An Apple Mac desktop is an alternative to a desktop PC, with many of the same features, components and capabilities. This guide will take you through their similarities and, perhaps more importantly their differences.
Apple Mac desktops use Apple integrated processors comprising CPU, GPU and memory elements, as opposed to separate Intel or AMD CPUs and NVIDIA or AMD GPUs as seen in most desktop PCs. They also are pre-installed with the macOS operating system rather than Windows, so the user experience can be quite different. This guide takes you through all the elements that will influence your decision of which Apple Mac desktop to choose, but we'll start first and foremost with the families, their differences and suitability for different uses.
The best place to start when choosing a Mac is the type and size - as both have a significant impact on cost. There are three distinct families of Apple Mac - iMac, Mini and Studio - as detailed in the table below.
Comparison of Mac mini, iMac and Mac Studio
Feature
Mac Mini
iMac
Mac Studio
SCREEN SIZE
✖
24in
✖
PROCESSOR
M4 / M4 Pro
M4
M3 Ultra / M4 Max
PORTS
3x Thunderbolt / 2x USB-C
2x or 4x Thunderbolt
4x Thunderbolt / 2x USB-C
DISCRETE GPU
✖
✖
✖
WEIGHT
0.75kg
4.4kg
3.65kg
COST
££
£££
££££
TYPICAL USE CASE
Consumer / Prosumer
Consumer / Prosumer
Professional Graphics / Video
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.
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.
Apple M-series processor specifications
Processor
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
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
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.
Content Creation
All models of Mac Mini, iMac and Mac Studio will easily cope with home or office applications such as Apple or Microsoft Office productivity suites, Photoshop and the like. However, if you're planning on using your Mac for professional content creation applications such as music making, video editing and colour grading, CAD and 3D rendering then you should opt for a Mac Studio. To aid creative working, the higher spec chips offer greater numbers of GPU cores. If your graphics or video application needs go beyond this level of performance, then it may be wise to consider a professional graphics workstation or video workstation with a dedicated GPU.
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 than 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
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
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
The Mac Studio, like the Mac Mini has a good range of ports for screens, network connectivity and peripherals such as additional storage.
s
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. It is also 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
Only the iMac comes with a keyboard included, so you will need to buy a keyboard for your Mac mini or Mac Studio. Apple keyboards are available in compact and full-size designs, however other brands of wireless or wired keyboards will also connect via USB, Bluetooth or wireless without issue.
Only the iMac comes with a mouse included, so you will need to buy a mouse or trackpad for your Mac mini or Mac Studio. Apple options are designed to match and are available in a number of designs, however other brands of wireless or wired mice will also connect via USB, Bluetooth or wireless without issue. Additionally, graphics and 3D mice tablets may complement your Mac if your workloads are design focussed.
Although every Mac includes speakers, as these are integrated into the sides of the casing and feature tiny drivers the sound quality and maximum volume isn't usually sufficient if you are wanting to listen to music or watch films. External speakers can be connected to the headphone or USB-C ports to improve this. Additionally if you intend to use video calling applications such as Skype, Zoom or Teams on a regular basis for work or at home - especially in noisier environments, then a headset may be a worthwhile addition.
No - Apple MacOS and Microsoft Windows operating systems are very different and are not compatible. Having said that, many popular Microsoft applications such as Office are available for versions specifically for Macs. Additionally, Mac software such as Pages, Numbers and Keynote documents can be saved as Word, Excel and PowerPoint versions respectively, so file sharing between the platforms is quite straight forward.
This one is very subjective, but in truth neither is universally superior - it depends on your needs. Macs are known for high-quality build, simplicity, and excellent integration with other Apple devices, whereas PCs offer a wider range of hardware options, better affordability, and a much wider choice of professional applications and games.
Generally, yes, Macs are considered more secure out of the box due to a ‘closed’ ecosystem and fewer users, making them less of a target for hackers, however Macs are still vulnerable to targeted viruses and malware.
While you can play games on a Mac, a Windows PC is far superior for gaming, as most game developers prioritise Windows, making the PC library significantly larger.
Macs are popular among students for their ecosystem and durability. However, some specific engineering, 3D modelling or specialised software may only run in Windows environments.
Many popular applications including Office, Chrome or Photoshop work on both platforms. Also it is possible to use virtualisation software, such as Parallels, to run Windows software on a Mac.
Generally, no. