Best GPU for Qwen 2 (72B) (2025)
Qwen 2 72B is a top-tier multilingual model. Similar to Llama 3 70B, it requires at least 24GB VRAM for quantized inference, making high-end consumer GPUs or dual-card setups necessary.
GeForce RTX 5090
The ultimate choice for Qwen 2 (72B). With 32GB GDDR7 VRAM and a massive score of 14,480 , it handles large contexts and training with ease.
Radeon RX 9060 XT 8 GB
The smart choice. It meets the 24GB requirement perfectly while offering the best performance per dollar ratio.
GeForce RTX 3050 8 GB
The most affordable way to run Qwen 2 (72B). It hits the minimum specs needed to get started without breaking the bank.
Why VRAM Matters for Qwen 2 (72B)
Qwen 2 (72B) GPU & System Requirements
CPU
High-end CPU with AVX-512 support recommended
RAM
64GB DDR5
Storage
Fast NVMe SSD
All Compatible GPUs for Qwen 2 (72B)
| GPU | Steel Nomad ↓ | VRAM ↕ | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| GeForce RTX 5090 | 14,480 | 32GB GDDR7 | Buy on Amazon |
| GeForce RTX 4090 | 9,236 | 24GB GDDR6X | Buy on Amazon |
| GeForce RTX 5080 | 8,762 | 16GB GDDR7 | Buy on Amazon |
| Radeon RX 9070 XT | 7,249 | 16GB GDDR6 | Buy on Amazon |
| Radeon RX 7900 XTX | 6,837 | 24GB GDDR6 | Buy on Amazon |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the GPU requirements for Qwen 2 72B?
Qwen 2 72B requires massive VRAM. The minimum is 24GB (RTX 3090/4090) for heavily quantized inference. The recommended GPU requirement is 48GB VRAM (Dual RTX 3090/4090) to run the model at 4-bit precision with decent speed.
Is Qwen 2 72B better than Llama 3 70B?
It depends. Qwen 2 often outperforms Llama 3 in coding and Chinese language tasks. Hardware requirements are almost identical, so a rig built for one will run the other perfectly.
Can I use Mac Studio (Unified Memory) instead?
Yes! A Mac Studio with M2/M3 Max (64GB or 96GB Unified Memory) is a fantastic alternative to dual GPUs for Qwen 2. While token generation is slower than dual 4090s, the unified memory allows for massive context windows easily.