Latest news with #M3Ultra
Geek Culture
06-06-2025
- Geek Culture
Mac Studio (M4 Max, 2025)
If there's one thing Apple has proven with the Mac Studio, it's that size doesn't determine performance. Ever since the company shrunk its desktop from tower size to well, box size, it has taken great care to show that its premium performance tabletop machines have condensed pure muscle packed into a highly compact form factor, serving as an alternative for power users who want the might of the Mac Pro tower workstations but can do without the extra heft. Three generations in, and its legacy is still going strong, so it only stands to reason that the latest model, powered by the company's own M4 Max processor and the M3 Ultra – the first in the lineup to come equipped with two generations of chips – will continue in the same vein. Indeed, the 2025 iteration of the Mac Studio reinforces its status as a creative powerhouse, with upgraded hardware, generous connectivity, and impressive AI-driven capabilities improving on already sky-high standards. Maintaining the same aesthetic identity since its 2022 debut, the lunchbox-sized offering comes decked out in a familiar silver-skinned, all-aluminium chassis. Rounded corners complete the minimalist look, and its physical build remains unchanged at 2.7kg for the M4 Max model and 3.6kg for the M3 Ultra, accompanied by the 9.5 cm-tall, 19.7-by-19.7cm footprint of its predecessors. Under the hood are where distinctions lie. The previous generation, sporting the M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips, supports up to a 12-core CPU, 38-core GPU, and a 24-core CPU, 76-core GPU configuration respectively. Meanwhile, this year's variant takes it up to 16 CPU cores and 40 GPU cores for the M4 Max version. But instead of the top of the line Ultra with the M4, Apple has opted for the beefier M3 Ultra model, which can be upgraded to 32 CPU cores and 80 GPU cores. This might sound a little confusing, as shouldn't the newer M4 chip tout more power over its M3 predecessor? Well, it's not in this case, as the Ultra chipset is larger and formed by fusing two M3 Max chips. Neural Engine processing isn't the same on both models either, as are the RAM and storage options. The base M4 Max version boasts a 16-core Neural Engine, 36GB of unified memory, and 512GB of storage (configurable to 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB), whereas its M3 Ultra sibling comes in at 32 Neural Engine cores, 96GB of base unified memory, and starts with 1TB of SSD that tops out at 16TB. Additionally, the latter features a copper heatsink instead of the standard aluminium, allowing for improved heat dissipation. Receiving a boost to its unified memory and SSD (128GB + 1TB), this M4 Max-powered review unit strikes a welcome balance between value and high performance for workstation tasks, starting with connectivity. The device is the first in the family to offer Thunderbolt 5 functionality, with four USB-C ports at its rear delivering speeds of up to 120 Gbps, and support for USB 4 (up to 120 Gbps), USB 3 (up to 10 Gbps), and DisplayPort 2.1. Alongside the power button, the rest of the lineup comprises two USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 and 10Gb Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. On the front are two USB-C ports and an SD card reader, the former of which is swapped out for Thunderbolt 5 ports on the M3 Ultra model. Like before, this year's Mac Studio with M4 Max can power up to five displays simultaneously – namely four displays with 6K over Thunderbolt and one display with 4K resolution at 144Hz over HDMI, or two displays with 6K resolution at 60Hz and one with 8K resolution at 60 Hz, or at 4K resolution at up to 240Hz over HDMI. Meanwhile, the M3 Ultra variant supports up to eight displays with 6K resolution at 60Hz or 4K resolution at up to 144Hz, or four displays with 8K resolution at 6K or 4K resolution at up to 240Hz. Casual users will likely find both options, especially the latter, to be excessive, which makes it clear who the Mac Studio is meant for. Where the MacBook Pro and Air, or the Mac mini series, are designed with everyday use in mind, this desktop is best suited to creative professionals and heavy-duty workflows, from video editing and rendering 3D environments to running large language models (LLMs). Anything more demanding requiring up to seven PCI Express expansion slots, and it's a job for the ultra-high-end Mac Pro tower. Indeed, the Mac Studio with M4 Max cements its status as a well-oiled machine for both work and play. Apple claims that it can support up to 18 streams of ProRes video playback, and a fraction of that brawn peeked