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A framework for choosing the right model

A repeatable process from requirements to shortlist to decision: size classes, memory fit, dense vs MoE vs reasoning models, licence screening, a weighted scorecard with a worked example, and a schedule for re-checking.

13 minยทVerified 2026-11Pro+50 XP

New models appear weekly, each with impressive charts. Chasing them is a time sink. A process beats a leaderboard: define what you need, narrow the field cheaply, test the finalists on your own tasks, and decide with a scorecard you wrote before seeing the results.

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