Apple has launched updated Mac Studio models featuring the M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips, targeting creative professionals like video editors and engineers. The new models boast significant performance improvements over the previous M1 versions, particularly in 3D rendering and video editing. The M4 Max includes a configurable 14-16 core CPU and 32-40 core GPU with up to 128GB RAM. The M3 Ultra features a 28-32 core CPU and 60-80 core GPU, supporting up to 512GB RAM. Both models support high-resolution video playback and multiple displays. Prices start at $1,999 for the M4 Max and $3,999 for the M3 Ultra.
Apple has unveiled refreshed versions of its Mac Studio, now equipped with the M4 Max and the brand-new M3 Ultra chips. This latest Mac desktop is designed for video editors, developers, engineers, photographers, and other creative professionals.
The original Mac Studio was introduced in 2022 featuring the M1 Max and M1 Ultra chips. The upgraded M4 Max and M3 Ultra variants provide significant enhancements for 3D rendering, video editing, code compiling, and various other workflows.
The entry-level Mac Studio is powered by the M4 Max chip, which comes with a configurable 14-16-core CPU, 32-40-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. It features 36GB of unified memory as standard, which can be upgraded to 128GB with 546GB/s bandwidth. Storage options begin at 512GB and can go up to 8TB.
Stepping up, the M3 Ultra chip boasts a 28-32-core CPU, 60-80-core GPU, and a 32-core Neural Engine. This premium desktop now starts with 36GB of unified memory (increased from 32GB), which can be configured to an astounding 512GB (with 800GB/s bandwidth), a feat Apple touts as “the most unified memory ever on a personal computer.” Additionally, you can opt for storage of up to 16TB SSD.
Apple reports that the new desktop offers 1.8x faster CPU performance and 2.6x faster GPU rendering compared to the M1 Ultra. Moreover, the M3 Ultra Mac Studio can handle large language models (LLMs) with over 600 billion parameters all within its memory.
In terms of workflow capabilities, the M3 Ultra Mac Studio can manage up to 24 streams of 8K ProRes video playback, alongside H.264, HEVC, and ProRes encoding and decoding. You can also connect up to 8 displays simultaneously.
The M4 Max and M3 Ultra Mac Studios come equipped with 4x Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports located at the back, while the M3 Ultra also offers an additional two ports on the front. Additional back connectors include 2x USB-A ports, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 10GB/s Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. A UHS-II SDXC card reader is also present on the front. Wireless connections remain at Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
The new Mac Studio featuring the M4 Max starts at $1,999, while the M3 Ultra begins at $3,999. The premium model, equipped with 512GB of unified memory and 16TB of storage, costs a staggering $14,099. Pre-orders are now live, with deliveries expected to commence on March 12.
Mac Studio configurator page