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Bottom of the line Mac Studio for $1,999 or the top of the line Mac Mini for $1,299? Any Monitor recommendations?
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I wasn't satisfied with the 16gb limit of the mini so I couldn't accept investing in that, so I was one of those waiting for something better and bought the m1 studio when it first came out.
The other difference is the studio has the max chip, where the mini only goes up to the pro chip.
edit: monitor? I just use the same ones I was using before (they're some older dvi dells).
The other difference is the studio has the max chip, where the mini only goes up to the pro chip.
edit: monitor? I just use the same ones I was using before (they're some older dvi dells).
While there are additional differences, that and the extra CPU/GPU cores appears to be the biggest difference.
If you're good with the performance of the stock M2 Pro Mac Mini for your personal needs, then it will offer better value. That value starts to go down as you start to spec up the Mac Mini.
For example, if you plan on upgrading the chip to the 12 core CPU and 19 core GPU version (+$300) and/or upgrading the RAM (+$400), then you're likely better off spending the extra money and getting the base studio.
As for monitor recommendations, it completely depends on your needs and preferences so it's difficult to throw names out there without knowing what you would primary use it for.
If you're good with the performance of the stock M2 Pro Mac Mini for your personal needs, then it will offer better value. That value starts to go down as you start to spec up the Mac Mini.
For example, if you plan on upgrading the chip to the 12 core CPU and 19 core GPU version (+$300) and/or upgrading the RAM (+$400), then you're likely better off spending the extra money and getting the base studio.
As for monitor recommendations, it completely depends on your needs and preferences so it's difficult to throw names out there without knowing what you would primary use it for.
I have both a Studio Display and a Gigabyte M32U (32-inch 4K), and I'd give a 4K 32-inch a look. It's a lot more desktop space, with a bit less text clarity, and a far lower price. I've been using Retina displays almost exclusively since the late 2014 iMac, and I was a bit surprised that I've been as happy with this 4K monitor as I have.
It's going to be the way you interact with your computer and what you will be staring at for many hours a day (probably).
I'll never understand users who skimp out on the display.
The difference between the M2 Max Mac Studio and M2 Pro Mac mini are many.
I'll never understand users who skimp out on the display.
The difference between the M2 Max Mac Studio and M2 Pro Mac mini are many.
- 400GB/s versus 200GB/s memory bandwidth.
- Two video encode engines (versus one).
- Two ProRes encode and decode engines (versus one).
- Much faster GPU (30-core versus 19-core).
- Support for up to 5 monitors simultaneously (versus 3)
- Front I/O (Two USB-C and SDXC UHS-II card reader).
- 10Gbps/s ethernet (versus 1Gbps/s).
- Quiet under all workloads.
I did some thinking about this choice and ended up with the M2 Max Studio and Apple Studio Display. For the length of time I plan to keep these units the prices did not matter. Also, even if I decide to upgrade the M2 Max sooner than expected the Studio Display will last for many years.
Studio Ultra and Studio Display. Very pleased with both.
I was facing a similar choice: M2 Pro Mini or M2 Max Studio. I knew that I wanted 32 GB RAM and 2 TB SSD either way.
Here in Canada, the prices for those configurations are $3324 for the Mini and $3449 for the Studio. But for that $125 difference in price, the Studio comes with 11 more GPU cores (30 vs 19), 10 GBit ethernet, an SDXC reader, and two front-facing USB-C ports beyond the 4 thunderbolt ones that the Mini also has.
It was a no-brainer for me to go with the Studio. I’ll be running it with an 8k TV as a monitor (Samsung QN700B 55”).
Here in Canada, the prices for those configurations are $3324 for the Mini and $3449 for the Studio. But for that $125 difference in price, the Studio comes with 11 more GPU cores (30 vs 19), 10 GBit ethernet, an SDXC reader, and two front-facing USB-C ports beyond the 4 thunderbolt ones that the Mini also has.
It was a no-brainer for me to go with the Studio. I’ll be running it with an 8k TV as a monitor (Samsung QN700B 55”).
One other thing too, is that the Studio SSD is a replaceable part available from Apple repair. If the SSDs on a mini ever go out, that is pretty much the end of it. Downside is that Apple charges such rip-off prices for a replacement SSD, I do not know how cost effective it would be to repair, but the option is available.
I like the idea of $60/year for perpetual AppleCare support. Did it for my new Studio and Studio Display. Seems like small beans if the thing craps out in year 4 or 5.
I had this same choice. I needed just a little more than I could get with the base M2 Pro Mac mini. Once I started adding storage and memory, I started getting way too close to the price of the M2 Max Studio. I want the most for my money so I went with the Studio. I'd rather have more power than I need than need more than I have with the price being so nearly equal. Plus, front facing ports. Don't need them but never want another desktop computer without them.
Yeah, that’s my sentiment. I’d rather have the base Studio at 32GB RAM plus replaceable SSD but I’ve been hearing about issues with swapping out memory with the T2 Chip.
