Shubham Sawarkar
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Apple‘s commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of technology continues with the introduction of two powerful devices: the 2023 Mac Studio and the 2023 Mac Pro. These high-performance machines cater to professionals in various fields, from video editing and 3D modeling to music production and software development. These two machines, while distinct in their own ways, also share several similarities. While both cater to demanding tasks, it’s essential to understand their unique features and capabilities to determine which one best suits your specific needs.
| 2023 Mac Studio (M2 Max) | 2023 Mac Studio (M2 Ultra) | 2023 Mac Pro (M2 Ultra) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $1,999 | $3,999 | Tower: $6,999 Rack: $7,499 |
| CPU & GPU | M2 Max 12-Core CPU Up to 38 GPU cores 16-Core Neural Engine | M2 Ultra 24-Core CPU Up to 76 GPU cores 32-Core Neural Engine | M2 Ultra 24-Core CPU Up to 76 GPU cores 32-Core Neural Engine |
| Unified memory | 12-core CPU/30-core GPU: 32GB, 64GB 12-core CPU/38-core GPU: 32GB, 64GB, 96GB | 64GB, 128GB, 192GB | 64GB, 128GB, 192GB |
| Storage | 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB |
| Media engine | H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and ProRes RAW Video decode engine Two video encode engines Two ProRes encode and decode engines | H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and ProRes RAW Two video decode engines Four video encode engines Four ProRes encode and decode engines | H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and ProRes RAW Two video decode engines Four video encode engines Four ProRes encode and decode engines |
| Display | Up to eight 4K displays, six 6K displays, or three 8K displays | Up to eight 4K displays, six 6K displays, or three 8K displays | Up to eight 4K displays, six 6K displays, or three 8K displays |
| Wireless | 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| I/O | Front: 2x USB-C ports, one SDXC card slot (UHS-II) Back: 4x Thunderbolt 4 ports, 2x USB-A ports, 10Gb Ethernet port, HDMI port, and 3.5 mm headphone jack | Front: 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports, one SDXC card slot (UHS-II) Back: 4x Thunderbolt 4 ports, 2x USB-A ports, 10Gb Ethernet port, HDMI port, and 3.5 mm headphone jack | Top: 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports Back: 6x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, 2x 10Gb Ethernet, 2x HDMI ports, and 3.5 mm headphone jack Expansion: Available: 6x full-length PCI Express gen 4 slots (Two x16 slots/Four x8 slots) Pre-installed: 1x half-length x4 PCI Express gen 3 slot with Apple I/O card installed |
| Weight | 2.7kg (5.9 pounds) | 3.6kg (7.9 pounds) | Tower: 16.86kg (37.2 pounds) Rack: 17.21kg (37.9 pounds) |
Contents
Price & availability
Announced by Apple on June 5, 2023, the Mac Studio and the Mac Pro garnered significant attention from professionals eagerly awaiting the latest advancements in Apple desktop technology. Pre-orders for both machines opened on the same day, and shipping started on June 13, ensuring enthusiasts could soon experience the power of the M2 Ultra silicon firsthand. While availability is not an issue, the pricing structure presents a more complex picture, reflecting the disparity between the two offerings.
Comparing the entry-level Mac Studio with the highest-end configuration of the Mac Pro reveals a substantial price differential, a distinction to be expected given the Mac Pro’s long-standing reputation as Apple’s most formidable and expensive computer. The Mac Pro’s absence from the market since 2019, still equipped with an Intel chip, heightened anticipation for its return, now fully equipped with Apple silicon. Despite this significant improvement, the Mac Pro remains considerably pricier than its counterpart, the Mac Studio.
Beginning with the base options, the M2 Max Mac Studio is priced at $1,999 for the default model. Opting for the enhanced M2 Ultra version will raise the price to $3,999, making it a more capable and compelling option. Meanwhile, the Mac Pro tower commences at $3,999, while the rack version starts at $7,499, further emphasizing the Mac Pro’s higher price point.