through benchmarking tests across various software, including Cinebench R24, Geekbench 6, and Novabench. On Cinebench R24, its GPU rendering score came in at 16,740 points, alongside 2,089 (multi-core) and 186 points (single-core) in the CPU department. This puts the desktop ahead of the competition, with the M1 Ultra model – results of the more recent M2 Ultra iteration, released in 2023, weren't included in the app's list for direct comparison – trailing behind at 1,629 and 113, respectively. The performance one-upmanship was also reflected in Geekbench 6, which recorded a single-core score of 3,978 and a 21,160 multi-core score (versus 2,778 and 21,555 on the M2 Ultra model). Meanwhile, Novabench notes that its overall score of 4,650 ranks higher than 98 percent of all systems tested, broken down into the following: CPU: 2,466 GPU: 812 Memory: 748 Storage: 624 Expect a smoother creative workflow with the M4 Max chip, too. Rendering 5GB of 4K 60 frames-per-second (FPS) footage in Adobe Premiere Pro through VBR Pass 1, otherwise known as a single-pass variable bitrate, of 60 took five minutes, and the software encoding via CBR at a bitrate of 60 clocked five minutes and 16 seconds. More notably, the latter marks a significant improvement over the time taken for the M2 Ultra model to execute the same task, at eight minutes and 58 seconds. In any case, the beefy specifications of the Mac Studio make it enjoyable to navigate the editing software at full resolution. Not only are fast export times a given, but scrolling through a dense, tightly-packed timeline proved to be a lag-free affair with no hiccups observed. Encoding performance in Handbrake was equally speedy, with the process completed in six minutes and 29 seconds – a whole minute faster than its predecessor. It's a particularly impressive feat, as a single-chip system doesn't often match, much less surpass, a dual-CPU system. While hardly a dedicated gaming device, the device boasts support for hardware-accelerated ray tracing to complement its 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU. The feature offers extra horsepower amid Apple's continued push into the gaming space, which sees the addition of several heavyweight titles to its 2025 lineup, and putting it to the test is Assassin's Creed Shadows, Ubisoft's shiny new AAA title featuring hardware-accelerated real-time ray tracing on supported Apple chipsets like the M4 Max. With its ray tracing preset (that strangely, cannot be disabled completely) pushed to the highest settings alongside other visual tweaks, and utilising Apple's MetalFX upscaler for performance boosting, gameplay was capped at 30 FPS while running at 1440p. Bumping the resolution up to 4K saw a dip in frame rate to the low 20s, with MetalFX's performance mode bringing it up to around 25 FPS – still admittedly far from ideal, especially for a desktop setup. As observed during the test, running the game at 1080p with the lowest graphical settings was the only plausible way to hit the coveted 60 FPS mark, and even then, the frame rate wouldn't go past the low 50s in busier scenes. The issue seems to stem from forced ray tracing in Assassin's Creed Shadows , as further testing with a non-ray-traced title like 2023's Resident Evil 4 yielded smooth and consistent 60 FPS gameplay at 4K resolution and the highest settings. It should be noted that heavy-duty gaming on the Mac Studio with M4 Max isn't a priority for most, so its ability to handle 4K play with ease for non-ray-tracing-supported titles acts more like a nice by-the-way bonus. The unit will be a little warm to the touch in this state, though never too much that it feels unbearable or worrying. The other change here is the integration of Apple Intelligence as macOS Sequoia comes in handy for users who own multiple Apple devices, enabling them to move files, photos, and videos between their iPhone and Mac easily, and control or view their iPhone on a bigger display via iPhone Mirroring. Then, there's the mix of onboard and on-cloud tools that simplifies day-to-day tasks like writing emails, summarising text, fielding queries, and generating images that are also readily available on other offerings powered by the M-series processors. The enhanced Neural Engine and GPU, alongside the expanded memory on this year's Mac Studio, however, means these features are at their ripest stage. All things considered, there's a lot that this lean, mean rig does right. The M4 Max iteration may be the younger sibling, but it promises the same best-in-class performance and well-rounded functionality that have formed its core identity. On the flip side, the persistent drawback of limited customisation returns