M1 Studio Ultra vs. M4 Mac Mini pro chip

[Brandhaus]

I have searched but found it difficult to find since it’s not apples to apples (no pun intended, but it works!)

I have had the M1 Studio Ultra 64gb and 8tb hd since it was released. I didn’t expect Apple to crank out updates so quickly.

I am a pro user, mostly Adobe suite. Not so much video editing. And I’ll do some music production as well, but again, nothing too crazy.

What setup, if at all, would you upgrade to?

I was thinking of the M4 mini pro 24gb chip and 1tb storage with an external drive. I’ll be using either 2 Mac Studio Displays, or one 32” 6k LG display. I regret selling my dual XDR setup awhile back but my money tree isn’t getting water these days.

From what I gather, the new LG can utilize 5g while the M1 cannot.

Speed wise, that’s where I’m pretty lost. I don’t mind about form factor size. A 19” rackMount just to use as an empty drawer would be sweet lol.

Appreciate your advice!

 

[galad]

Do you have a reason to upgrade the setup? The M4 Mini Pro will have better single core performance, barely better multi-core performance, and lower GPU performance (unless you need raytracing, or some newer GPU features for games).

M5 will be out soon, so maybe wait a few months.

 

[Bigwaff]

You have to know your workflow. Would you benefit more from single core or multi core performance? Do you need Metal GPU performance? Understand your workflow and review Geekbench

Mac Benchmarks - Geekbench

browser.geekbench.com

Newer is not necessarily better or faster.

 

[theluggage]

What setup, if at all, would you upgrade to?

Having spent that much on an M1 Ultra (presumably for 'future proofing') I wouldn’t “upgrade” just yet unless it’s not doing something you need to do. Is it really slowing you down?

As others have said - it all depends on your personal workflow. The cheapest, base specification Mac can run Adobe Suite and Logic Pro and do useful work - but if you're compositing multi-layer high res images or need a 100-instrument digital orchestra loaded into RAM you may be looking at the max 512GB of the M3 ultra...

You can do some research with Activity Monitor and look at CPU/GPU usage and memory pressure while you work. If you are only really using < 10 cores then the faster single-core speed of the M4 Pro may well outweigh the M1 Ultra’s 20, slower cores. ‘Memory Used’ < 24GB would also be a sign of overkill, but even if it's higher you need to look to 'Memory Pressure' to see if you're running out.

My guess is that a M4 Pro Mini will be faster for your work than the M1 Ultra because, unless you're doing serious video editing, 3D rendering, AI training etc. that lights up all the CPU and GPU cores then the faster single core performance of the M4 will tend to win out - and the M4 Pro isn't exactly short of cores either. But, that's just a guess - there are other factors like memory bandwidth (the Ultra chips have insane memory bandwidth) which are hard to predict and/or maybe you're using Photoshop plug-ins that can really exploit all those cores on the Ultra.

Other things to consider:
The M4 Pro has Thunderbolt 5 - but how many devices that actually use 80Gbps are you thinking of adding in the near future? Few offer more than a marginal improvement over TB4. Display-wise, TB5 is there for 8k and high-refresh-rate 5k/6k displays that don't exist yet. You don't need TB5 for a 6k@60Hz display like the LG unless you're going to chain TB5 devices to it. Basically, TB5 is good if you're buying new but TB4 on an existing machine is unlikely to be an issue for a couple of years yet and TB5 devices are backward compatible with TB4.

Your M1 Ultra has six Thunderbolt 4 ports plus 2xUSB-A, 10GB Ethernet as standard and an SD card slot. The Mini only has 3xTB5, 2xUSB-C/3.1 and 1GB ethernet as standard. In many cases, being able to connect more TB4 or USB 3 devices directly to the Studio is going to balance sharing TB5 via a hub (esp. for USB 3 devices)...

You don't have to pick up the Studio to turn it on.

Personally
(a) I'd stick with the Studio for a few more years - the only real reason to upgrade now is if you're worried about the second-hand value of the Studio falling in the future. Personally, though, I like to "overlap" my computers so I have a usable fallback machine.
(b) If I were looking at the top-end M4 Pro Minis + BTO extras I'd probably go the extra mile for the M4 Max Studio, because it's just nicer (unless you like form-over-function) and has better connectivity.
(c) I wouldn't get less than 512GB or more than 1GB internal SSD on a desktop Mac - that's more than enough to install a bunch of pro apps & library and keep your current work-in-progress. Any extra storage can go on externals. That's not just because of Apples insane storage prices - but if the Mac dies or goes of for repair then the internal storage is inaccessible, which really means you need an extra layer of backup.
(d) Don't get an Ultra again unless you've done the homework and established that your workflow can actually use all those cores.

