GGUF or MLX? A first decision before downloading a local model
Start with the tool you plan to use. That makes choosing a model file much easier.
Conceptual illustration · AI generated
Pick the runtime first
A model page may offer several formats. For llama.cpp, look for GGUF files. For MLX LM on Apple Silicon, look for an MLX-compatible release. MLX LM provides text generation and model training tools for Apple Silicon.
Both options appear in Detayz releases
The LFM2.5 Heretic family has separate GGUF and MLX links in the models section. Check the relevant model card, license and file list before downloading.
Which one is faster?
This article is not a benchmark. Results cannot be directly compared without matching the device, model variant and runtime settings. A useful first question is whether the file works with the tool you have chosen.
Where to go next
Once you have picked a runtime, prepare a small task list. Save the outputs and settings, then judge the options using the tasks you actually need.