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FernandoSilva

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 30, 2024
3
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I am currently considering buying a new Mac. I currently have an i5 MacBook Pro from 2018. My main purpose will be gaming. Even though Apple isn't known for gaming, I still prefer it. Which would you consider the best choice: a Mac Mini with the M2 Pro, 20-core GPU, and 48GB RAM, or a Mac Studio with the M2 Max, 30-core GPU, and 32GB RAM?
 
For gaming, the 30 core GPU any day. But if you can wait until June-ish, I would expect the M4 Mac Studio to come out, which should be quite a step up GPU wise. You'll also get hardware raytracing to go.
Heck you might even go for a used M1 Ultra, and get 48 GPU cores.
 
Agree GPU any day. Thing is, not much if anything on Mac for serious gaming.

Studio would likely be better for thermal management and less throttling but dont take my word for it, you should look for competent real world testing, not cinebencz!

To give some context, last years M3 Pro vs a pretty hefty card like a GTX 4080, the GTX is about twice as fast.
But keep in mind, they 4080 is almost the top of the pile.
The M4 Pro is 75% faster than the M3 Pro
So for its size it's very very competent.

I would expect the Studio Max and Ultra would be nuts, but like I said, not many games to really push the envelope.
 
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Agree GPU any day. Thing is, not much if anything on Mac for serious gaming.

Studio would likely be better for thermal management and less throttling but dont take my word for it, you should look for competent real world testing, not cinebencz!

To give some context, last years M3 Pro vs a pretty hefty card like a GTX 4080, the GTX is about twice as fast.
But keep in mind, they 4080 is almost the top of the pile.
The M4 Pro is 75% faster than the M3 Pro
So for its size it's very very competent.

I would expect the Studio Max and Ultra would be nuts, but like I said, not many games to really push the envelope.
Bro…cyberpunk
 
I am currently considering buying a new Mac. I currently have an i5 MacBook Pro from 2018. My main purpose will be gaming. Even though Apple isn't known for gaming, I still prefer it. Which would you consider the best choice: a Mac Mini with the M2 Pro, 20-core GPU, and 48GB RAM, or a Mac Studio with the M2 Max, 30-core GPU, and 32GB RAM?

Yep Apple isn't known for gaming. All that "mighty GPU" is heavily focused for rendering or video editing. I don't know any serious gaming that will push M4 chip GPU to the limit, or if the GPU is capable to push something like Black Myth WuKong or God of War series (if it's ever ported for Mac)
 
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