m4 iMac vs m4 Mac Mini Pro - more GPU helpful?

[benny gsr]

I am looking to run VM Ware and WindowsARM to run some 3d Modelling software. NO Gaming, very small amount of single stream video work in FCP.

Is the m4 iMac perhaps with 16 or 24gb RAM going to be adequate for my 3d modelling software, when compared to a Mac mini m4 Pro with bigger GPU?
The all-in-one of the imac is advantageous, but the power of a mini Pro might be beneficial? Not sure either if VM ware can take advantage of GPU cores now.

 

[gilby101]

What 3d modelling software? How much RAM does it need for your models? Does the software use a GPU for calculations or just for display?

In general, 1) VMs don't allow client apps to access the host GPU except for display purposes, 2) VMs will benefit from lots of host RAM.

Without knowing any detail of what you propose, look at getting a Mac with lots of RAM. And I don't call 24GB "lots".

 

[benny gsr]

Thanks for the reply. The modelling software is for body splints, orthoses and prostheses. Pretty basic software as far as 3d modelling goes with Small size files (less than several hundred megabytes per file).

The minimum specs are lower than the recommended specs below: (I'm not going to bother with the minimum specs)

i7 CPU or equivalent (Gen 8 Onwards)
16 GB RAM
Windows11 64bit
2GB Graphics Card.

Perhaps any extra GPU will just be wasted then if the VM's can't use the GPU.