Unleashing Creativity: Apple Mac Studio M4 Max Review – The Ultimate Machine for Artists and Innovators

Опубликовано: 17 марта, 2025

The Mac Studio represents Apple’s pinnacle of computing performance, yet the latest version introduces a unique feature: it comes with either the M4 Max or M3 Ultra chip. At first glance, opting for the M3 Ultra might seem like a downgrade, especially since most Macs (with the exception of the Mac Pro) are now featuring M4 processors. Nevertheless, the M3 Ultra stands out as Apple’s most powerful processor, solidifying the new Mac Studio as their fastest model to date.

While the model with the M3 Ultra is undoubtedly impressive for creative professionals and engineers, it starts at $4,000 and can go considerably higher. I find the benchmarks appealing for this model. However, the version equipped with the M4 Max that I evaluated is likely to be the preferred choice for most users, as its base configuration is priced at half the cost. For power users engaged in tasks such as video production or game design, it stands out as the optimal Mac, and even represents decent value in Apple’s lineup.

Engadget/Apple

91100Expert Score

Apple Mac Studio (M4 Max, 2025)

Apple’s Mac Studio is its most robust offering to date, providing tangible value for creators.

Advantages

Powerful M4 Max or M3 Ultra processors
Abundant high-speed ports
Substantial base memory on both versions
Sleek and compact design

Disadvantages

Expensive upgrades
Slow front USB-C ports on the M4 Max version

$1,999 at Apple

Specifications

The form factor of the Mac Studio has remained constant since the initial M1 Ultra version from 2022, which is not a drawback since the design has aged gracefully and occupies minimal desk space. It is approximately equivalent to the volume of two former Mac Minis (before the recent revision that reduced their size) placed on top of each other and features the same sleek aluminum housing. Every aspect conveys a sense of quality, from the eco-friendly packaging to the adaptable power cable.

At the front, there’s a slot for SDXC cards that supports UHS-II speeds (300 MB/s), along with two USB-C ports that operate at 10Gbps (Thunderbolt 5 on the M3 Ultra model). On the back, you will discover four Thunderbolt 5 ports that now reach a data transfer rate of 15 GB/s, which is three times the throughput of the 2023 edition with Thunderbolt 4. There’s also a 10Gbps Ethernet port, two USB 3.1 (Type A) connectors, an HDMI port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, offering ample connectivity for various storage devices, displays, and accessories.

Internally, the M3 Ultra model is arguably excessive, featuring a possible 32-core CPU, which is eight more than the Mac Studio M2 Ultra. The GPU is composed of 80 cores, marking another milestone for Apple Silicon, and includes a 32-core Neural Engine for artificial intelligence and machine learning tasks. The unified memory starts from 96GB and can be expanded up to an astonishing 512GB (with bandwidth reaching 819 GB/s) and includes 16TB of SSD storage. With every option maximized, the Mac Studio can escalate to a staggering $14,099.

The M4 Max variant is somewhat more modest, yet still remarkable. The top-tier configuration includes a 16-core CPU and a 40-core GPU, achieving over 546 GB/s in unified memory bandwidth and allows for storage up to 8TB. These specifications mirror those of the MacBook Pro M4 Max but are offered at a lower price point. At the entry-level price of $1,999, you receive a 14-core CPU, a 32-core GPU, and a 16-core neural engine. All M4 Max configurations begin with an ample 36GB of unified memory, although my test unit was enhanced with the maximum 128GB for a price of $3,699.

The processor, memory, and storage cannot be upgraded post-purchase, so careful decision-making is needed when configuring your order. This becomes a challenge, as Apple provides limited options for system specifications. For example, the entry-level $1,999 14-core M4 Max Mac Studio can only be ordered with 36GB of RAM; opting for more requires switching to the 16-core variant, which automatically increases the memory to 48GB and adds $500 to the cost.

I would recommend the latter configuration at $2,499 as the ideal option, offering a faster processor along with sufficient memory for most content creation tasks. For those that seek even greater performance, the M3 Ultra version allows for up to 512GB of RAM and features two additional Thunderbolt 5 ports on the front panel.