to dull its shine, with upgrade options tied to pre-purchase and a hefty cost. Case in point – at the starting price of S$2,899, the M4 Max model offers 36GB of unified memory and 512GB of SSD storage, locked down to a 14-core CPU, 32-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine. Opting for 1TB of storage requires an additional S$300, while the 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB options set users back by another S$900, S$1,800, and S$3,600 (from the base price), respectively. And all of this, without a display, or displays, that you have to spring for. RAM upgrades aren't counted in the equation, either. The 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU load-out configures 48GB of unified memory to 1TB of SSD, and can be bumped up to 64GB and 128GB, which are available as separate pricing options from the SSD selection. What it translates to is even more spending on top of an extra S$300 and S$1,500, respectively, potentially stacking to absurdly high amounts. Bear in mind that the Mac Studio cannot be taken apart and outfitted with more powerful internals a la normal PCs, so users will have to plan properly ahead of purchase and find the build that makes the most of their budget. Granted, it's unlikely for the regular Joe to upgrade this performance beast past a certain point, as the base M4 Max can already be overkill for everyday use. But for creative professionals and industry-grade work who can afford it, the Mac Studio remains the one to beat. Summary A worthy successor to the Mac Studio name, the M4 Max model continues to be proof that the best can always be better. Aesthetics - 8.5/10 Build Quality - 9/10 Performance - 9/10 Value - 8.5/10 Geek Satisfaction - 9/10 Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth's theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia's greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really. Apple Mac Studio Mac Studio M4 Max Review
Phone Arena
28-05-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
Apple may have tested the most powerful MacBook Pro we've never seen
A new rumor says Apple considered making a MacBook Pro with an M3 Ultra Apple's powerful M3 Ultra chip is limited to the Mac Studio, which is not a laptop. However, a new leak is now revealing that the Cupertino tech giant actually tested this almighty processor in the MacBook Pro too. The information comes from a post on the Chinese social media platform BiliBili, from a user who hasn't had much on the track record just yet. However, they claim to have found code references to unreleased MacBook Pro models (both 14-inch and 16-inch ones) sporting the M3 Ultra chip. The references were reportedly found in an internal build of iOS 18 running on an iPhone 16 engineering prototype. The tipster claims they found J514d and J516d codenames in a file in the /AppleInternal/Diags/Tests/ folder. J514 and J516 are the codenames for the 14 and 15-inch MacBook Pro models with the M3 Pro and M3 Max processors. Those laptops were introduced back in October 2023. Although the information found by the tipster cannot be verified (obviously), the 'd' in the codename could refer to an Ultra chip. Why? Well, for example, the Mac Studio with the M3 Ultra carries the J575d codename. As you know, Apple has not released a MacBook Pro with an Ultra chip, so this is very interesting, if true. MacBook Pro M4 vs MacBook Pro M4 Max. | Image Credit - PhoneArena Right now, the M3 Ultra is Apple's strongest Mac chip. Featuring a 32-core CPU, up to an 80-core GPU, and support for up to 512GB of unified memory, this processor is a beast. And a MacBook Pro with such a chip would have been... well, the master of beasts, don't you think? However, Apple launched the newest MacBook Pro models with M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max processor options back in October. It seems the Cupertino tech giant decided against equipping the MacBook Pro with the Ultra chip. This could be due to a variety of factors, the main one of which is the heating such a chip could produce and its effect on the battery life of a laptop. MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Pro M4 (M4 Pro/Max): Which one is right for you? Right now, the maxed-out MacBook Pro can sport a 16-core GPU, 40-core GPU, and up to 128GB of unified memory support. This machine is powerful enough already, but the fact that Apple even considered offering an Ultra-powered MacBook Pro is curious. For one, I would've loved to have been able to play with one, let's put it at that.
Geeky Gadgets
10-05-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
Tested: Apple's $11,000 Mac Studio (2025) - Is It Worth the Cost?
