> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://resources.athenaintel.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Reasoning effort and fast service tiers

> Adjust model effort and processing speed using the variants available in your workspace

You can choose model variants that change reasoning effort, processing speed, or both. Use reasoning effort to adjust how much work the model puts into a response. Use a fast service tier when you want faster processing and accept higher pricing. The available controls depend on the model family and your workspace restrictions.

<Frame caption="How to choose a model and a reasoning effort">
  <video controls muted playsInline preload="metadata" className="w-full aspect-video" poster="/images/how-to/athena-howto-choose-model-poster.jpg" src="https://mintcdn.com/athenaintelligence-e46bc9d3/qz43AKUFD_YQXkyW/images/how-to/athena-howto-choose-model.mp4?fit=max&auto=format&n=qz43AKUFD_YQXkyW&q=85&s=7a5905539882feae27623565937c6b0c" data-path="images/how-to/athena-howto-choose-model.mp4" />
</Frame>

<Accordion title="Steps in this video">
  1. Open the model picker
  2. Find a model family
  3. Open Configure variants
  4. Choose an effort
  5. Check the model
  6. Send your message
</Accordion>

## Choose a variant

1. Open the model picker beside the message composer.
2. Find a model family and open **Configure variants** beside its name.
3. If **Mode** appears, choose from the offered modes: **Standard**, **Thinking**, or **Pro**. **Thinking** uses extended reasoning. **Pro** uses additional model work for difficult tasks.
4. If **Speed** appears, choose **Standard** or **Fast**. **Fast** uses faster processing at higher pricing. The picker stays open so you can finish choosing effort.
5. Under **Effort**, choose an available option. Choosing an effort or a mode closes the picker. Check the selected variant in the composer before sending your next request.

## Understand effort choices

You may see the following labels. Each family offers its own subset.

| Effort | When you use it |
| - | - |
| **Instant** | You want a response without reasoning effort. |
| **Low** | You want light reasoning and faster responses. |
| **Medium** | You want a balance of reasoning quality, speed, and cost. |
| **High** | You need deeper reasoning for complex work. |
| **Extra High** | You need extensive reasoning for demanding work. |
| **Max** | You want the maximum reasoning effort the model offers. |

## Good to know

Effort and speed are separate choices. **Low** changes reasoning effort; **Fast** changes processing speed and pricing. You can combine them only when the family offers that combination.

You see **Mode** or **Speed** only when there is more than one available choice. A missing control does not mean you need another permission. The model may not support it, or your workspace or deployment may exclude its variants. Fast processing is unavailable on endpoints that cannot provide that service tier.

## Related links

* [Your account](../your-account.mdx)
* [Your first chat](../getting-started/your-first-chat.mdx)
* [Working with Athena](../getting-started/working-with-athena.mdx)


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