Mac Processors

After the considering the size and form factor, the most important is the processor or CPU as this will ultimately determine system performance. Light web browsing and basic work applications such as Pages or Word, Numbers or Excel, and Keynote or Powerpoint, will be much less demanding. However, more graphical tasks such as Photoshop or high-end video software packages such as Final Cut Pro, will require much more power. You should make your decision on the most intensive workloads to ensure your Mac doesn’t struggle with any work you wish to do - even if you don’t intend to use a processor hungry application very often, you’ll still notice the problems you have when you do use it if the processor is underpowered.

CPU Cores (Performance / Efficiency) Maximum GPU Cores Neural Engine Cores Memory Memory Bandwidth
M2 8 (4+4) 10 16 8GB - 24GB 100GB/s
M2 PRO 10 (6+4) / 12 (6+6) 16 / 19 16 32GB 200GB/s
M2 MAX 12 (8+4) 30 / 38 16 32 - 96GB 400GB/s
M2 ULTRA 24 (16+8) 60 / 76 32 64 - 192GB 800GB/s
M3 8 (4+4) 10 16 16 - 24GB 100GB/s
M3 ULTRA 28 (20+8) 60 32 96 - 512GB 819GB/s
M4 10 (4+6) 10 16 16 - 32GB 120GB/s
M4 PRO 12 (8+4) 16 16 24 - 64GB 273GB/s
M4 MAX 14 (10+4) 32 16 36 - 128GB 410GB/s

The Mac range of desktops exclusively use unified chips from the Apple M range. These contain three types of distinct cores - CPU, GPU and Neural Engine. CPU cores are divided into performance and efficiency cores and the neural engine is a specialised set of cores dedicated to artificial intelligence operations and machine learning tasks. Much like Intel or AMD, the range evolves generation by generation and the highest number dictates the latest version - the below table compares those processors currently used in Mac desktop systems.

Mac Memory

mac memory

Following your processor choice, it is important to ensure that its performance will not be hindered by lack of memory or RAM within your Mac. As the table above shows, the base memory installed will be in line with the CPU / GPU capabilities. As we’ve mentioned the M-series processors are system on chip (SoC) systems, which means the physical RAM is part of that same package - termed a unified memory architecture (UMA). The design unifies its high‑bandwidth, low‑latency memory into a single pool within a custom package. As a result, all of the components in the SoC can access the same data without copying it between multiple pools of memory. This is designed to dramatically improve performance and power efficiency, making the entire system more responsive. However, as the RAM is unified with the CPU, it cannot be upgraded at a later date so choosing the correct specification at the time of purchase is vital.

Internal Storage

Internal Storage

In the case of the Mac desktop ranges, only SSDs are available. The amount of storage capacity you choose very much depends on what usage or applications you will use and whether you intend to store things like music, photos or videos on it. Depending on photo resolution, HD, 4K or 8K video, these types of files can be large so allowing room to grow is key.

macOS Software

macOS Software

We mentioned at the start that all Apple Macs run the macOS operating system. While this has similar capabilities as Windows, it is quite different in many ways. The macOS operating system is refreshed almost yearly and so a new Mac will come with the latest version installed. All upgrades to future versions are free, and it is possible to run an older version that the one shipped if a particular application requires it.

Depending on your viewpoint there are some advantages or disadvantages to macOS versus Windows. It offers a very well-connected experience if you are an Apple ecosystem user, creating an almost seamless unified experience between Macs, MacBooks, iPads and iPhones. However, there are compatibility niggles between macOS and Apple packages such as Pages, Numbers and Keynote when converting files to the more widely used Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. It is true that Microsoft has developed Apple specific versions these applications but yet they still lack some Windows based functions and features, and the updates may be less regular.

Connectivity

As may be obvious be their relative sizes, the connectivity options differ on each of the Mac desktops. The below tabs compare and contrast their expandability.

Mac Mini

Mac Mini

Although the Mac Mini is a very compact desktop format it still allows for a good range of ports for screens, network connectivity and peripherals such as additional storage.

iMac

iMac

The iMac has limited connectivity for peripherals due to its slim format, however its built in screen negates the need to connect an external one as standard.

Mac Studio

Mac Studio

The Mac Studio, like the Mac Mini has a good range of ports for screens, network connectivity and peripherals such as additional storage.

Mac Pro

Mac Pro

The Mac Pro is a much larger machine with all the usual ports expected but also with seven PCIe expansion slots for additional accelerator cards, such as GPUs. The GPUs supported are limited to the AMD Radeon Pro W-series MPX Module format.

Monitors

Monitors

Aside from the iMac all Mac desktops require the addition of at least one external monitor. The Mac Mini supports up to two monitors - one with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz over Thunderbolt and one with up to 5K resolution at 60Hz over Thunderbolt or 4K resolution at 60Hz over HDMI. The Mac Studio supports up to five monitors - either four at 6K resolution at 60Hz over Thunderbolt and one at 4K resolution monitor 60Hz over HDMI; or two monitors with 6K resolution at 60Hz over Thunderbolt and one display with 8K resolution at 60Hz or 4K resolution at up to 240Hz over HDMI. Finally, the Mac Pro supports up to eight monitors with up to 4K resolution at 60Hz, up to six monitors with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz or up to three displays with up to 8K resolution at 60Hz.

It is worth mentioning that although the iMac has a 4.5K screen built in, it can support an additional external monitor with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz.

Keyboards, Mice & Trackpads

Keyboards, Mice & Trackpads

Every Mac desktop will include an Apple external backlit keyboard - either compact or full size - depending on the model you choose. Similarly, you will receive an Apple Magic Mouse or alternatively an Apple Magic Trackpad, both designed much like an inbuilt MacBook trackpad with gesture control built in.

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