Which one from a M1 MacBook Pro 2021 - Studio or Mini for Video editing?

[loby]

Hope someone could help my decisions...

I have currently a MacBook Pro 2021 Max (10-Core CPU, 32-Core GPU, 32 RAM 2TB SSD). I work with Video Editing and Music (Content Creator). I came from a Mac Pro 2013 (Trash Can) loaded (12-Core) for video work then bought the MacBook Pro 2021 when it came out because the Mac Studio was not out (not invited yet) and I did not want to buy another Mac Pro (2019).

I use primarily Final Cut, Motion and Logic Pro and Handbrake.

I work with 1080p & 4K video and average timelines of 1.5 to 2.5 video hours (not YouTube work). I will not be going to 8K or above. I need fast rendering & exporting on projects and now...most of the Macs will handle most of my workloads, but it is difficult to know now-a-days if my purchase is over-kill for what I do. If I REALLY don't need I would rather save some money, but I need projects to be finished (rendered, exporting) as soon as possible. I can live with just seconds or minutes waiting in comparison between Macs which I am trying to figure out...

Which Mac would be recommended?

1. Mac Mini Pro - M4 Pro: 14-Core CPU, 20-Core GPU, 16-Core Neural Engine, 64 RAM, 2 TB SSD (small projects will be on built in SSD). $2,799

2. Mac Studio - M4 Max: 16-Core CPU, 40-Core GPU, 16-Core Neural Engine, 64 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD $3,299

3. Mac Studio - M3 Ultra: 28-Core CPU, 60-Core GPU, 32-Core Neural Engine, 96 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD $4,399

I use Thunderbolt 4 External Drives (4 TB) for larger video projects when needed)

Or...please recommended configuration that is not one of these three.

For years, I need to buy loaded Macs, but I am not going any higher than 1080p or 4K video work and now Mac Power is far greater than my workload, so I may not need to spend like before.

If the difference between Macs now are just seconds or a few minutes for rendering and exporting, I can live with it. Before, the difference in Macs were 15-20+ minutes during the intel days, so I am not sure with real world M-Silicone Macs usage now. Youtube video reviews don't really get detailed in video work clocking real-world usage (except Youtube video creators which I am not).

If there is not a great difference between my M1 Max MacBook Pro and buying M4..I can wait for M5.

Grateful with any assistance from actual owners or those who know.

Thanks everyone!

 

[picpicmac]

3. Mac Studio - M3 Ultra: 28-Core CPU, 60-Core GPU, 32-Core Neural Engine, 96 GB RAM, 2 TB SSD $4,399

If you can live with only 1TB for the internal storage, MicroCenter has the M3 Ultra base for $3400. If you have a Best Buy in your area and are within driving distance of MicroCenter then BB may price match.

Other than that, I think the ports on the Studio are more useful than putting the extra money into a high-spec Mini.

 

[loby]

If you can live with only 1TB for the internal storage, MicroCenter has the M3 Ultra base for $3400. If you have a Best Buy in your area and are within driving distance of MicroCenter then BB may price match.

Other than that, I think the ports on the Studio are more useful than putting the extra money into a high-spec Mini.

Humm..that is a good deal at MicroCenter. For that price, I could live with 1TB since I have externals to use. I am currently out of the country for work and hope the sale is still on when I come back in June or July.

Thought I would like a Mac Studio, REALLY...would a M4 Mac mini Pro be enough for me now or is the Studio now overkill for 1080p & 4K? I am not into A.I., but it will eventually have its usage, but will not rely on A.I. in my workflow.

If REALLY the only difference is ports (Thunderbolt 5 is nice) and waiting for 5 more minutes for exporting and rendering, I could wait 5 minutes. But if overall it is truly better to pay more for the Studio for my workflow, then of course the Mac Studio is the better option.

Currently, the M1 MacBook Pro 2021 does the job, but of course improvements are welcomed. But..if Mac Studio gets the job done better and faster in comparison to the worth upgrading/price the investment is worth. Is it worth upgrading from the M1 MacBook Pro to the M3 Ultra Studio? How much real time benefit REALLY is it (and not just hype and benchmarks)?

I am leaning towards getting the M3 Ultra, but (of course) I want it as a Content Creator as have been trained by Apple like Pablow's dog to desire it. But this time I am carefully considering. Mico Center is a good consideration. Thanks for the info.

 

[picpicmac]

Thought I would like a Mac Studio, REALLY...would a M4 Mac mini Pro be enough for me now or is the Studio now overkill for 1080p & 4K?

Well, if you think 36GB of RAM and 512GB of storage is enough for you, then MicroCenter also has the base M4 Max Studio for $1699. That's $100 less than the discount price if you qualify, from Apple. That's less than a spec'd up Mini you BTO from Apple.

Only you can decide what you need.

If you order from Apple you have a 14 day return window. From other vendors I am uncertain.