A few weeks ago, we delivered Llama 3.1 405B Base, and now we're excited to offer Llama 3.1 405B Base at BF16. Despite their power, very few people have actually had the chance to use base models. They’re far more creative and capable than instruction-tuned models but they’ve been underutilized—until now. If you’re serious about pushing the limits of what AI can do, this is your opportunity to get ahead. This isn't just another upgrade; it's a game-changer for those who demand the raw power of base models.
What Are Base Models?
Base models are the unfiltered, high-octane versions of large language models. They haven’t been fine-tuned for specific tasks, which means they retain all the raw knowledge and potential of their original training. This makes them incredibly flexible for developers who need to build from the ground up without any constraints or predefined behavior.
Why BF16 Matters
BF16 (bfloat16) is a floating-point format that optimizes for performance without compromising too much on precision. For massive models like Llama 3.1 405B, BF16 allows for faster processing, enabling you to do more in less time. It’s a big deal because it means you can push the model harder and further—perfect for large-scale applications or when milliseconds matter.
Why Base Models Are a Big Deal
Base models like Llama 3.1 405B are powerhouses. They’re not watered down by task-specific training, so you get the full spectrum of the model’s capabilities. This makes them ideal for anything from generating creative content to running complex simulations. You’re essentially working with the purest form of the model, giving you more control and flexibility.
What Can You Build with Base Models?
The better question is, what can’t you build? With base models, the sky’s the limit. Whether you’re developing cutting-edge NLP applications, training your own models, or exploring new AI-driven solutions, Llama 3.1 405B Base in BF16 gives you the raw power you need.
Leaders Building with Base Models Today
Matt Shumer recently leveraged Hyperbolic’s Base model to build an interactive playground. Check it out here.
Andrej Karpathy highlighted the untapped potential of base models, noting their ability to generate creative outputs with high entropy when prompted correctly. See his thoughts here.
Riley Goodside shared his experience of the unique, unfiltered behavior of base models, emphasizing their raw and unpredictable nature compared to RLHF-tuned models. Explore his insights here.
Kyle Boddy also expressed his excitement about experimenting with Hyperbolic’s base model, noting its potential compared to instruct-tuned prompting. Follow his journey here.
The Hype Is Real
For those who have been following the buzz around base models, the hype is justified. Llama 3.1 405B Base in BF16 is not just powerful—it’s a tool that opens up new frontiers in AI development. These models offer a level of creativity and capability that instruction-tuned models simply can’t match. We hope the community feels empowered to explore the full potential of AI development with base models. At Hyperbolic, we're committed to fostering a collaborative AI ecosystem, and we're eager to see the innovative solutions you'll create.
Get started today on app.hyperbolic.xyz/models.
About Hyperbolic
Hyperbolic is the leading open-access AI cloud, building an open ecosystem and economy for AI. Hyperbolic believes in a future where AI technology is universally accessible, empowering every individual and community with the tools to innovate, create, and advance our world. The Hyperbolic founding team is led by award-winning Math and AI researchers from UC Berkeley and the University of Washington.
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