Reasons why PC experts should transition to a Mac Studio and never regret their decision.

The history of the Mac Pro includes both successes and challenges that needed to be addressed. When Apple introduced the Mac Pro as a replacement for the Power Mac G5, the use of Intel chips brought optimism for the future, but also required users to adapt to the new technology. In 2013, Apple broke conventions with the cylindrical design of the Mac Pro, challenging our perception of what a Mac should look like. However, this “trash can” design faced criticism for its limited ability to upgrade and reliance on external devices. The 2019 Mac Pro returned to the traditional tower design that customers had been requesting, but Apple had to work hard to regain their trust and loyalty.

The launch of the new Mac Pro, whether viewed as positive or negative, was a thrilling event that showcased Apple’s ability to push boundaries with their flagship system. However, the release of the 2023 Mac Pro feels distinct, as professionals now have another option in the M2 Ultra Mac Studio which is not inferior in any way. It boasts equivalent performance to the M2 Ultra Mac Pro, which has traditionally been the undisputed champion. This is no longer the case.

The current question is not “What does Apple have planned for us?” but rather “Should I purchase a Mac Pro or Mac Studio?” I have been using the 2019 Intel Mac Pro for a while now and it is the best workstation I have ever had. However, after parking an M2 Ultra Mac Studio next to it, I am wondering if it is time to upgrade. There are several factors to consider, such as price, performance, and potential trade-offs when switching from the Mac Pro. While the compact design of the Mac Studio offers impressive performance, it also comes with some drawbacks. Let’s examine what is at risk.

Comparison of Mac Pro and Mac Studio: Cost

The fully-equipped M2 Ultra Mac Pro is more affordable compared to the 2019 Intel Mac Pro. Similarly, the 2023 Mac Studio has a lower cost than the 2023 Mac Pro, with a difference of approximately $3,000 for identical top-of-the-line hardware features.

What benefits come with the additional $3,000? You’ll have access to Gen 4 PCIe slots, among other things. This eliminates the need for expensive external Thunderbolt devices, or at least reduces the need for them. The Mac Pro also offers two additional Thunderbolt 4 ports and an extra USB port. The case itself is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and design, adding to its overall value.

However, the advantages do not end there. As the Mac Studio’s M2 Ultra System on a Chip can be customized to match the specifications of the Mac Pro, the decision ultimately comes down to how many external devices you are willing to tolerate. For many customers, the convenience of having everything integrated into the Mac Pro’s case justifies the additional cost.

However, for some individuals, the additional expense is not justified. The incentive of superior performance, often used to persuade high-end users to invest in a Mac Pro, is absent. The Mac Studio is a compact and efficient machine that boasts top-notch performance from Apple. It would be difficult to find a better option, unless one specifically requires PCIe slots.

The lack of chip upgradability is a significant drawback for both machines, as it limits their long-term value. This is in contrast to the 2019 Mac Pro, which can be easily upgraded with a new CPU, GPU, and RAM, extending its usefulness for a considerable amount of time.

Ignoring the clear discrepancy in cost, there are certain individuals who will undoubtedly appreciate the 2023 Mac Pro. They will utilize their PCie slots, resulting in a more organized workflow–the expense of external devices and the inconvenience of managing them will persuade some users that the Mac Pro is the superior choice.

Comparison of Performance between Mac Pro and Mac Studio

It is challenging to use performance as a measure for comparison because the M2 Ultra models with identical specifications are almost indistinguishable. There is a possibility that the larger chassis of the Mac Pro could impact the chip’s thermal performance and potentially provide an advantage. However, in practical testing, the outcomes are remarkably alike.

The much more interesting performance comparison is with either M2 Ultra Macs against the older 2019 Intel Mac Pro. Here’s one real-world example: I took a 20-minute clip of R3D Raw 6K video and exported it to ProRes 422 HQ. The 2019 Intel Mac Pro with a 28-core CPU and the Radeon Pro W6800X Duo graphics had the same speed as the M2 Ultra with a 76-core GPU. Upgrading the Mac Pro with two AMD 6900 XT GPUs resulted in a 16 percent boost over the Mac Pro, but since the AMD upgrade is the top of the line, that’s the best that the Intel Mac Pro can do.

What about playing video games? This can demonstrate the impressive capabilities of the GPU. In Rise of the Tomb Raider at 4K resolution, the M2 Ultra performed surprisingly well, achieving a framerate of 73 fps, which was three fps higher than the significantly more expensive Intel Mac Pro with Radeon Pro W6800x Duo graphics. It’s important to note that with games, only one of the two GPUs is utilized. When upgraded with the AMD 6900 XT GPU, the Mac Pro’s framerate increased to 85 fps. It’s quite impressive that it can compete with these top-of-the-line GPUs from just the previous generation.

Export R3D Raw 6K footage as ProRes 422HQ video.

The results are given in seconds. Faster results are indicated by shorter bars.

The framerates for Rise of the Tomb Raider in 4K resolution.

The results are given in frames per second, with higher values indicating faster performance.

The performance of the M2 Ultra on the Mac Studio can greatly surpass that of the 2019 Mac Pro in certain tasks, particularly when utilizing its built-in encoders and decoders. Even discrete GPUs like the W6800x may outperform the Mac Pro in some cases. For instance, when working with Pro Res, the M2 Ultra on the Mac Studio is significantly more advanced than the capabilities of the 2019 Mac Pro.

and performance

Comparison of everyday use and efficiency between Mac Pro and Mac Studio.

For this consideration, let’s turn our attention back to the M2 Ultra flavors of the Mac Pro and Mac Studio. Since the performance of these two Macs is a wash, usability becomes emphasized as a priority. To see how these Macs stack up, I’ve been using the Mac Studio with my everyday workflow. I mainly edit using Final Cut Pro, with some DaVinci Resolve, and R3D Raw footage from Red cameras. Here are some pros and cons for each.

Which Mac is the superior choice?

It is undeniable that the compact design, impressive performance, and affordable cost of the Mac Studio with M2 Ultra make it a tough competitor. Unless you require PCIe slots or extra storage, all other aspects are equal. This is expected to remain true with the release of the M3 models, as Apple has not significantly differentiated these models in terms of performance.

The upcoming Mac Pro of 2023, featuring the M2 Ultra, offers both pros and cons. The most significant benefit is the inclusion of PCIe slots, which is ideal for those seeking a clean and organized workspace with internal storage. Thunderbolt devices, which can be clunky and produce fan noise, are no longer necessary. This is a practical solution for many individuals, as Thunderbolt enclosures can be quite expensive, often costing hundreds of dollars. While the additional cost of $3,000 may seem steep, it can be justified by the overall sleek and impressive design of the Mac Pro chassis.

Mac, Mac Pro