Mac Studio Enough vs Overkill

[SunMoonStars]

My MacPro 2010, 56GB ram, SSD 2TB, has gotten too old and too many software issues to function daily. It's been 14 years since I went computer shopping. I'm a graphic designer and can no longer wait for the next generation to get this chosen version for a better price. Money is always a factor, I'm self employed. Want to keep it at $4k but I also want this to last as long as I can get it to last. Yep, never going last 14 years well aware.

I have chosen the Mac Studio M2 Max. I work with the Adobe Creative Suite, no video. My print files can get large especially posters and banners. I have 2 working displays so don't need those.

The new memory works differently therefore not sure how much I need and how much is overkill. My choice is 64GB or 96GB. The SSD 1-4TB. I work on the desktop and have external drives for backup. I like to have larger SSD drives to store files then to offload via software later. I keep the working files on the desktop for a few months due to project lengths so I like to keep them at hand. Decades of habits.

Any input would be really appreciated. I've researched this until I'm confused. Want to get the most bang for my bucks.

 

[MarkC426]

Since you use it for work, I would max out the ram as much as you can afford.
As you know, you can never have too much ram, especially with graphics apps.

My use case (from cMP to Studio) is a bit different to you, as I am a 3D hobbyist, and my personal Mac usage has dropped the past couple of years, never enough hours in the day (with all that annoying work stuff)…….😜

I personally always use a seperate drive for rendering/scratch, this also avoids excessive wear on the internal SSD.

You will also notice a massive drop in energy use with a Studio.

 

[SunMoonStars]

Since you use it for work, I would max out the ram as much as you can afford.
As you know, you can never have too much ram, especially with graphics apps.

My use case (from cMP to Studio) is a bit different to you, as I am a 3D hobbyist, and my personal Mac usage has dropped the past couple of years, never enough hours in the day….😜

I personally always use a seperate drive for rendering/scratch, this also avoids excessive wear on the internal SSD.

I plan on partitioning the 4TB SSD drive 2/2 but man is that drive expensive. Unfortunately upgrades are not available or expensive in the end.
Currently I have a 2TB and have it half full since I work on the desktop. After projects are complete I offload. So yes the SSD drives gets a workout but easily replaced. I download libraries of photos from clients that initially take up room until offloaded. So I need the space and elbow room to work.

 

[haralds]

I got an M1 Ultra, 64GB/4TB when they came out. Users need to pay more attention to the advantages of internal storage. I have multiple external Thunderbolt units, but they are much slower than the internal ones.
I revived the Mac Pro for use in a second office/studio in my house. It does well but is much slower at some tasks and uses a lot more power. I use OCLP with Sonoma, which gets occasional AVX crashes if left idle too long. Sleeping seems to be fine and is easier on the power bill.

 

[Homy]

This is just one of his videos about the topic:

 

[mcnallym]

Unless hitting memory pressure on your cMP then a 64Gb RAM should be enough.
look at a decemt thunderbolt storage chassis that can multiple SSD into as opposed to a single 4TB SSD internal drive.
may not be as fast as the internal but is still not a slow solution.

 

[SunMoonStars]

Unless hitting memory pressure on your cMP then a 64Gb RAM should be enough.
look at a decemt thunderbolt storage chassis that can multiple SSD into as opposed to a single 4TB SSD internal drive.
may not be as fast as the internal but is still not a slow solution.

I have external storage bays for HDD drives so until they die they are what I will be using. Trying to buy for the future and get this to last longer. I really am on the fence about the internal SSD drive. Once its dead its dead, what then?

 

[Eduardot]

As MArcC246 says: I personally always use a seperate drive for rendering/scratch, this also avoids excessive wear on the internal SSD. Since it is a very old Mac you will be substituting. What Read and Write speeds do you need for work? .

Actually ts4 external ssd will give you fast R/W response. I would suggest 64 ram, 2 TB SSD, and 38 CPU core. And do try to work off external ssd!!

 

[SunMoonStars]

As MArcC246 says: I personally always use a seperate drive for rendering/scratch, this also avoids excessive wear on the internal SSD. Since it is a very old Mac you will be substituting. What Read and Write speeds do you need for work? .

Actually ts4 external ssd will give you fast R/W response. I would suggest 64 ram, 2 TB SSD, and 38 CPU core. And do try to work off external ssd!!

R/W speeds are not crucial.

