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How do you quantize or compress the KV cache, and why does it matter for long-context serving?

At long context the KV cache, not the weights, dominates GPU memory and decode bandwidth. The signal is recognizing it as the binding constraint and naming the levers that shrink it without wrecking quality.

Updated Aug 2026 · Grounded in real Applied AI Engineer interview loops and written to a senior-engineer editorial bar.

At long context the KV cache, not the weights, dominates GPU memory and decode bandwidth. The signal is recognizing it as the binding constraint and naming the levers that shrink it without wrecking quality.

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