The Apple Mac Studio 2025, featuring the advanced M3 Ultra chip, sets a new benchmark for desktop computing tailored to professionals. Designed with developers, data scientists, and power users in mind, this compact yet powerful machine delivers exceptional performance, particularly for AI workloads, multitasking, and data-intensive tasks. However, its premium price and lack of upgradability may limit its appeal to a niche audience that demands specialized capabilities. The video below from XDA gives us a details look at the $11,000 Mac Studio. Watch this video on YouTube. Exceptional Performance with the M3 Ultra Chip At the heart of the Mac Studio 2025 is the innovative M3 Ultra chip, a technological achievement that redefines performance standards. Boasting up to a 32-core CPU, an 80-core GPU, and an impressive 512 GB of unified memory, this chip is engineered to handle the most demanding professional workflows. Its unified architecture allows seamless memory sharing between the CPU and GPU, making it particularly well-suited for running large AI models locally. The M3 Ultra excels in both single-core and multi-core performance, surpassing many flagship x86 processors while maintaining superior energy efficiency. Even under heavy workloads, the Mac Studio consumes significantly less power than traditional x86-based systems, offering a compelling combination of performance and sustainability. For professionals who prioritize energy-efficient computing without compromising on speed or capability, the Mac Studio 2025 is a standout choice. Unified Memory Architecture: Transforming AI and Data Workflows One of the defining features of the Mac Studio 2025 is its unified memory architecture, which eliminates the inefficiencies of traditional systems where memory is divided between the CPU and GPU. With up to 512 GB of shared memory, the system enables faster and more efficient processing, particularly for tasks involving massive datasets or complex AI models. This architecture is a significant advantage for data scientists, developers, and AI researchers. It allows for the local execution of tasks that would typically require cloud-based resources, reducing latency and offering greater control over sensitive data. By streamlining workflows and eliminating bottlenecks, the Mac Studio enables professionals to tackle computationally intensive projects with ease. Comprehensive Connectivity for Professional Needs The Mac Studio 2025 is equipped with a robust array of connectivity options, making sure compatibility with a wide range of peripherals and allowing high-speed data transfers. The front panel provides two Thunderbolt 5 ports and an SD card slot for quick and convenient access. On the back panel, users will find: Four additional Thunderbolt 5 ports A 10 GB Ethernet port Two USB-A ports An HDMI 2.1 port A headphone jack For wireless connectivity, the Mac Studio supports Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E, making sure reliable and fast connections. However, the absence of Wi-Fi 7 may be a drawback for those seeking the latest wireless standards. Despite this, the comprehensive connectivity options make the Mac Studio a versatile tool for professionals who rely on multiple devices and peripherals in their workflows. Optimized for Demanding Professional Workflows The Mac Studio 2025 is purpose-built to meet the needs of professionals who require exceptional computational power and multitasking capabilities. Developers will appreciate its ability to compile large codebases rapidly, while data scientists can use its capacity to process and analyze extensive datasets efficiently. Additionally, the machine excels in AI workloads, allowing the local execution of models that would otherwise depend on cloud infrastructure. Creative professionals, such as video editors and graphic designers, will also benefit from the Mac Studio's ability to handle high-resolution media and complex rendering tasks. However, its specialized features and high price point make it less suitable for general users or those with basic computing needs. Key Limitations to Consider While the Mac Studio 2025 offers impressive capabilities, it is not without its limitations. One of the most notable drawbacks is the lack of internal upgradability, which means users must carefully select their configuration at the time of purchase. Additionally, storage upgrades are prohibitively expensive, further emphasizing the importance of choosing the right specifications upfront. Although the M3 Ultra chip delivers robust GPU performance, it falls short of matching the power of high-end discrete GPUs, which may be a concern for professionals in fields like 3D rendering or advanced gaming. Combined with its steep starting price, these limitations make the Mac Studio a less appealing option for users who do not require its advanced features or specialized capabilities. A Specialized Tool for Professionals The Apple Mac Studio 2025 stands out as a compact yet powerful desktop designed for professionals working in AI, data science, and other demanding fields. Its unified memory architecture, energy efficiency, and exceptional performance make it a unique solution for specialized use cases. However, its high cost, lack of upgradability, and niche focus mean it is best suited for those who can fully use its capabilities. For developers, data scientists, and professionals seeking top-tier performance in a compact form factor, the Mac Studio 2025 is a worthy investment. For general users, more versatile and affordable alternatives may be a better fit. Uncover more insights about Apple Mac Studio 2025 in previous articles we have written. Source & Image Credit: XDA Filed Under: Apple, Guides, Reviews, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
WIRED
06-04-2025
- WIRED
The Best Apple Desktop Computers
