Unleashing the Power of M4 Max

The Mac Studio (2025) distinguishes itself with the M4 Max chip, featuring 16 cores (12 performance and 4 efficiency cores) and a 16-core Neural Engine. The integrated 40-core graphics processor ensures smooth performance for graphically intensive applications. The reviewed configuration includes 128GB of LPDDR5 unified memory, soldered directly onto the chip for optimal performance.This unified memory architecture allows the CPU and GPU to access the same pool of memory, reducing latency and improving overall system responsiveness. This design choice underscores Apple’s commitment to maximizing efficiency and speed in its professional-grade desktops.

Design and Features

The Mac Studio maintains its compact form factor, measuring 3.7 x 7.7 x 7.7 inches (9.5 x 19.7 x 19.7 cm). Despite its small size, it offers an extensive array of ports, including six USB-C ports (four Thunderbolt 5 on the rear and two USB-C 10Gbps on the front), two USB-A ports, one HDMI 2.1 port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. For networking, it includes 10Gb Ethernet, Wi-fi 6E (802.11ax), and Bluetooth 5.3. The operating system is MacOS Sequoia 15.3.This combination of size and connectivity makes the Mac Studio a versatile option for various professional workflows.

Performance and Benchmarks

The Mac Studio (2025) excels in demanding tasks such as video editing and running local AI models. As noted, At this point, being fast is beside the point for the Mac Studio. Maxed out,it’s likely the moast powerful Mac you can get at the moment,at least until Apple upgrades the Mac Pro. The M4 Max chip provides a significant performance boost compared to its predecessors, making it ideal for professionals who require maximum processing power. This level of performance positions the Mac Studio as a leader in its class, catering to users with intensive computational needs.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• really fast and quiet
• Compact design
• Thunderbolt 5/USB4 added

Cons:

• Can’t upgrade memory
• M4 Max model has two fewer Thunderbolt connections than the M3 ultra,and the front ports aren’t USB 4

Pricing and Configurations

The base configuration of the Mac Studio (2025) starts at $1,999,but it comes with only 36GB of memory. Upgrading to 48GB requires spending an additional $300 to get the 16-core CPU/40-core GPU chip. For those needing more memory, options include 64GB and 128GB. the maximum configuration, with the top-end chip, 512GB of RAM, and 16TB of storage, costs $11,999.These varied configurations allow users to tailor the Mac Studio to their specific needs and budgets.

The limited memory upgrade options can be a drawback for some users. As stated, None of this would be a big problem if you could upgrade the memory on the Studio. But as it is indeed, unless you think you’ll never need more than 36GB of memory, the base model makes no sense. This highlights a critical consideration for potential buyers,particularly those with memory-intensive workflows.

Connectivity Considerations

The number of Thunderbolt ports and their placement can influence the buying decision. In some ways it just comes down to how many USB ports you need; it’s annoying that you have to spend $3,999 for the base Ultra model just to get Thunderbolt ports (for 40Gbps USB-C data transfer) in the front rather of slow 10Gbps USB. This is particularly relevant for users who frequently connect and disconnect devices.The availability and speed of these ports are crucial for maintaining efficient workflows.

Table of Specifications: Apple Mac Studio (2025)

unleashing the Power of the M4 Max: A Performance Overview

The Apple Mac Studio,particularly when configured with the M4 Max chip,distinguishes itself as a remarkably powerful and efficient compact desktop solution. Its capacity to effortlessly manage resource-intensive tasks positions it as an attractive choice for creative professionals and demanding users. However, prospective buyers should carefully evaluate their specific needs to determine whether the high-end configuration is truly necessary, or if more cost-effective alternatives might adequately meet their requirements.

Memory configuration is a critical factor to consider. while a generous 128GB configuration offers a cozy margin for even the most demanding workflows, users should assess whether a 96GB configuration would sufficiently address their needs. The Mac Studio’s value proposition extends beyond mere raw processing power; it lies in optimizing the configuration to align precisely with individual workflows and usage patterns.

Gaming performance is also a noteworthy aspect. The 40-core GPU integrated into the M4 Pro-equipped MacBook Pro 16 delivers a fluid and enjoyable gaming experience, suggesting that the Mac Studio, powered by the M4 Max, should perform at least as well, if not considerably better. However, the primary constraint for gaming on Macs remains the limited availability of game titles, rather than any inherent hardware limitations.

Ultimately,the Mac Studio is a highly versatile machine capable of tackling virtually any task thrown its way. However,a thorough assessment of budget considerations and specific usage requirements is essential to ensure that it represents the optimal choice for each individual user.