- 2023 Mac Studio (M2 Max) (Starting at $1,999) — Apple / Amazon / Best Buy / Adorama / B&H Photo
- 2023 Mac Studio (M2 Ultra) (Starting at $3,999) — Apple / Amazon / Best Buy / Adorama / B&H Photo
- 2023 Mac Pro (M2 Ultra) (Starting at $6,999) — Apple / Adorama / B&H Photo
- 2023 Mac Pro (M2 Ultra, rack version) (Starting at $7,499) — Apple / Adorama / B&H Photo
However, the pricing story does not end there. Both the Mac Studio and the Mac Pro offer numerous customizable features, including upgraded GPUs with 76 cores instead of 60 cores, expanded storage capacities of up to 8TB SSD, and augmented unified memory capabilities, scaling up to 192GB. These optional enhancements come at a significant cost, catapulting the price exponentially when opting for the ultimate configuration instead of the default setup.
At its most extravagant, the Mac Studio can reach a price point of $9,298.98 ($8,799 without pre-installed software — Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro), showcasing its versatility and adaptability to various budgets. Conversely, the Mac Pro’s top-tier configuration can command a staggering price of up to $12,447.98 ($12,947.98 for rack version, $12,448 without pre-installed software — Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro). In terms of affordability, the Mac Studio emerges as the winner, but the Mac Pro’s distinct advantages, such as open PCIe Gen4 slots, may warrant the additional investment for professionals with specific needs.
When making a purchasing decision, professionals must carefully evaluate their requirements, budgetary considerations, and the unique advantages offered by each desktop. While the Mac Studio provides an attractive balance of affordability and performance, the Mac Pro caters to those demanding unrivaled power, expandability, and customization. Whichever path professionals choose, Apple’s latest desktop offerings usher in a new era of computing excellence, empowering users to unleash their creative potential and embrace the future of technology.
Design
Not only does a significant price disparity set the Mac Studio and Mac Pro apart, but their designs also showcase notable distinctions. The Mac Pro assumes the form of a full tower computer, complete with practical carrying handles and sturdy feet, emphasizing its robust and imposing presence. In contrast, the Mac Studio draws inspiration from the Mac Mini, sporting a more substantial build to accommodate enhanced performance. This compact and sleek design enables seamless integration into any workspace, making it an ideal choice for those mindful of spatial constraints.
In addition to their divergent aesthetics, the weight of each desktop further highlights the disparities. The Mac Pro, with its comprehensive hardware and formidable structure, weighs just shy of 37.2 pounds (37.9 rack version), demonstrating its sheer heft and solid construction. In contrast, the Mac Studio’s streamlined design translates to significantly lighter weight. The M2 Max variant tips the scales at a mere 5.9 pounds, while the M2 Ultra slightly increases the weight to a still lightweight 7.9 pounds. This remarkable difference in weight makes the Mac Studio a compelling option for professionals who prioritize portability without compromising on computing power.
While the Mac Studio excels in space-saving and portability, the Mac Pro continues to cater to individuals seeking a standalone workstation. Moreover, Apple has considered the diverse needs of professionals by offering a rack option for the Mac Pro, further expanding its versatility in various settings. However, it is essential to note that the compact form factor of the Mac Studio may result in limited airflow and potential heat accumulation, requiring careful consideration of cooling mechanisms to maintain optimal performance during extended usage.
It is worth mentioning that both the Mac Studio and the Mac Pro have retained the design elements from their predecessors. Apple chose to focus on internal improvements while preserving the familiar exterior aesthetics. This approach ensures a sense of continuity for users transitioning from previous models while enjoying the enhanced performance and capabilities delivered by the latest iterations.
Performance
Performance is the beating heart of any professional-grade desktop, and the Mac Studio and the Mac Pro equipped with the formidable M2 silicon deliver unmatched power and capabilities. However, it is crucial to consider the nuances and potential disparities between these two computing powerhouses.