I kinda of wanted the Mac Mini with M1 Pro before any of them existed, so got the base Studio with 1TB in the end after it was announced. When they finally came out with the new M2 Mini's I did price up what I would have wanted and the price was close enough that I was still pleased with my choice - given all the I/O etc.
I use the LG Ultrafine 32UN880-b and have been very happy with it.
I use the LG Ultrafine 32UN880-b and have been very happy with it.
I went with the 12 core pro mini , don’t like the look of the studio at all plus it wouldn’t fit under my bedroom tv, Sony 55x90L
My problem right now is external storage. Whether I go mini or studio I need external storage for photos and music. I’m thinking spinning rust because I don’t do any serious video or audio processing. Why the studio then? VMs.
I know it is pricier, but the Studio + Studio Display is a great setup. The M2 Studios are silent and the extra RAM/ports are great to have.
Extra ports on the back of the studio might help with this then? I guess it's up to you and what you have planned for its use... but I think the little extra for the Studio if your spec'ing up the mini is defo worth it.
For me the Studio ended up being Cheaper than the Mac Mini Pro in the spec I wanted
Studio With 12/30 Max Chip 32Gb Ram and 512 Storage Was £1889 UK (Edu Pricing) £2099 Retail
Mac Mini Pro with 12/19 Pro Chip 32Gb Ram 512 Storage and 10Gb Networking was £2009 (Edu Pricing) £2199 Retail
So with the Studio you get the extra Pro Res Encoders, 11 Extra Graphics Cores and the 2 front USB c and SD Reader for less money
For storage I just have 2x 2Tb External NVMEs on Holders on the back of the Monitor
2Tb 3500 NVME and Enclosures were £80 Each on Amazon,
For a monitor I have the Lenovo p32p-20. Its a 32" 4K Colour calibrated at Factory unit, with USBC Hub and Built in Ethernet bit of a bargain at £379 inc a Free 1080p webcam in the UK at the moment.
Studio With 12/30 Max Chip 32Gb Ram and 512 Storage Was £1889 UK (Edu Pricing) £2099 Retail
Mac Mini Pro with 12/19 Pro Chip 32Gb Ram 512 Storage and 10Gb Networking was £2009 (Edu Pricing) £2199 Retail
So with the Studio you get the extra Pro Res Encoders, 11 Extra Graphics Cores and the 2 front USB c and SD Reader for less money
For storage I just have 2x 2Tb External NVMEs on Holders on the back of the Monitor
2Tb 3500 NVME and Enclosures were £80 Each on Amazon,
For a monitor I have the Lenovo p32p-20. Its a 32" 4K Colour calibrated at Factory unit, with USBC Hub and Built in Ethernet bit of a bargain at £379 inc a Free 1080p webcam in the UK at the moment.
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In the U.K. at the moment one retailer (Argos) is clearing out base model M1 Mac studios for £1499. That’s slightly cheaper than the theoretical refurb price (though I’ve not seen any recently).
This makes it slightly more expensive than a brand new m2 pro model.
Upsides:
Double the ram
No half speed SSD issues
Dual video decoders and encoders
Better multi core with the m1 max
More graphics cores with M1 Max
Downsides
Only 16gb of ram in m2 pro
Half speed SSD issue in 512gb base model m2 pro
Only one video decoder/encoder
M2
Better single core in m2 pro
Fewer graphics cores
This makes it slightly more expensive than a brand new m2 pro model.
Upsides:
Double the ram
No half speed SSD issues
Dual video decoders and encoders
Better multi core with the m1 max
More graphics cores with M1 Max
Downsides
Only 16gb of ram in m2 pro
Half speed SSD issue in 512gb base model m2 pro
Only one video decoder/encoder
M2
Better single core in m2 pro
Fewer graphics cores
The Studio would be a no brainer for me, I need all the ports and the SD card reader on the front is a real bonus.
I just replaced my 2020 iMac 5K and I honestly would have been fine with the M2 Pro Mac mini, but decided to go with the M2 Studio Max because I knew it would last me effectively forever and I was worried I might eventually hit a limit with 16GB (my iMacs always had 32GB) so that point the Studio was not that much more and offered so much more value for that little extra.
I have a Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 (connected via HDMI) and an LG 32UN500-W (connected via HDMI to USB-C) connected with both running at 2560x1440 and they work fine and text is very readable (I picked both because they were highly rated for text sharpness).
I have a Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 (connected via HDMI) and an LG 32UN500-W (connected via HDMI to USB-C) connected with both running at 2560x1440 and they work fine and text is very readable (I picked both because they were highly rated for text sharpness).
I just pulled the trigger and ordered a base m2 studio max, an ACASIS enclosure, WD black 4TB NVM.e drive and an Anker Thunderbolt 4 cable. Apple wanted $129 for a cable .. insanity. I could just keep going back and forth but there were some reported issues on those Samsung pro drives.. I still may change my mind and go for an 890z