 

[phrehdd]

I had a similar set up and opted not to get the Mini due to potential heat issues and more audible fan during some intense app work. So I ended up with what you have and it has worked out very well. However, you might consider a trade in for a new Studio Max. This might cost a bit more than the Mini, but is a far better "3 year" investment. You might also look at a refurb and a trade in. I am presently using an M4 64RAM 1TBdrive. It works with my apps which include photo editing apps mostly.

 

[H_D]

We have both systems as you describedin the office. The M4 isn’t really a replacement for the Ultra — it’s faster in single-core tasks but lacks the reserve of the dual-system architecture (so, maybe more torque but fewer cylinders, as a simile). For example, it’s faster in x265 CPI conversion in HandBrake but can’t handle multi-CPU workloads as efficiently as the Ultra.

It’s also noticeably louder when the CPU/GPU is under stress, whereas the Ultra stays mostly silent even under duress — which probably also means the M4 will throttle sooner. It’s an amazingly good machine, just not quite there yet.

For Adobe CC it should be perfectly workable, but if you can wait a few months, the M5 might bring a worthwhile boost for your next system.

I’m thinking about doing the same — going for a MBP M5/8TB setup to stay more mobile.

 

[Brandhaus]

I had a similar set up and opted not to get the Mini due to potential heat issues and more audible fan during some intense app work. So I ended up with what you have and it has worked out very well. However, you might consider a trade in for a new Studio Max. This might cost a bit more than the Mini, but is a far better "3 year" investment. You might also look at a refurb and a trade in. I am presently using an M4 64RAM 1TBdrive. It works with my apps which include photo editing apps mostly.

Do you use an external drive if you only have 1tb space?

 

[Brandhaus]

We have both systems as you describedin the office. The M4 isn’t really a replacement for the Ultra — it’s faster in single-core tasks but lacks the reserve of the dual-system architecture (so, maybe more torque but fewer cylinders, as a simile). For example, it’s faster in x265 CPI conversion in HandBrake but can’t handle multi-CPU workloads as efficiently as the Ultra.

It’s also noticeably louder when the CPU/GPU is under stress, whereas the Ultra stays mostly silent even under duress — which probably also means the M4 will throttle sooner. It’s an amazingly good machine, just not quite there yet.

For Adobe CC it should be perfectly workable, but if you can wait a few months, the M5 might bring a worthwhile boost for your next system.

I’m thinking about doing the same — going for a MBP M5/8TB setup to stay more mobile.

I do have the M1 MacBook Pro maxed out except 64gb ram instead of 128. The 8TB Storage is what makes me hold onto it. Storage on these things aren't cheap! That's why I'd spend much less on the desktop. Heck I probably wouldn''t even need it at that point. The reason for 5k is I'm trying out that new LG 5k monitor and I don't think the M1 has that many Thunderbolt 5 ports.

But for some reason I've already preferred a desktop. I haven't really used a laptop until recently, I don't travel as much as I used to for business. These days I feel like I have maxed out web tabs more than anything lol. I read in the buyer's guide that the Mac mini won't update until another year from now. So it's back to that "when do you think I should buy the intel i87?" sorta thing lol. They'll always be fast etc, but the M1 could lose value. might quick, although, I have not had any issues with it at all. I think the Thunderbolt 5 would be the only reason to be honest? And I probably want something shiny. And they have those Mac Pro mini housings on Amazon. Lol. And yes, I have told myself M5 or nothing. So I just need to be patient...

Thanks for your reply!

 

[Brandhaus]

I had a similar set up and opted not to get the Mini due to potential heat issues and more audible fan during some intense app work. So I ended up with what you have and it has worked out very well. However, you might consider a trade in for a new Studio Max. This might cost a bit more than the Mini, but is a far better "3 year" investment. You might also look at a refurb and a trade in. I am presently using an M4 64RAM 1TBdrive. It works with my apps which include photo editing apps mostly.

We have both systems as you describedin the office. The M4 isn’t really a replacement for the Ultra — it’s faster in single-core tasks but lacks the reserve of the dual-system architecture (so, maybe more torque but fewer cylinders, as a simile). For example, it’s faster in x265 CPI conversion in HandBrake but can’t handle multi-CPU workloads as efficiently as the Ultra.

It’s also noticeably louder when the CPU/GPU is under stress, whereas the Ultra stays mostly silent even under duress — which probably also means the M4 will throttle sooner. It’s an amazingly good machine, just not quite there yet.

For Adobe CC it should be perfectly workable, but if you can wait a few months, the M5 might bring a worthwhile boost for your next system.

I’m thinking about doing the same — going for a MBP M5/8TB setup to stay more mobile.

Ah, I've never traded in because they don't give you much at all. I found eBay to be better. But then again, I never paid attention to the fees. Plus I've only ever sold my XDR on eBay, so can't recall if I won or lost or broke even.

 

[Brandhaus]

Having spent that much on an M1 Ultra (presumably for 'future proofing') I wouldn’t “upgrade” just yet unless it’s not doing something you need to do. Is it really slowing you down?

As others have said - it all depends on your personal workflow. The cheapest, base specification Mac can run Adobe Suite and Logic Pro and do useful work - but if you're compositing multi-layer high res images or need a 100-instrument digital orchestra loaded into RAM you may be looking at the max 512GB of the M3 ultra...

You can do some research with Activity Monitor and look at CPU/GPU usage and memory pressure while you work. If you are only really using < 10 cores then the faster single-core speed of the M4 Pro may well outweigh the M1 Ultra’s 20, slower cores. ‘Memory Used’ < 24GB would also be a sign of overkill, but even if it's higher you need to look to 'Memory Pressure' to see if you're running out.

My guess is that a M4 Pro Mini will be faster for your work than the M1 Ultra because, unless you're doing serious video editing, 3D rendering, AI training etc. that lights up all the CPU and GPU cores then the faster single core performance of the M4 will tend to win out - and the M4 Pro isn't exactly short of cores either. But, that's just a guess - there are other factors like memory bandwidth (the Ultra chips have insane memory bandwidth) which are hard to predict and/or maybe you're using Photoshop plug-ins that can really exploit all those cores on the Ultra.

Other things to consider:
The M4 Pro has Thunderbolt 5 - but how many devices that actually use 80Gbps are you thinking of adding in the near future? Few offer more than a marginal improvement over TB4. Display-wise, TB5 is there for 8k and high-refresh-rate 5k/6k displays that don't exist yet. You don't need TB5 for a 6k@60Hz display like the LG unless you're going to chain TB5 devices to it. Basically, TB5 is good if you're buying new but TB4 on an existing machine is unlikely to be an issue for a couple of years yet and TB5 devices are backward compatible with TB4.

Your M1 Ultra has six Thunderbolt 4 ports plus 2xUSB-A, 10GB Ethernet as standard and an SD card slot. The Mini only has 3xTB5, 2xUSB-C/3.1 and 1GB ethernet as standard. In many cases, being able to connect more TB4 or USB 3 devices directly to the Studio is going to balance sharing TB5 via a hub (esp. for USB 3 devices)...

You don't have to pick up the Studio to turn it on.

Personally
(a) I'd stick with the Studio for a few more years - the only real reason to upgrade now is if you're worried about the second-hand value of the Studio falling in the future. Personally, though, I like to "overlap" my computers so I have a usable fallback machine.
(b) If I were looking at the top-end M4 Pro Minis + BTO extras I'd probably go the extra mile for the M4 Max Studio, because it's just nicer (unless you like form-over-function) and has better connectivity.
(c) I wouldn't get less than 512GB or more than 1GB internal SSD on a desktop Mac - that's more than enough to install a bunch of pro apps & library and keep your current work-in-progress. Any extra storage can go on externals. That's not just because of Apples insane storage prices - but if the Mac dies or goes of for repair then the internal storage is inaccessible, which really means you need an extra layer of backup.
(d) Don't get an Ultra again unless you've done the homework and established that your workflow can actually use all those cores.

That's what was getting me, is I ordered the LG M5 monitor, so I'm unsure if the M1 studio can handle it. That's about it really. My m1 other than that hasn't given me any issues. I'm thinking of just wiping it clean and starting from scratch to get rid of apps I've downloaded through the years I've never used. Heck I could probably bust out my 15" Mabook Pro from 2015 and find ways to accomplish my tasks. Might take longer, but when you've worked with certain products for so long, you know workarounds etc...

and my workflow was changing ALL the time. So I really don't have one. It typically was:

Client sends urgent project at 4:59 on Friday. I complete it for Monday's meeting. Sunday they redid a bunch of it, but just told me they noted the changes. I say just resend the entire thing. They send it over with new photos in word document. I go sit and cry. That's the only reason I'd need faster speed. Is cry time. lol. But yeah, computers are getting so fast, it seems top of the line isn't even needed, at least for me. But man, that Mac server they still charge $8,000 for sure is sexy! I could put all sorts of cool things in there, like my old Star War Legos Thanks for the insight, it brought me back to logical thinking. As an artist, I'm not logical really at all. I don't even have the Internet. (kidding).

 

[Brandhaus]

Thanks everyone for your feedback!

 

[phrehdd]

Do you use an external drive if you only have 1tb space?

OS runs native on the internal drive. I do have other drives attached which is for photo work, another for TM, and also a NAS for one of the backups as well as putting archive and music files (no music on my 1 tb drive).