Both the Mac Studio and the Mac Pro offer significant upgradability options, but it’s important to note that the Mac Pro exclusively features the M2 Ultra chip, while the Mac Studio supports configurations with either the M2 Max or the M2 Ultra. The M2 Ultra is essentially two M2 Max chips integrated, providing a significant boost in performance. As a result, the Mac Studio, at its base configuration, may fall short of the base Mac Pro in terms of processing power.
The M2 Max variant of the Mac Studio boasts a 12-core CPU and can be further configured with either a 30-core or 38-core GPU. The M2 Ultra chip options remain the same for both desktops, featuring a 24-core CPU coupled with a choice of a 60-core or 76-core GPU. Furthermore, both the Mac Studio and the Mac Pro can be equipped with up to 192GB of unified memory and an 8TB SSD. However, it is worth noting that the M2 Max Mac Studio is limited to a maximum of 64GB memory (or 96GB with the 38-core GPU variant). Additionally, the Mac Pro offers the option to include a Magic Mouse + Magic Trackpad bundle for $149, providing an enhanced user experience that the Mac Studio does not offer.
Apple’s promises regarding performance enhancements shed light on the capabilities of these machines. The M2 Max Mac Studio, compared to its M1 Max predecessor, is touted to render up to 50% faster and deliver a 25% improvement in Xcode performance. The M2 Ultra chip, taking performance a step further, offers three times faster 3D rendering in Octane and a 50% increase in video processing speed in Da Vinci Resolve. Apple anticipates that the M2 Ultra chip will provide up to a 20% faster processor and a 30% faster graphics card, leading to tangible performance gains when comparing the two desktops.
The new Mac Pro represents a substantial leap forward in performance, surpassing its Intel-based predecessor released in 2019. Apple promises that the M2 Ultra Mac Pro will exhibit up to three times faster performance in 3D simulations and video transcoding, and it can simultaneously handle the ingestion of 24 4K camera feeds. Notably, both the Mac Studio and the Mac Pro are capable of playing 22 streams of 8K ProRes video concurrently, emphasizing their ability to handle demanding multimedia workflows.
While precise performance comparisons require comprehensive testing, preliminary insights can be gleaned based on the M2 Max chip’s performance in the 14-inch MacBook Pro. With the M2 Ultra expected to double the power of the M2 Max, it is reasonable to anticipate significant performance gains. However, the larger form factor and improved cooling of the Mac Pro may provide a slight edge in certain scenarios.
I/O
Addressing the limitations of the 2019 model, Apple has made significant strides in enhancing the port selection of the new Mac Pro. In the battle of ports, the comparison between the M1 Mac Studio and the previous Mac Pro favored the Studio due to the latter’s port scarcity. However, with the latest iterations, the competition has become more evenly matched.
The Mac Pro distinguishes itself with a total of eight Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports. Six of these ports are conveniently located on the rear of the enclosure, while two reside on the top. This abundance of Thunderbolt 4 ports enables the Mac Pro to support up to six Pro Display XDRs simultaneously, showcasing its impressive multi-monitor capabilities. These Thunderbolt 4 ports also support Thunderbolt 4 technology up to 40GB/s, DisplayPort, USB 4, and USB 3.1 Gen 2, ensuring seamless compatibility with a wide range of devices and peripherals.
Additionally, the Mac Pro features two USB-A ports, two HDMI ports, two 10Gb Ethernet ports, and a single 3.5mm headphone jack. This diverse array of connectivity options caters to various professional requirements. Furthermore, the Mac Pro offers Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 support, in addition to the aforementioned Ethernet ports, enhancing wireless connectivity capabilities.
