openai_chat
Use this tool when a user specifically requests to use one of OpenAI's models (gpt-4o, gpt-4o-mini, o1-preview, o1-mini). This tool sends messages to OpenAI's chat completion API using the specified model.
LABSCO SUMMARY
A second opinion without leaving the conversation.
The whole point is the handoff: when a problem calls for a different model's take, the question goes out and the answer comes back inline, so the surrounding context and your notes stay in one place. Keep expectations proportionate to the surface — one tool, a message list and a model name, with no streaming, no tool use and no conversation state on the other side.
What it is
A one-tool bridge to OpenAI's chat completion API. You pass the messages and name the model; the answer comes back into the conversation you were already having.
What you get
- openai_chat sends a message list to OpenAI's chat completion API and returns the reply
- The model is an argument — gpt-4o, gpt-4o-mini, o1-preview and o1-mini are the ones the project lists
- A message array rather than a single string, so prior turns can travel with the question
- Errors surface rather than disappearing, which is all the handling the project claims
Requirements
An OpenAI API key from the OpenAI platform, set as OPENAI_API_KEY in the client's env block; calls are billed against it. Node.js 18 or higher, started as npx -y @mzxrai/mcp-openai@latest.
Setup effort
One command plus a key — npx -y @mzxrai/mcp-openai@latest, then supply credentials
USE CASES
01
Getting another model's read on a problem you are stuck on
Send the question with the relevant context and bring the answer back into the same thread.
02
Comparing how two models answer the same thing
Ask the question here, ask it of OpenAI, and put the two answers side by side without copying anything between windows.
03
Sending a reasoning-heavy question to a reasoning model
Name the model on the call so the harder problem goes to the one you want it to.
1 tool
Counted once with only startup setup. Other versions, modes or optional credentials may expose a different list.
BEFORE YOU INSTALL
What to know first
Tools you get
1 tool when we connected. Gpt-4o, gpt-4o-mini, o1-preview and o1-mini are values of the model argument, not tools. The model list is dated, and the project calls itself alpha software.
Requires
- npx on PATH
- Node.js >= 18
- OPENAI_API_KEY in your environment
Where it runs
The documented client runs the server on your machine.
CONTEXT COST
Light Standing cost
Rated by the size of the one tool definition that rides along on every turn
INSTALLATION
Connect your client
Server setup
TERMINAL
npx -y @mzxrai/mcp-openai@latestMCP Clients
Claude Desktop
CLAUDE DESKTOP · JSON
{
"mcpServers": {
"mcp-openai": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@mzxrai/mcp-openai@latest"
],
"env": {
"OPENAI_API_KEY": "<YOUR_OPENAI_API_KEY>"
}
}
}
}<YOUR_OPENAI_API_KEY> is your OpenAI API key — create one at https://platform.openai.com/api-keys.
