Is it worth the upgrade? (M1 pro to M3 Max)

[Spacemaster]

I have an M1 pro with 32 GB RAM, basically for Python/Matlab programming, and I'm really happy with the computer. However, for future career opportunities, I want to learn SolidWorks and Zemax (optics design software) under Parallels.

Since I'm unsure if the M1 Pro is enough to move this software, I'm considering using my education discount (I have two months left) to upgrade to the new M3 Max with 64 GB.

What do you think?... Is it worth upgrading?

 

[PeteBurgh]

It seems to me the obvious thing to do would be to use SolidWorks and Zemax (both of which have trial versions) with your present machine as much as you can, and see how you get on.

$4k-plus is a decent chunk of money to spend on a machine to learn some new software for a hypothetical future job, especially if your current machine will do it just fine.

 

[TinyMito]

lol I'm running Fusion360 fine on my M1 Pro 16gb ram. Just test the software out?

 

[richinaus]

lol I'm running Fusion360 fine on my M1 Pro 16gb ram. Just test the software out?

Fusion will run far better than Solidworks ever will on a mac.........M1 Pro will run Fusion absolutely fine - just get a trial and have a look.