In comparison, the Mac Studio offers a slightly more modest selection of ports. It is equipped with four Thunderbolt 4 ports, delivering the same versatility and support for Thunderbolt 4 technology as the Mac Pro. The Mac Studio also provides two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, a single 10Gb Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring seamless connectivity to essential peripherals. However, it is worth noting that the M2 Max version of the Mac Studio distinguishes itself with two additional USB-C ports and an SDXC card slot located on the front of the enclosure. Conversely, the M2 Ultra variant replaces these additional ports with two extra Thunderbolt 4 ports, offering increased flexibility for connectivity.
Upgrade options
The transition from Intel-based architecture to Apple silicon in the Mac Pro marks a notable shift in upgradability options. With the previous generation of the Mac Pro, Apple introduced the innovative MPX modules, which enabled users to enhance the machine’s capabilities with slot-in modules, without requiring extensive knowledge of PC building. However, the Apple silicon-based Mac Pro appears to have moved away from MPX modules, as the new system-on-a-chip (SoC) design integrates its own GPU, rendering the need for such modules obsolete.
While the absence of MPX modules may disappoint some users who valued the ease of upgrading and expanding their Intel-based Mac Pro, Apple has ensured that the new Mac Pro still offers upgrade options. The Mac Pro features six full-length PCIe Gen 4 slots, comprising two x16 slots and four x8 slots. Additionally, a single half-length x4 PCIe Gen 3 slot is present, already occupied by Apple’s I/O card. These PCIe slots provide a significant degree of flexibility and compatibility with various expansion cards, offering users the ability to tailor the Mac Pro to their specific needs.
However, it is important to note that the removal of MPX modules in the Apple silicon-based Mac Pro signifies a shift in Apple’s approach to upgradability. The integration of the system-on-a-chip design, coupled with the powerful GPU capabilities inherent in the M2 Ultra chip, indicates that Apple aims to provide a comprehensive and self-contained solution for professionals, reducing the need for external modular upgrades.
In contrast, the Mac Studio does not offer any modular elements. The configuration you choose at the time of purchase is the configuration you are bound with, without the ability to upgrade or expand the machine beyond its initial specifications. This design philosophy emphasizes the Mac Studio’s streamlined and integrated approach, targeting professionals who prioritize a compact and efficient solution without requiring future hardware upgrades.
While the Mac Pro’s PCIe slots allow for expandability and customization, users who valued the simplicity and accessibility of MPX modules may mourn their absence in the Apple silicon-based model. On the other hand, the Mac Studio’s lack of modular elements reinforces its focus on delivering a compact and self-contained desktop experience, appealing to professionals who prioritize a sleek design and optimized performance without the need for future hardware upgrades.
Verdict
In the realm of high-end Apple PCs, the verdict between the Mac Studio and the Mac Pro presents an intriguing twist. While the Mac Pro undeniably remains a formidable powerhouse with its impressive performance, extensive memory options, expandability, and enhanced connectivity, the Mac Studio manages to challenge its reign and leave a lasting impression.
When comparing the top configurations of both machines, featuring the M2 Ultra chip with a 76-core GPU and 192GB of unified memory, the disparities between the Mac Pro and the Mac Studio begin to blur. At this level of specification parity, it begs the question: What advantages does the Mac Pro truly possess over its smaller sibling?
Undoubtedly, the Mac Pro’s larger size provides it with inherent benefits, including expansion options and the availability of a rack variant for those who require it. The spacious design offers an advantage, as the M2 Ultra Mac Studio might encounter limitations due to its power-to-size ratio and potential thermal constraints within its lightweight 8-pound case. In terms of ports, the Mac Pro boasts a more extensive selection, accommodating multiple Pro Display XDRs and providing an additional Ethernet port. The PCIe Gen 4 expansion slots of the Mac Pro also offer versatility for various peripherals and accessories.
However, these advantages do not negate the significant price discrepancy when comparing the top configurations of both machines with identical storage and memory options. The Mac Pro demands an additional cost of nearly $3,999 compared to the Mac Studio, a considerable difference that cannot be overlooked. This price disparity becomes even more apparent when considering that even the Apple Vision Pro, another high-end Apple display, is available at a lower price point.
