By Eduardo BaptistaBEIJING, Aug 3 (Reuters) - A version of Chinese startup DeepSeek's flagship AI model is by far the least expensive to run on benchmark tests among well-known models globally ‌and more than 100 times cheaper to run than Anthropic's Claude Fable 5, according to a ‌research firm. DeepSeek, which sources have said is preparing for a potential IPO, officially released its V4-Flash model on Friday, its latest attempt to ​regain momentum by doing what it is best known for - offering ultra-low-cost AI alternatives. DeepSeek's V4-Flash charges $0.14 per million input tokens and $0.28 per million output tokens, according to ‌research firm Artificial Analysis. Artificial Analysis said DeepSeek's V4-Flash model scored 50 out of 100 ‌on its Intelligence Index, which combines results from nine benchmarks ​spanning coding, reasoning and workplace-style assignments. Separately on Monday, Alibaba unveiled its ‌largest and most capable artificial-intelligence model to date, the Qwen3.8-Max, which is not far behind in ​size when compared with an offering from domestic rival Moonshot AI launched last month.