AI Model Comparison
Understanding different AI models helps you choose the right tool for your specific needs and tasks
Each AI model has unique strengths and is optimized for different types of tasks. Use this guide to make informed decisions about which model to use for your specific needs.
Quick Selection Guide
Writing
Superior reasoning and ethical considerations
Programming Help
Best code analysis and debugging
Current Research
Real-time data with citations
Creative Projects
Excellent for creative and visual tasks
Detailed Model Comparison
Claude Sonnet 3.5
Anthropic
Key Strengths
Limitations
- •Knowledge cutoff
- •No real-time data
- •Cannot browse internet
Best Used For
Writing, research analysis, complex problem solving, ethical AI use
UM Access
Available through approved channels
Claude Sonnet 4
Anthropic
Key Strengths
Limitations
- •Higher cost
- •Rate limits on free tier
- •Knowledge cutoff
Best Used For
Complex research projects, advanced coding, creative writing, detailed analysis
UM Access
Available through Amplify GenAI platform
GPT-4o
OpenAI
Key Strengths
Limitations
- •Can hallucinate
- •Requires fact-checking
- •Data privacy concerns
Best Used For
Content creation, brainstorming, general Q&A, image analysis
UM Access
Available through ChatGPT EDU license and Amplify GenAI platform
GPT-5 (Preview)
OpenAI
Key Strengths
Limitations
- •Limited availability
- •Not yet fully released
- •Cost unknown
Best Used For
TBD - Currently in evaluation phase
UM Access
Under review by UM IT
Llama 3.1/3.2
Meta
Key Strengths
Limitations
- •Requires technical setup
- •Limited support
- •Resource intensive
Best Used For
Research projects, custom applications, learning AI concepts, experimental use
UM Access
Available through Amplify GenAI platform
Gemini Pro/Ultra
Key Strengths
Limitations
- •Data privacy questions
- •Google ecosystem dependency
- •Limited academic focus
Best Used For
Research with current data, Google Workspace integration, real-time information
UM Access
Pending security review
Perplexity AI
Perplexity
Key Strengths
Limitations
- •Limited creative tasks
- •Dependency on web sources
- •Source quality varies
Best Used For
Current events research, fact-checking, sourced information gathering
UM Access
Approved for research with proper citation
DeepSeek
DeepSeek (China)
Key Strengths
Limitations
- •Data stored in China
- •State procurement violations
- •Security risks
- •Compliance concerns
Best Used For
Not approved for use at UM - see restrictions below
UM Access
Explicitly prohibited by Montana state policy
Pro Tips for Model Selection
Match Task to Strength
Choose models based on what they do best, not just popularity or availability.
Try Multiple Models
Different models may give different perspectives on the same problem.
Always Verify
Fact-check important information regardless of which model you use.
Need Help Choosing?
Our team can help you select the right AI model for your specific use case.