Meta unveiled Llama 3, the latest iteration of its large language model. This advanced model is available in two versions: an eight billion (8B) parameter version and a seventy billion (70B) parameter version. The 8B parameter version of Llama 3 represents a significant leap forward from Llama 2, with capabilities in high-level reasoning, advanced code generation, and improved instruction model performance. According to Meta, this new LLM provides developers with the tools they need to design with their unique goals in mind.
If you’re a developer eager to get started with Meta’s Llama 3 on your Windows PC, this guide will focus on the 8B parameter version, which is more feasible for most PCs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set up and run Llama 3 on your Windows machine.
Step 1: System Requirements
Before you begin, ensure your PC meets the following system requirements:
- Operating System: Windows 10 or later
- RAM: Minimum 16 GB (32 GB recommended for better performance)
- Storage: At least 50 GB of free disk space
- GPU: A modern NVIDIA GPU with at least 8 GB of VRAM (recommended for faster processing)
- Software: Python 3.8 or later, CUDA Toolkit (if using GPU acceleration)
Step 2: Install Python and Necessary Libraries
- Install Python: Download and install Python from the official Python website. Ensure you add Python to your PATH during installation.
- Install Virtual Environment: Open Command Prompt and create a virtual environment to avoid conflicts with other projects.
