This week, we saw the exciting announcement of the new Mac Studio featuring the M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips. Many of you are curious about the differences between the M4 Max Mac Studio and the M4 Pro Mac Mini. Today, we will dive deep into the specs and features of both to help you decide which one is right for you. Let’s get started!
Size Matters
First, let’s talk about size. The Mac Studio is much larger than the Mac Mini. The Mac Studio stands at about 9.5 cm tall, while the Mac Mini is only 5 cm tall. In width and depth, the Mac Studio measures 19.7 cm, compared to the Mac Mini’s 12.7 cm. This means the Mac Studio will take up more space on your desk. Its larger size helps it cool down the powerful M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips.
Weight is another factor. The Mac Studio weighs 2.74 kg, while the Mac Mini weighs only 0.73 kg. If you plan to move your computer around, the lighter Mac Mini is definitely easier to carry!
Monitor Support
Next, let’s look at how many monitors you can connect. The Mac Studio can support up to four 6K screens using its USB-C and Thunderbolt ports. Additionally, you can connect one 4K HDMI screen. On the other hand, the Mac Mini can handle up to three 6K screens or two 6K screens plus one 4K screen. This difference in monitor support can be crucial if you plan to use multiple displays.
Processor and Performance
Now, let’s dive into the heart of these machines: the processors. The Mac Studio with the M4 Max has a 14-core CPU and a 32-core GPU. It also features two ProRes encoders and decoders. In contrast, the Mac Mini with the M4 Pro has a 12-core CPU and a 16-core GPU, along with one ProRes encoder and decoder.
When it comes to performance scores, the M4 Max shines, especially in multicore performance. It scores about 25,000, whereas the M4 Pro scores just over 20,000. This means the M4 Max is significantly more powerful when handling multiple tasks at once.
In terms of RAM, the Mac Studio starts with 36 GB, while the Mac Mini starts with 24 GB. Both can be upgraded to 48 GB or 64 GB. The Mac Studio offers faster memory bandwidth at 410 GB/s compared to the Mac Mini’s 273 GB/s. This means that the Mac Studio can access and write memory much faster, which can be a game-changer for heavy workloads.
Storage Options
Storage is another area where both machines are similar. You can choose from 512 GB all the way up to 8 TB for both models. This flexibility means you can select the right amount of storage to fit your needs.
Port Options
Let’s talk about ports. The Mac Studio has six USB-C ports, with four being Thunderbolt 5. It also includes an HDMI port and a 10 Gb Ethernet port. The Mac Mini, on the other hand, has five USB-C ports (three Thunderbolt 5) and a 1 Gb Ethernet port, which can be upgraded to 10 Gb for an extra cost. If you need more connectivity options, the Mac Studio definitely has the edge.
Operating System and Updates
Both machines run macOS Sonoma and are expected to receive updates for about seven years. This means you won’t miss out on any new features or security updates for a long time.
Audio and Connectivity
Both the Mac Studio and the Mac Mini come with built-in speakers, but most users will prefer to use external speakers or their monitor’s built-in audio. They both also support Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, making them up-to-date with the latest wireless technology.
Price Comparison
Now, let’s discuss the price. The starting price for the Mac Mini is $1,399, while the Mac Studio starts at $1,999. That’s a $600 difference! While the Mac Studio offers more power and ports, you need to consider if you really need all that extra performance.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between the Mac Studio and the Mac Mini really depends on your needs. If you plan to use multiple monitors and need high performance for tasks like video editing or 3D rendering, the Mac Studio with the M4 Max is a great choice. It’s designed for professionals who need top-tier performance.
However, if you’re a casual user or a content creator who doesn’t need all that power, the Mac Mini with the M4 Pro is still an excellent option. It’s powerful enough for most tasks and offers great value for the price.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, both the Mac Studio M4 Max and the Mac Mini M4 Pro have their strengths and weaknesses. The Mac Studio is a powerhouse that excels in performance and connectivity, while the Mac Mini is lightweight and more affordable. Consider your specific needs and budget before making a decision.
FAQs
1. What is the main difference between M4 Max and M4 Pro?
The M4 Max has more cores, better performance, and faster memory bandwidth compared to the M4 Pro.
2. Can I upgrade the RAM in both models?
Yes, both the Mac Studio and Mac Mini allow for RAM upgrades, but the base amounts differ.
3. Which one is better for gaming?
Neither is specifically designed for gaming, but the Mac Studio with M4 Max will handle more demanding games better due to its superior GPU.
4. How many monitors can I connect to each model?
The Mac Studio supports up to four 6K monitors, while the Mac Mini supports up to three 6K monitors.
5. Is the Mac Mini good for video editing?
Yes, the Mac Mini with M4 Pro is powerful enough for video editing and other creative tasks.
Let me know in the comments below which one you would choose! If you found this comparison helpful, please like and subscribe for more tech insights!