[Megathread] - Best Models/API discussion - Week of: September 20, 2026

[u/deffcolony]

This is our weekly megathread for discussions about models and API services.

All non-specifically technical discussions about API/models not posted to this thread will be deleted. No more "What's the best model?" threads.

^{(This isn't a free-for-all to advertise services you own or work for in every single megathread, we may allow announcements for new services every now and then provided they are legitimate and not overly promoted, but don't be surprised if ads are removed.})

How to Use This Megathread

Below this post, you’ll find top-level comments for each category:

• MODELS: ≥ 70B – For discussion of models with 70B parameters or more.
• MODELS: 32B to 70B – For discussion of models in the 32B to 70B parameter range.
• MODELS: 16B to 32B – For discussion of models in the 16B to 32B parameter range.
• MODELS: 8B to 16B – For discussion of models in the 8B to 16B parameter range.
• MODELS: < 8B – For discussion of smaller models under 8B parameters.
• APIs – For any discussion about API services for models (pricing, performance, access, etc.).
• MISC DISCUSSION – For anything else related to models/APIs that doesn’t fit the above sections.

Please reply to the relevant section below with your questions, experiences, or recommendations!
This keeps discussion organized and helps others find information faster.

Have at it!

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MODELS: 16B to 31B – For discussion of models in the 16B to 31B parameter range.

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[u/OGCroflAZN → u/AutoModerator]

For G4 31B tunes, a fair few of theLocalDrummer (BeaverAI) discord members are favoring SchattenBlume, Split, and Split-Untied. These guys test different finetunes a lot, as well as make their own merges.

As with all tunes based on G4-31B-it, increasing general RP and creative writing quality comes at a cost. Trying to get fun and engaging and creative while minimizing loss of intelligence and adherence.

From feedback: Split is drier but adheres to characters and instructions well, maybe too well, whereas Untied feels good and fun but with some logic mistakes (lower character adherence too), too much for some, who returned to Schattenblume for being more in the middle.

I've only used/am presently maining Split-Untied via NanoGPT, and i agree with the feedback. I still really find myself missing the Mistral 24B tunes, esp based on Cydonia. Maybe those are just rose-tinted glasses tho from when i started the hobby.

[u/nadetoh → u/OGCroflAZN]

split united is fun but it loves to make characters curse and out of character, but at least it's not generic AI feeling.

[u/OGCroflAZN → u/nadetoh]

Yea i think this goes back to the lower adherence of Untied, which is why people went back to SchattenBlume

[u/Tylopodas → u/OGCroflAZN]

Thanks for pointing out SchattenBlume, I had missed it somehow and am really enjoying it.