Apple has introduced the latest iteration of its Mac Studio, positioning it as the most powerful Mac to date. This new release features the advanced M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips, delivering unprecedented performance.
M4 Max: Enhanced Performance
The M4 Max chip is designed to handle intensive workflows with ease. It boasts up to a 16-core CPU and a 40-core GPU, providing exceptional single-threaded and multithreaded performance.
With over half a terabyte per second of unified memory bandwidth and a Neural Engine that is over three times faster than its predecessor, the M1 Max, the M4 Max can efficiently run on-device AI models.
Apple reports that the Mac Studio with M4 Max is up to 3.5 times faster than the previous generation and up to 6.1 times faster than the most powerful Intel-based 27-inch iMac.
M3 Ultra: Unmatched Capabilities
The M3 Ultra chip takes performance to new heights with a 32-core CPU and a GPU configurable between 60 and 80 cores. It starts with 96GB of unified memory, expandable up to 512GB, the highest ever in a personal computer.
This configuration enables the Mac Studio to run large language models with over 600 billion parameters entirely in memory, making it a powerhouse for AI applications.
Advanced Connectivity and Storage
Both models support Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, offering data transfer speeds of up to 120 Gb/s, more than double that of Thunderbolt 4. Each Thunderbolt 5 port is supported by its own custom-designed controller directly on the chip.
The Mac Studio can be configured with up to 16TB of superfast SSD storage, catering to the most demanding storage needs.
Pricing and Availability
The devices are available for pre-order today, with availability beginning March 12. Pricing includes:
- M4 Max Model: Starts at $1,999.
- M3 Ultra Model: Begins at $3,999.
Key Specifications
M4 Max
- CPU: Up to 16 cores.
- GPU: Up to 40 cores.
- Unified Memory: Starts at 36GB, configurable up to 128GB.
- Storage: Options range from 512GB to 8TB SSD.
M3 Ultra
- CPU: 32 cores.
- GPU: Configurable between 60 and 80 cores.
- Unified Memory: Starts at 96GB, expandable up to 512GB.
- Storage: Options from 1TB to 16TB SSD.
Users can configure their Mac Studio to meet specific requirements, with options to upgrade CPU, GPU, memory, and storage capacities.