Are you saying to put an OS on the SSD drive use it as a startup and work from it? I have external drives connected and offload when the projects are complete.

 

[Eduardot]

MacOS on the computer's SSD. The programs you need for work on the same SSD the MacOs is at, and the work files on the external SSD, the way you see fit. That way you use the R/W of the internal SSD for the operating system and the programs you work with, and save the files from the work programs to your external drives.
I use a Mac Studio M2 Max with 64 ram, 1 tb SSD, 38 core GPU, and work on a Samsung T5 4tb SSD. It works for me.

 

[SunMoonStars]

MacOS on the computer's SSD. The programs you need for work on the same SSD the MacOs is at, and the work files on the external SSD, the way you see fit. That way you use the R/W of the internal SSD for the operating system and the programs you work with, and save the files from the work programs to your external drives.
I use a Mac Studio M2 Max with 64 ram, 1 tb SSD, 38 core GPU, and work on a Samsung T5 4tb SSD. It works for me.

Ah gotcha and yes that's what I do. Mine happen to be internal drives on the old computer.

What does happen when the internal SSD drive goes? Can they be replaced? How are you liking your Mac Studio M2 Max?

 

[Eduardot]

Ah gotcha and yes that's what I do. Mine happen to be internal drives on the old computer.

What does happen when the internal SSD drive goes? Can they be replaced? How are you liking your Mac Studio M2 Max?

If the internal SSD of my Mac Studio gives? It is not replaceable. On these new Macs you cannot change or replace the memory, the Ssd, or the processor as old Macs could. This system on a Chip thing is better than old Intel Macs, but it cannot be replaced. I had initially a 2012 iMac and 2013 Macbook Pro, both are now retired and I am working on my new Mac Studio, that took me some time to have the money to buy it, but comparing it to what ir replaced, I could not be happier. There in no comparison it is simply one whole new Machine. If you do buy it, you will not regret it!!!!

 

[SunMoonStars]

If the internal SSD of my Mac Studio gives? It is not replaceable. On these new Macs you cannot change or replace the memory, the Ssd, or the processor as old Macs could. This system on a Chip thing is better than old Intel Macs, but it cannot be replaced. I had initially a 2012 iMac and 2013 Macbook Pro, both are now retired and I am working on my new Mac Studio, that took me some time to have the money to buy it, but comparing it to what ir replaced, I could not be happier. There in no comparison it is simply one whole new Machine. If you do buy it, you will not regret it!!!!

No question of buying the Max M2 just a matter of what's inside to last me as long as I can get out of it. Will be pulling that trigger this week. Any particular external SSD you like?

 

[MarkC426]

What does happen when the internal SSD drive goes? Can they be replaced? How are you liking your Mac Studio M2 Max?

I recommend getting AppleCare, as you are using it for business use.
IF the internal ssd did fail, this would be for Apple to sort with a repair or complete replacement (obviously you would have a backup).

 

[SunMoonStars]

I recommend getting AppleCare, as you are using it for business use.
IF the internal ssd did fail, this would be replaced, and obviously you would have a backup.

Yep, it's already in the cart. I've always purchased AC.

 

[TechnoMonk]

I have external 4X nvme thunderbolt enclosure, and usually max out RAM and not splurge on internal storage on my Macs.

 

[TracerAnalog]

My MacPro 2010, 56GB ram, SSD 2TB, has gotten too old and too many software issues to function daily. It's been 14 years since I went computer shopping. I'm a graphic designer and can no longer wait for the next generation to get this chosen version for a better price. Money is always a factor, I'm self employed. Want to keep it at $4k but I also want this to last as long as I can get it to last. Yep, never going last 14 years well aware.

I have chosen the Mac Studio M2 Max. I work with the Adobe Creative Suite, no video. My print files can get large especially posters and banners. I have 2 working displays so don't need those.

The new memory works differently therefore not sure how much I need and how much is overkill. My choice is 64GB or 96GB. The SSD 1-4TB. I work on the desktop and have external drives for backup. I like to have larger SSD drives to store files then to offload via software later. I keep the working files on the desktop for a few months due to project lengths so I like to keep them at hand. Decades of habits.

Any input would be really appreciated. I've researched this until I'm confused. Want to get the most bang for my bucks.

RAM 64Gb is currently the sweet spot (from experience). However with AI functions being integrated at a fast pace I expect you want to max out your RAM to 96Gb. Internal storage: 2Gb, the rest on external TB drives, as Apple charges too much in my opinion. You can have shortcuts on your desktop pointing to external files and folders if you want.

