s.
Runtime: llama.cppCapacity: TightBandwidth: Very lowStack: StandardBottleneck: Memory bandwidth
Share:
Operating mode
Choose the run profile you care about
Interactive favors responsiveness, while light API and scale-out lean harder on serving readiness. The fit stays the same, but the recommendation lens changes.
Current mode
Balanced
Balanced for general local use. Keeps the ranking neutral across personal and serving workflows.
Select quantization to explore
Q4_K_M (Medium quality) — 5.3 GB, 42.0 tok/s, Tight fit
5.3 GB required6.0 GB available
88% VRAM used
Fit status
Tight fit
Decode
42.0 tok/s
TTFT
4610 ms
Safe context
22K
Memory
5.3 GB / 6.0 GB
Memory breakdown
Weights1.8 GB
KV Cache2.0 GB
Runtime0.9 GB
Headroom0.6 GB
See how fast it feels
See how fast it feelsSmolLM3 3B on Intel Arc Pro A40 6GB
1st promptCold start — includes initialization
>Solve: If a train travels at 60 mph for 2.5 hours, how far does it go?
Let me work through this step by step.
Given information:
- Speed = 60 mph (miles per hour)
- Time = 2.5 hours
Formula: Distance = Speed x Time
Calculation:
Distance = 60 mph x 2.5 h
= 150 miles
The train travels 150 miles.
Double-check: at 60 mph the train covers 60 miles each hour. In half an hour it covers 30 miles. So in 2.5 hours: 60 + 60 + 30 = 150 miles. Confirmed.
2nd promptWarm — model ready, no init overhead
>What if the train stops for 20 minutes halfway?
The stop doesn't change the total distance covered while moving, but it affects total trip time.
Breakdown:
- First half: 1.25 hours at 60 mph = 75 miles
- Stop: 20 minutes (no distance)
- Second half: 1.25 hours at 60 mph = 75 miles
Total distance: 150 miles (same)
Total time: 2.5 h + 0.33 h = 2.83 hours
Average speed: 150 / 2.83 = 53 mph
The distance stays the same but average speed drops to 53 mph because of the stop.
Estimated: 42.0 tok/s decode · 4.6s TTFT (warm) · 105 tok/s prefill
What limits this setup
The raw memory story may look fine, but the software ecosystem is still a constraint here.
Runtime ecosystem is narrower than CUDA
Intel GPUs can look attractive on memory per dollar, but local AI tooling, kernels, and model coverage are still broader and easier on CUDA today.
Best improvement path
Prefer CUDA if you want the path of least resistance
If your goal is maximum runtime coverage, easier troubleshooting, and better support for new local AI releases, CUDA is usually still the safer upgrade path.
Performance by workload
| Workload | Grade | Fit | Decode | TTFT | Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chat | B | Runs well | 42.0 tok/s | 2514 ms | 22K |
| Coding | B | Tight fit | 42.0 tok/s | 4610 ms | 22K |
| Agentic Coding | F | Too heavy | 27.9 tok/s | 10078 ms | 22K |
| Reasoning | B | Tight fit | 42.0 tok/s | 5448 ms | 22K |
| RAG | F | Too heavy | 27.9 tok/s | 12598 ms | 22K |
Quantization options
How SmolLM3 3B (3B params) fits at each quantization level on Intel Arc Pro A40 6GB (6.0 GB usable).
| Quant | Bits | VRAM | Quality | Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Q2_K | 2 | 1.2 GB | Low | B61 |
Q3_K_S | 3 | 1.5 GB | Low | B62 |
NVFP4 | 4 |
Get started
Copy-paste commands to run SmolLM3 3B on your machine.
Run
lms load SmolLM3-3B && lms server startUpgrade options
Hardware that runs SmolLM3 3B well
10 GB VRAM (+4)380 GB/s (+188)
B
Adds memory headroom for longer context windows and future model growth.42 tok/s decode
Adds memory headroom for longer context windows and future model growth.
~$219 MSRP
8 GB VRAM (+2)512 GB/s (+320)
B
Adds memory headroom for longer context windows and future model growth.42 tok/s decode
Adds memory headroom for longer context windows and future model growth.
~$289 MSRP