Geekbench 6 Multicore Performance: A Comparative Analysis

The Geekbench 6 multicore benchmark provides a clear and quantifiable comparison of the Mac studio’s CPU performance relative to other Apple devices. The Apple Mac Studio (M4 Max 16C/40C) achieved an impressive score of 26,508, demonstrating a significant performance advantage over other models in the Apple ecosystem.

in comparison, the MacBook Pro 16 M4 Pro (M4 Pro 14C/20C) scored 22,683, while the MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Max 16C/40C) reached 21,482. The previous generation Mac Studio (M2 Max 12C/38C) scored 15,014, highlighting the substantial performance gains achieved with the M4 Max chip.Even the MacBook Pro 14 M4 (M4, 10C/10C) with a score of 15,134, and the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3 8C/10C) with 12,049, lag considerably behind the M4 Max Mac Studio.

Cinebench 2024 CPU Performance: Multicore and Single Core

The Cinebench 2024 CPU benchmark further demonstrates the Mac Studio’s extraordinary processing capabilities. In the multicore test, the Apple Mac Studio (M4 Max 16C/40C) achieved a score of 2,097.

The MacBook 16 M4 Pro (M4 Pro 14C/20C) scored 1,744, while the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Max 16C/40C) reached 1,672. The Apple Mac Studio (M2 Max 12C/38C) scored 1,062, and the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro 12C/19C) achieved 1,043. The MacBook 14 M4 (M4, 10C/10C) scored 999, and the apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3 8C/10C) scored 710.

In the single-core test, the Apple Mac Studio (M4 Max 16C/40C) scored 188.

The MacBook Pro 16 M4 Pro (M4 Pro 14C/20C) scored 178,while the MacBook pro 14 M4 (M4,10C/10C) reached 174. Both the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Max 16C/40C) and the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro 12C/19C) scored 140.The Apple Mac Studio (M2 max 12C/38C) scored 133, and the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3 8C/10C) scored 122.

M4 Max Performance Surpasses Expectations

Geekbench scores reveal significant performance gains for the M4 Max chip. The Apple Mac Studio 2025 (M4 Max 16C/40C) achieved a multi-core CPU score of 12,170. This represents a considerable leap compared to the Apple Mac Studio (M2 Max 12C/38C), which scored 9,534.Single-core performance also saw an advancement, with the M4 Max scoring 2,734 compared to the M2 max’s 2,053.

These results suggest that the M4 Max offers a substantial performance boost for demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and software development. The increased core count and architectural improvements contribute to the enhanced processing power, making the new Mac Studio a compelling upgrade for professionals.

AI Performance Sees a Major Boost

One of the most striking improvements lies in the AI performance of the M4 chip. The Geekbench AI (Neural engine quantized score) reveals a substantial increase in AI processing capabilities. The MacBook Pro 16 M4 Pro (M4 Pro 14C/20C) leads the pack with a score of 51,356, closely followed by the MacBook Pro 14 M4 (M4, 10C/10C) at 51,002. The Apple Mac Studio (M4 Max 16C/40C) also impresses with a score of 48,827.

To put these numbers in viewpoint, the Apple Mac Studio (M2 Max 12C/38C) scored 30,122, while the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Max 16C/40C) achieved 33,525. This indicates that the M4 chip’s Neural Engine has been significantly enhanced, enabling faster and more efficient AI-powered tasks. This could translate to improved performance in areas such as image recognition, natural language processing, and machine learning applications.

Geekbench CPU Performance Breakdown

A detailed look at the Geekbench CPU performance across different metrics provides further insights into the M4 Max’s capabilities.

Cinebench 2024 GPU Performance

The Cinebench 2024 GPU benchmark highlights the graphics capabilities of the Mac Studio.The Apple Mac Studio (M4 Max 16C/40C) achieved a score of 17,062.

The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Max 16C/40C) scored 12,795, while the MacBook Pro 16 M4 Pro (M4 Pro 14C/20C) reached 9,037. The Apple Mac Studio (M2 Max 12C/38C) scored 6,037, and the MacBook Pro 14 M4 (M4, 10C/10C) achieved 3,970. The Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro 12C/19C) scored 3,395,and the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3 8C/10C) scored 3,327.

cinebench 2024 CPU Performance

the Cinebench 2024 CPU benchmark provides insights into the CPU performance of various Apple devices.

The Apple Mac Studio (M4 Max 16C/40C) and the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M3 Max 16C/40C) scored 140. The Apple Mac Studio (M2 Max 12C/38C) scored 133, and the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M3 8C/10C) scored 122.

Procyon Computer Vision Benchmark

The Procyon Computer vision benchmark, which combines CPU, NPU, and GPU performance, provides insights into the Mac Studio’s capabilities in handling computer vision tasks. The Apple Mac Studio 2023 (M2 Max 12C/20C) achieved the following scores: