Don’t Buy the Mac Studio
Let me help you with this expensive decision
When Apple launched the Mac Studio during their most recent events, people went completely nuts over how much of a performance boost they would be getting if they choose to upgrade to the revolutionary system.
Let me say this as straightforward as it gets, ”I am an Apple Fanboy.” I’m aware that this article sounds like I am complaining, but before you write your thoughts in the comments section; hear me out.
The M1 Ultra Chip
OK, it is mighty powerful when compared to older Macs or the highest end Windows PC’s.
GPU
But, let me fill you in on a secret, Apple is lying to you. An RTX 3090 is allowed to consume upto a maximum of 520 Watts of power when overclocked and at the same time giving much better performance as it is a power hungry chip. On the other side, Apple’s chip is capped to a meagre 110 Watts of power. This means that even though we can overclock the 3090 graphics card, Apple’s chip cannot be overclocked and because of that efficiency is limited to less performance.
Moreover, Apple uses a Graphics format called Metal that is only limited to Apple systems, whereas Windows either uses Cuda or Optix. Many games and 3D media engines such as Blender do not support Apple’s systems and has to be translated through Rosetta, that causes a massive drop in GPU performance(an avg. of 50% decrease).
Though, soon we may be witnessing Blender optimised for Apple’s Metal graphics engine; major software programs such as Adobe and Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve are already optimised for Arm 64 as well as Metal Graphics.
CPU
Apple’s CPU is literally Mind-blowing, the single-core and multi-core performance is literally off the charts when compared to older and more expensive Macs.
But let me remind you that this is not the most powerful computer they have made yet. The Mac Pro is yet to arrive!
The M1 Ultra CPU scores the following on Geekbench 5:
However, let me remind you that the Intel 12900K Alder lake chip scores a massive 1850 single-core points, and even higher as it has multiple cores that can be linked by an infinity fabric.
RAM
RAM/Unified Memory might be the thing that differentiates Apple from the rest of the market. You can get upto 128GB of Unified memory that is shared between the CPU as well as the GPU, which depletes the constant reading and writing processes occurring when sharing the data between the 2 most important parts of the Computer.
When compared to the highest end GPU in the market today: the RTX 3090, that maxes out at 24 GB of VRAM; that is 1/5 of what you get in the M1 Ultra.
Well then what is actually, seriously wrong with Apple’s Mac Studio? Let me explain.
1. The Mac Pro
You must be wondering why I named the heading The Mac Pro; I have done it for a very specific reason:
The Mac Pro that Apple will release in the next 6 months or so, will have exactly 2 times more power than the Mac Studio. I’m certain that people who are willing to buy this beast of a machine don’t want to be limited by the performance of a 20 core CPU and a 64 core GPU.
Saying the specifications of the highest end Mac Studio might sound absurd out loud, but let me tell you something, the performance it gives is much lesser than the RTX 3090 and Intel 12900K Alder lake combined.
I would recommend professionals to wait for the Mac Pro instead, as it will fit your needs much better than the Mac Studio, as it will be more powerful. So, you wouldn’t be limited to the performance of the M1 Ultra chip.
2. The MacBook Pro
For most people out there, the M1 Ultra chip is too powerful for them to handle. Further, It doesn’t come with a display, speakers, trackpad, camera or microphone inbuilt.
If you are willing to get lesser performance, but for a better price to performance ration, the 14 or 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M1 Max chip is the way to go. The MacBook Pro with a 24 core GPU and the M1 Max chip costs a total of $2899; when compared to the Mac Studio with the same specifications, it costs a total of $1999, but at the same time, lacking a beautiful Mini-Led display, speakers, a camera, microphone, a trackpad and much more.
3. The iMac Pro/27 inch iMac
There have been major leaks and rumours regarding the 27-inch iMac Pro, that might be released by this year or latest, by the next. It is expected to have the same components and chips as the Mac Studio, but also contain a stunning Mini-Led Display that will complement its raw power.
Though we have no idea as to the price point of this computer, I am pretty confident that the price to performance will be better than the Mac Studio due to the added features/benefits.
Conclusion
I hope that I have given you enough reasons to stop you from buying the Mac Studio. If you have any opinions, be sure to write in the comments section (I’ll try my best to reply!)
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