Decision and reliability guides
How to detect AI model regressions without overreacting
Separate one noisy batch from a repeated protocol-matched decline, then verify the affected route locally.
Open pageThere is no best coding model without a configuration
A model name leaves out two variables that often change the result: reasoning effort and route. Compare the configuration you can actually run, not the brand in isolation.
Open pageLow, High, and Max are settings, not guarantees
Reasoning effort is useful only when its model and route stay attached. The label is not a portable unit of intelligence across providers.
Open pageStreaming improves visibility. It does not remove timeouts.
A stream can show that generation is still moving, but the client, proxy, and provider still keep their own deadlines. Treat a stream without its terminal event as incomplete.
Open pageA cheaper model is not cheaper if it misses the quality floor
Quality, elapsed time, and reference cost answer different questions. Keep their denominators visible before turning them into one recommendation.
Open pageCurrent Backend & Testing evidence
GPT-5.6 Sol, Terra, and Luna
Compare Sol, Terra, and Luna in the same test batch, including the score and completion time at each effort level.
Open pageGPT-5.6 Sol
Compare GPT-5.6 Sol scores, completion times, and reference costs to see whether a higher effort level is worth it.
Open pageQwen 3.8
Read the measured Qwen 3.8 Max configuration without treating missing cost or an embedded Max label as a universal effort scale.
Open pageDeepSeek V4
Compare DeepSeek V4 Flash and Pro at each tested effort level, using results from the same batch.
Open pageKimi K3
See Kimi K3 coding scores and question-level results, along with the effort level and connection used for the test.
Open pageGLM-5.3
Compare GLM-5.3 High and Max to see how the score and completion time change at a higher effort level.
Open pageDirect configuration comparisons
GPT-5.6 Sol vs Qwen 3.8
Compare the highest-scoring GPT-5.6 Sol and Qwen 3.8 effort levels from the same test batch.
Open pageQwen 3.8 vs Kimi K3
Compare the highest-scoring Qwen 3.8 and Kimi K3 effort levels from the same test batch.
Open pageKimi K3 vs GLM-5.3
When totals are close, the five-question profile and repeated batches matter more than declaring a winner from one point.
Open page