MacBook for 3D Modeling and Slicing

[madsci954]

I’ve been away from the Mac space for a while now so I’m behind on the specs. I currently have a Windows 11 laptop that I used for my 3D modeling and printing. Microsoft has been rubbing me the wrong way lately and I’m thinking about jumping ship for Mac.

I need a MacBook Pro that can run my modeling software (Fusion 360) and my slicing software (Orca Slicer), I need it to be reasonably fast, understanding that there will be slow down on more complex models. This is for hobbyist projects only, maybe a few small projects for my work.

Do I get an M3 or M3 Pro, I’d imagine Max would be overkill? How much RAM would be good or should I max it out? Or would a MacBook Air be enough?

I’m asking also for cost so no budget.

 

[Ctrlos]

As you already know, Fusion 360 uses a web backend for a lot of its more advanced features and Orca will run on any Mac made in the last decade. Ignore any Google searches you find; Autodesk make a native ARM version of Fusion now which is incredibly efficient on battery use.

You want the better GPU performance of the M3 Pro. The 14" model comes with 18gb native for £$2000 which should be more than enough for your needs. I would go for the smaller screen size. It makes it infinitely more portable and a decent external display should you need it is a lot cheaper than the upsell price to the 16" model. If you have the funds to get more RAM then do so, but at this level its a 'nice to have' rather than a requirement.

 

[specialstyle]

I have the 14 inch M3 pro, and while I don't use it for Fusion 360 -- I can attest to it being a very powerful (little) machine. It outperforms my 2019 Core i9 iMac by a lot for rendering.... I would recommend it. I do not think the max chip is necessary.... because it is web-based. I got the 18gig model and it's been fantastic. I do a lot of simple graphics, rendering, heavy web-browsing if it helps.

 

[madsci954]

Thank you, exact information I needed.

Edit: I checked the buyers guide and they were refreshed Oct 2023. I think I’ll wait until Oct to see if the M4 comes out, I’m in no rush to switch. Plus it will give me more time to save up.