Apple has launched a new Mac studio, its desktop computer for professionals who need high -end performance. The company tries something new with the Mac studio because it allows you to choose between the M4 Max or the M3 Ultra.
The Mac studio starts at $ 1,999. Pre -orders open today and will be available in Apple Store from Wednesday, March 12.
Interestingly, despite the version number, the M3 Ultra is the most recent addition to the range of M-Series chips. In Apple’s jargon, the “Ultra” version is more powerful than the “Max” version (which is itself more powerful than the “Pro” version).
As its name suggests, the M3 Ultra is based on M3 architecture. Apple has linked two M3 MAX matrices to create a single M3 Ultra using its ultra -fine architecture. Compared to the M2 Ultra, the company claims that customers can expect twice as much performance with the M3 Ultra. Apple says it is “the most efficient chip he has ever created”.
In technical terms, the chip has a 32 core processor with 24 performance cores and eight efficiency cores. It also has the largest GPU in any apple chip, with up to 80 graphic cores. Overall, there are 184 billion transistors in the M3 Ultra.
As a reminder, the M4 Max contains a 14 -core processor with 10 performance cores and four efficiency nuclei, as well as a 32 core GPU. Although it is designed on a more recent architecture, the M3 Ultra should work much better than the M4 Max.
For $ 1,999, you get an M4 Max with 36 GB of unified memory and 512 GB of storage. The M3 Ultra version starts at $ 3,999 and is delivered with 96 GB of unified memory and 1 TB of storage.
These are just basic configurations. Whether you choose the M4 Max or the M3 Ultra, you can add more memory and storage before buying your computer.
If you find yourself reaching the limits of the configuration tool on the Apple website when you are considering a Mac Mini, the Mac Studio offers many options. Customers can obtain up to 512 GB of RAM and 16 TB of storage.
Compared to the previous Mac studio, the design seems unchanged, with most ports located at the back of the computer. You will find four Thunderbolt 5 ports and two traditional USB-A ports for your inherited accessories. There is also an HDMI port and an ethernet port of 10 GB. You can also connect an audio device thanks to the 3.5 mm head -to -confidence headset. Unlike the Mac Mini, the power button remains easily available at the rear of the device.
At the front of the computer, you will find an SD location and two additional USB-C ports. If you opt for a M4 Max, these are just USB-C ports (without Thunderbolt capacities). If you get an ultra M3, these ports are Thunderbolt 5 ports in its own right.
This means that you can plug up to eight 6K screens or four 8K screens with a Mac studio equipped with the M3 Ultra. So if you want to build a wall of screens, they can now be supplied by a single Mac.
