Quick summary
- The Apple Mac Pro and Mac Studio are two of the most powerful desktop computers on the market, designed for creative professionals who demand the best performance and capabilities.
- It features up to a 28-core Intel Xeon W processor, while the Mac Studio offers up to a 20-core M1 Ultra chip.
- The Mac Studio is a compact and portable desktop computer that can fit easily on a desk or in a backpack.
The Apple Mac Pro and Mac Studio are two of the most powerful desktop computers on the market, designed for creative professionals who demand the best performance and capabilities. If you’re considering investing in a new workstation, it’s essential to understand the key differences between these two machines to make an informed decision.
Performance
The Mac Pro is a modular workstation that allows you to customize and upgrade your system to meet your specific needs. It features up to a 28-core Intel Xeon W processor, while the Mac Studio offers up to a 20-core M1 Ultra chip.
In terms of raw performance, the Mac Pro has the edge in multi-core tasks, such as video editing, rendering, and 3D modeling. However, the Mac Studio’s M1 Ultra chip boasts superior single-core performance, making it ideal for tasks like photo editing, music production, and software development.
Graphics
The Mac Pro supports up to two high-end graphics cards, such as the AMD Radeon Pro W6900X. This gives it a significant advantage for graphics-intensive tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming.
The Mac Studio, on the other hand, has integrated graphics with up to 64-core GPU. While it’s not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card, it’s still capable of handling most creative tasks, including video editing at 4K and 8K resolutions.
Memory and Storage
The Mac Pro supports up to 1.5TB of DDR4 ECC memory, while the Mac Studio offers up to 128GB of unified memory. Unified memory combines system memory and graphics memory into a single pool, providing better performance for graphics-intensive tasks.
In terms of storage, the Mac Pro has more expansion options, with up to eight PCIe slots for SSDs. The Mac Studio has a built-in SSD with up to 8TB of capacity, but it’s not expandable.
Expandability
The Mac Pro is designed for maximum expandability. It has four PCIe slots for graphics cards, four PCIe slots for SSDs, and two Thunderbolt 3 ports. This allows you to add additional storage, graphics power, or other peripherals to your system as needed.
The Mac Studio has a more limited set of expansion options. It has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-C ports, and an HDMI port. While this is sufficient for most users, it may not be enough for professionals who need to connect multiple peripherals or high-bandwidth devices.
Design and Form Factor
The Mac Pro is a large and heavy workstation that takes up a significant amount of desk space. It has a sleek and modern design, but its size may not be suitable for all users.
The Mac Studio is a compact and portable desktop computer that can fit easily on a desk or in a backpack. It has a minimalist and elegant design that will complement any workspace.
Price
The Mac Pro starts at $5,999, while the Mac Studio starts at $1,999. The price of each machine will vary depending on the configuration you choose.
Which One is Right for You?
The choice between the Mac Pro and Mac Studio depends on your specific needs and budget. If you need the ultimate performance and expandability for demanding creative tasks, the Mac Pro is the better choice. If you’re looking for a powerful and compact desktop computer that offers excellent value for money, the Mac Studio is a great option.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which machine is better for video editing?
A: The Mac Pro has a slight edge in multi-core performance, which is important for video editing. However, the Mac Studio‘s M1 Ultra chip offers superior single-core performance, which can be beneficial for certain video editing tasks.
Q: Can I upgrade the Mac Studio‘s memory or storage?
A: No, the Mac Studio‘s memory and storage are not user-upgradeable.
Q: Which machine is more portable?
A: The Mac Studio is significantly more portable than the Mac Pro due to its compact size and weight.