This is my recommendation. I have spoken😉

 

[SunMoonStars]

I have external 4X nvme thunderbolt enclosure, and usually max out RAM and not splurge on internal storage on my

RAM 64Gb is currently the sweet spot (from experience). However with AI functions being integrated at a fast pace I expect you want to max out your RAM to 96Gb. Internal storage: 2Gb, the rest on external TB drives, as Apple charges too much in my opinion. You can have shortcuts on your desktop pointing to external files and folders if you want.

This is my recommendation. I have spoken😉

Yeah, this is where I'm going with that. The 4TB is off putting in price. I hate we can't upgrade at a later point. This really sucks from a professional stand point. It will be outdated as soon as I hit the buy button. Don't want any regrets. I plan on keeping this until it dies just like my 2010. I've never been one that needs the new shiny thing.

 

[jdb8167]

Ah gotcha and yes that's what I do. Mine happen to be internal drives on the old computer.

What does happen when the internal SSD drive goes? Can they be replaced? How are you liking your Mac Studio M2 Max?

The internal SSDs in the Studio are removable so that means at least theoretically they are replaceable. If you have Apple care it would be up to Apple to decide how to fix any problems.

 

[_timo_redux_]

I have external 4X nvme thunderbolt enclosure, and usually max out RAM and not splurge on internal storage on my Macs.

What thunderbolt enclosure did you settle on? Do you have a sense of its speed? Do you run it in RAID or JBOD? TIA.

 

[TracerAnalog]

Yeah, this is where I'm going with that. The 4TB is off putting in price. I hate we can't upgrade at a later point. This really sucks from a professional stand point. It will be outdated as soon as I hit the buy button. Don't want any regrets. I plan on keeping this until it dies just like my 2010. I've never been one that needs the new shiny thing.

Here too… I buy a good setup and that lasts me till Apple drops support. Then the Mac goes to family or friends that use it for another good few years.

 

[SunMoonStars]

The internal SSDs in the Studio are removable so that means at least theoretically they are replaceable. If you have Apple care it would be up to Apple to decide how to fix any problems.

Yep always buy AC and will be buying the 3 year version.

 

[Yebubbleman]

My MacPro 2010, 56GB ram, SSD 2TB, has gotten too old and too many software issues to function daily. It's been 14 years since I went computer shopping. I'm a graphic designer and can no longer wait for the next generation to get this chosen version for a better price. Money is always a factor, I'm self employed. Want to keep it at $4k but I also want this to last as long as I can get it to last. Yep, never going last 14 years well aware.

I have chosen the Mac Studio M2 Max. I work with the Adobe Creative Suite, no video. My print files can get large especially posters and banners. I have 2 working displays so don't need those.

The new memory works differently therefore not sure how much I need and how much is overkill. My choice is 64GB or 96GB. The SSD 1-4TB. I work on the desktop and have external drives for backup. I like to have larger SSD drives to store files then to offload via software later. I keep the working files on the desktop for a few months due to project lengths so I like to keep them at hand. Decades of habits.

Any input would be really appreciated. I've researched this until I'm confused. Want to get the most bang for my bucks.

The new memory doesn't work differently in terms of how much RAM is needed. Just in terms of how quickly the data in RAM can be made accessible to all parts of the system.

I might get 96GB of RAM to allow you extra overhead and to make this Mac Studio last as close to 14 years as you can; it sounds like you made close to 64GB last you a decent while.

 

[SunMoonStars]

The new memory doesn't work differently in terms of how much RAM is needed. Just in terms of how quickly the data in RAM can be made accessible to all parts of the system.

I might get 96GB of RAM to allow you extra overhead and to make this Mac Studio last as close to 14 years as you can; it sounds like you made close to 64GB last you a decent while.

As I've researched the ram does take wear and tear off the SSD since it uses the ram first and then uses the SSD if there isn't enough.

I've ordered the M2 Max 2TB drive 96GB ram. I really appreciate everyone's input and so glad I took your advice!

 

[splifingate]

As I've researched the ram does take wear and tear off the SSD since it uses the ram first and then uses the SSD if there isn't enough.

I've ordered the M2 Max 2TB drive 96GB ram. I really appreciate everyone's input and so glad I took your advice!

Excellent choice!

You'll be quite pleased