Apple Mac Studio (M4 Max) This is the step up from the Mac Mini. The Mac Studio (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the most powerful and compact Apple desktop, thanks to the M3 Ultra chip inside. It's also far more affordable than the Mac Pro. Comprised of two M3 Max chips, the chipset has up to a 32-core CPU (with 24 performance cores) and a GPU with up to 80 cores. The more cores you add, the more powerful your machine, but if you don't need that much power, you can pair the Mac Studio with an M4 Max, which has an up to 16-core CPU and an up to 40-core GPU. The Mac Studio isn't as tiny as the Mac Mini, but it's still a small machine and will fit easily on your desk (it fits perfectly under Apple's Studio Display too). It has more ports, including two USB-C ports and an SD card slot on the front. On the back are four Thunderbolt USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and HDMI, a 10-gigabit Ethernet port, and headphone jack, and a headphone jack. Apple upgraded the USB-C to the Thunderbolt 5 standard for faster data transfer speeds. There's support for multiple displays, depending on the chip. The M4 Max can connect up to five displays, while the M3 Ultra goes up to six. The built-in speaker system is solid, but if sound quality is critical, you're better off buying a pair of computer speakers (or using headphones). Stuck between this model and the Mac Mini? The deciding factor should be based on your workflow. Most people looking for a bit more power than what a basic PC offers will probably be satisfied with the M4 Pro on the Mini. But if the bulk of your work is dependent on intensive tasks, like photo and video editing or creating 3D models in apps like Blender, the M3 Ultra or M4 Max in the Mac Studio are better choices. Anyone can buy a Mac Pro from Apple, but this expensive machine is designed for a very niche audience. Typically that's creative professionals who need a machine for demanding workloads, people who need the modularity and internal expansion, since it comes with seven PCI Express expansion slots and far more ports than any other Apple desktop: eight Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, two USB-A ports (up to 5 Gb/s), two HDMI ports, and two 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports. Seriously, you'll know if you need a Mac Pro. The Mac Pro comes in two M2 Ultra configurations. The base model comes with a 24-core CPU and a 60-core GPU. For an extra $1,000, you can upgrade to a 76-core GPU. It also comes with up to 192 GB of unified memory and up to 8 TB of storage. The more you upgrade, the pricier it gets. The most expensive model costs a whopping $11,799. The main thing to know is that the Mac Pro launched in 2023 alongside a Mac Studio. Considering that Apple just introduced a new Mac Studio in 2025, there's a chance we'll see a new Mac Pro later this year. $6,999 at Apple (M2 Ultra)
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Apple (NasdaqGS:AAPL) Sees 10% Price Dip Despite Launch Of MacBook Air With M4 Chip
Apple recently rolled out several innovative products, such as the MacBook Air with the M4 chip and the high-performance M3 Ultra chip. Despite these advancements, Apple's stock saw a 10% decrease over the past month. This downward trend coincides with the broader market's four-week slump, driven by economic uncertainties and the impact of new tariffs. Although Apple's announcements, including the iPhone 16e and its investment plans in the U.S., aimed to bolster its position, they were overshadowed by the overall market sentiment. The stock market's turbulence, highlighted by a 3% decline in the Dow and a 2% slip in the S&P 500, along with investor concerns over inflation and economic growth, played a significant role in affecting Apple's share price. Amidst these challenges, Apple's new initiatives and partnerships may still hold potential for future growth as broader economic conditions stabilize. Gain insights into Apple's past trends and performance with our report on the company's historical track record. Explore 20 top quantum computing companies leading the revolution in next-gen technology and shaping the future with breakthroughs in quantum algorithms, superconducting qubits, and cutting-edge research. Apple has experienced significant success over the last 5 years, with a remarkable total return of 283.76%. Its strong performance is partly attributed to innovative product releases and expansion efforts that have strengthened its market presence. For instance, the introduction of the iPhone 12 series with 5G capabilities in October 2020 marked a significant advancement in its product lineup, increasing consumer demand. Moreover, Apple's strategic partnerships, like the collaboration with CVS Health in September 2020 for Apple Fitness+ access, expanded its services ecosystem, fostering client engagement. Additionally, Apple's commitment to sustainability has bolstered its brand reputation. The launch of 100% recycled materials in the MacBook Air in June 2023 highlighted its aim for carbon neutrality by 2030. Financially, Apple has maintained investor confidence through substantial share buyback programs, including a US$19.10 billion repurchase from January to April 2023. Despite a few legal challenges, such as the US$502.8 million patent infringement verdict in October 2020, Apple's growth trajectory remained robust, outperforming both the US Tech industry and the broader market over the past year. Are you invested in Apple already? Keep abreast of every twist and turn by setting up a portfolio with Simply Wall St, where we make it simple for investors like you to stay informed and proactive. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include NasdaqGS:AAPL. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@ Sign in to access your portfolio