Performance: A powerhouse for creative professionals

However, a genuine assessment of such a system involves pushing it through real content creation tasks and gauging efficiency. I evaluated its video editing capabilities using Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve, working with a blend of 4K, 6K, and 8K videos (both RAW and MP4 formats).

All of these video files played seamlessly in their native formats on a 4K timeline, thanks to the M4 Max’s capability to decode RAW and 10-bit H.264 or H.265 files in real-time. Furthermore, it managed to handle real-time playback of a single layer of 8K video with color correction applied, only encountering challenges when playing multiple 8K video streams simultaneously. Overall, it offers a fluid and uninterrupted editing experience that allows users to work efficiently.

	Geekbench 6 CPU	Geekbench 6 GPU	Cinebench 2024
Mac Studio (M4 Max, 2025)	4,090/26,394	116,028	190/2066 \| GPU 16,598
Mac Studio (M2 Ultra, 2023)	2,013/28,402	121,938	N/A
iMac (M4, 2024)	3,751/15,093	35,520	171/881 GPU 4,425
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro, 2024)	3,925/22,456	70,197	178/1,689 GPU 9,295
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Max, 2024)	4,054/25,913	114,112	181/2,042 GPU 16,490
Surface Laptop 7 (Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB)	2,797/14,400	19,963	123/969

Encoding tasks were equally swift. It took me 1 minute and 51 seconds to render a 3.5 minute timeline in 4K using a mix of 4K, 6K, and 8K footage with the GPU. In contrast, my MacBook Pro equipped with an M3 Pro processor required over twice that time, clocking in at four minutes and 10 seconds.

The Mac Studio showcased comparable performance with Lightroom Classic and Photoshop, providing smooth and responsive editing even with RAW images exceeding 100MB. While performing demanding tasks, such as video rendering, the fan would occasionally activate, and the chassis would warm up, yet this occurred infrequently. Overall, the Mac Studio’s larger form and enhanced cooling system allow for superior thermal management compared to the Mac mini.

To gauge the device’s AI performance, I transcribed a 75-minute podcast using Apple’s Whisper tool, completing the task in 1 minute and 32 seconds. For comparison, the latest MacBook Pro with an M4 Pro processor took 2 minutes and 11 seconds for the same job, while my MacBook Pro with an M3 Pro managed it in three minutes and thirty-seven seconds.

Beyond content creation, I also tried playing Baldur’s Gate III, which presents moderate demands on PC hardware. The Mac Studio performed admirably, achieving smooth gameplay at high graphics settings and 1440p resolution, even though it was slightly restricted by the Studio Monitor’s limited 60Hz refresh rate. I observed that the Mac Studio tended to heat up, and the fans engaged during gaming sessions. However, its GPU capabilities surpassed those of most PCs unless they were equipped with high-end graphics cards, based on a quick comparison with our recent benchmarks and the GeekBench database. Therefore, the primary limitation for the Mac Studio as a gaming rig is the limited selection of games available for macOS.

Is the Mac Studio Worth Purchasing?

Content creators might question whether investing in the Mac Studio is necessary or if a Mac mini would suffice. For instance, the Mac mini M4 Pro with 24GB of RAM is available for $1,399, and offers a lower price point compared to the Mac Studio M4 Max, sacrificing just one Thunderbolt 5 port and 12GB of unified memory, thus saving $600.

If your work regularly involves editing 4K (or higher) videos or rendering 3D graphics (or gaming), the Mac Studio will serve you better. Conversely, if your tasks are less demanding, a Mac mini will likely meet your needs. The Mac Studio M3 Ultra represents an entirely different capacity, providing additional cores and enhanced memory for engineers or AI specialists. At $4,000, it tends to be excessive for most users. While the Mac Pro is also an option, its high price makes it mainly suitable for studios and larger corporations, positioning the Mac Studio as the top-tier Mac option for the majority of professionals.