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GGUF k-quants and EXL2 mix bit-widths inside one model. What do they trade, and where do they fit next to datacenter GPU formats?

Local-inference formats spend every bit where it buys the most accuracy, and datacenter formats spend them uniformly. The answer works out what a Q4_K_M file actually costs per weight, and explains why the trade that wins on one consumer GPU loses at batch 64.

Updated Oct 2026 · Worked answers on inference mechanisms, with calculations, implementation details, and follow-up questions.

Local-inference formats spend every bit where it buys the most accuracy, and datacenter formats spend them uniformly. The answer works out what a Q4_K_M file actually costs per weight, and explains why the trade that wins on one consumer GPU loses at batch 64.

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