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Local LLM Guide

Model

DeepSeek-Coder 6.7B Instruct

Start with a supported compressed build and short context. 16GB RAM estimate. Best use: Small local coding help, simple scripts, and older laptops with limited memory or GPUs available.

6.7BCode

Best use

Small local coding help, simple scripts, and older laptops with limited memory or GPUs available.

Memory planning

16GB RAM estimate

Expected pace

Depends on your hardware, app, and conversation length

License

DeepSeek Model License; read the model’s terms before use

Who should use this model?

  • Small local coding help, simple scripts, and older laptops with limited memory or GPUs available.

Choose something else when

  • You need repository-scale editing, modern tool use, or strong reasoning beyond coding basics today locally.

What hardware makes sense?

The download is only part of the memory needed. Leave room for the app, the input it processes, and other open programs. For chat models, context includes the instructions, conversation, and answer. Longer context needs more memory.

CPU only
Memory or response time may limit use. Try a smaller model first.
8GB system memory
Memory or response time may limit use. Try a smaller model first.
16GB system memory
A possible starting point with a compressed model and short conversation; check the exact file size.
32GB system memory
A possible starting point with a compressed model and short conversation; check the exact file size.
8GB GPU memory
Memory or response time may limit use. Try a smaller model first.
12GB GPU memory
Memory or response time may limit use. Try a smaller model first.
24GB GPU memory
A possible starting point with a compressed model and short conversation; check the exact file size.
Apple unified memory
A possible starting point with a compressed model and short conversation; check the exact file size.

Model facts that change the decision

Parameters
6.7B
Input
Text · Code
Published context limit
16,000 tokens
Model format
safetensors · GGUF · Ollama
Suggested compression
Q4_K_M for first local attempts unless a cited runtime recommends a different default.
Typical Q4 file
4.08GB before runtime and context overhead
Languages
Unknown

First setup

Ollama

ollama run deepseek-coder:6.7b

LM Studio: Check that your installed app supports the exact model format and task before downloading it.

llama.cpp

Use the cited GGUF repository (TheBloke/deepseek-coder-6.7B-instruct-GGUF) with current llama.cpp-compatible tooling.

Conditions that change the answer

  • Keep as a lightweight legacy entry, not the main DeepSeek coding recommendation.
  • Coder-V2 Lite is stronger for modern code and math workflows.
  • The model card notes refusal behavior for politically sensitive and non-computer-science prompts.
  • Commercial use: Commercial use supported by DeepSeek model card; review model license terms.
  • DeepSeek-Coder 6.7B Instruct is the lightweight legacy DeepSeek coding entry. It is easy to run, useful for autocomplete-style help and small scripts, but no longer represents DeepSeek’s best reasoning or agentic coding work in 2026.