DeepSeek · capability answer
What does DeepSeek do?
Extremely cheap reasoning at scale.
The short answer
DeepSeek is built by DeepSeek and is positioned for code, analysis and research. Our readings score it strongest on code generation and multi-step reasoning.
Its weakest measured axis is long-form writing (82/100), so plan around that when the work depends on it. Access is open, and the weights are published, so the model can be inspected and self-hosted.
Reasoning
91
Coding
92
Writing
82
Analysis
88
Speed
84
Energy, carbon and water
Carbon footprint reads 44/100. The energy mix is mixed, and disclosure covers some but not all serving regions.
Water and local impact reads 39/100. Cooling draws meaningful water in drought-exposed regions, or usage is not reported.
Speed and efficiency also matter here: a 84/100 speed reading means fewer compute-seconds per answer for routine work.