On March 5, 2025, Apple officially launched its highly anticipated new Mac Studio lineup, introducing the M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips. With these powerful processors, Apple once again pushes the limits of Mac desktop performance. In this article, we’ll compare these two models in terms of price, release date, Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, and more.
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Shop NowPrice Comparison
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M4 Max: The base model of the M4 Max Mac Studio starts at $1,999, featuring 36GB of unified memory and a 512GB SSD. This pricing makes high-performance Mac Studio more accessible to professional users.
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M3 Ultra: As the flagship model, the M3 Ultra Mac Studio starts at $3,999, equipped with 96GB of unified memory and a 1TB SSD. While the price is significantly higher, the M3 Ultra offers superior performance and expandability, making it ideal for users with extreme computational needs.
| Specification | Mac Studio | Mac Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | M4 Max | M3 Ultra |
| CPU | 14-Core | 28-Core |
| GPU | 32-Core | 60-Core |
| Neural Engine | 16-Core | 32-Core |
| Unified Memory | 36GB | 96GB |
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 1TB SSD |
| Front Ports | Two USB-C, one SDXC card slot | Two Thunderbolt 5, one SDXC card slot |
| Back Ports | Four Thunderbolt 5, two USB-A, HDMI, 10Gb Ethernet, headphone jack | Four Thunderbolt 5, two USB-A, HDMI, 10Gb Ethernet, headphone jack |
| Display Support | Up to five displays | Up to eight displays |
| Apple Intelligence | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $1,999.00 | $3,999.00 |
Hardware and Design Comparison
- M4 Max is built on 4nm process technology, featuring a 16-core CPU and a 40-core GPU. Its Neural Engine is 3x faster than M1 Max, enabling seamless performance when running large language models with 600 billion parameters. Users handling 8K video editing, complex music production, and large-scale image processing will experience up to 3.5x performance improvement over previous models.
- M3 Ultra, on the other hand, is created by combining two M3 Max chips, rather than being a fully independent design. It still uses 3nm process technology, the same as M3 Max. It boasts a 32-core CPU (with 24 performance cores) and an 80-core GPU, with memory bandwidth exceeding 800GB/s. This configuration enables it to support up to eight 6K Pro Display XDR monitors and utilize PCIe expansion through Thunderbolt 5 for up to 120Gb/s data transfer speeds.
In terms of memory and storage, M4 Max supports up to 128GB of unified memory and 8TB of storage, while M3 Ultra can be configured with up to 512GB of unified memory and 16TB of storage.
Thunderbolt 5 Connectivity
The new Mac Studio lineup, powered by M4 Max and M3 Ultra, maintains a compact form factor while enhancing computational power and expandability. Besides faster processing speeds and larger memory options, these machines support Thunderbolt 5, catering to video editors, software developers, and professionals in high-performance computing environments. With theoretical speeds reaching up to 120Gb/s, Thunderbolt 5 significantly outperforms its predecessor, supporting high-speed data transfer, external storage devices, and multi-card setups.
- M4 Max is equipped with four Thunderbolt 5 ports at the rear
- Whereas M3 Ultra includes two front Thunderbolt 5 ports in addition to four rear ports.
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Both Mac Studio models feature 4 Thunderbolt 5 ports, a 10Gb Ethernet port, and an SDXC card slot. With macOS Sequoia, users can expect seamless integration between iPhone and Mac, enhancing cross-device workflows.
- Regarding external display support, M4 Max accommodates up to five external displays
- While M3 Ultra extends this capability to eight external displays.
Enhance Your Mac Studio with Zeera MacForge Studio CNC Aluminum Case
With Mac Studio becoming a go-to choice for professionals, many users are looking for ways to enhance both the aesthetics and cooling performance of their machines. That’s where the Zeera MacForge Studio CNC Aluminum Cooling Case comes in.
- Inspired by the Mac Pro, this high-quality CNC-machined aluminum case bridges the design language of Mac Pro and Mac Studio, offering a seamless premium look that matches Apple’s iconic aesthetic. Built from precision-machined aluminum with an anodized finish and 150-mesh sandblasting, this case doesn’t just look good—it’s durable, modern, and built to last.
- Beyond aesthetics, the Zeera MacForge Studio case features an advanced airflow system, ensuring better heat dissipation to keep your Mac Studio running at peak performance even under heavy workloads. With a unibody construction, it delivers a sleek, modern feel that complements the M4 Max and M3 Ultra Mac Studio models perfectly.
Thanks to the incredible support from customers for Zeera’s Mac mini M4 aluminum case, Zeera was able to develop a dedicated aluminum case specifically for Mac Studio, bringing the same high-quality craftsmanship and thermal efficiency to Apple’s professional desktop lineup.
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Conclusion
The 2025 Mac Studio lineup, featuring the M4 Max and M3 Ultra, stands as one of the most powerful Mac desktop solutions available today. Whether you prioritize affordability, cutting-edge technology, or expandability, these new models showcase Apple’s continued commitment to innovation and performance. Choosing between them depends on your professional needs and budget. No matter which one you select, the new Mac Studio guarantees an exceptional computing experience and improved workflow efficiency.
1 comment
John P
“Apple’s new Mac Studio with M4 Max and M3 Ultra sets a new standard for performance. With Thunderbolt 5, advanced memory, and pro-level features, it’s a powerhouse for creatives. For mobile editing, check out PicsArt Mode APK.”