M1Max Overkill for Basic 4K Editing?

[HoratioPerdu]

I make talking heads YT stuff.

Is the M1Max overkill for my needs?

Thinking of going with a basic M1Pro config and putting the money towards ram (32GB) and disk space (2/4TB).

 

[Fishrrman]

"Thinking of going with a basic M1Pro config and putting the money towards ram (32GB) and disk space (2/4TB)."

My opinion:
4tb is a waste of money, unless you have money "to throw away" (or you will use the MBP to earn revenue and can depreciate the cost of the MBP as a business expense).

RAM? For 4k editing, 32gb might be worth it. But you might do just as well with 16...

 

[Sanpete]

All of that sounds like overkill to me, unless you're doing something unusually demanding with your Youtube videos, or they're very long (like an hour), in which the extra RAM might help. Base model with however much storage you want to overpay for should be fine. There are lots of Youtube videos about editing 4K video on M1 Macs if you want to see some in action.

If you're looking at a 14", keep in mind that the 14" Max appears to be unable to fully use the extra cores due to some kind of power throttling.

 

[CalMin]

M1 Pro will do you fine. As will a base M1 - which copes pretty well with 4K too for that matter.

The Max will help with render times, but unless you're on the clock just go with a lower spec machine and then grab a drink or take a bathroom break when you click export. By the time you get back it will be done.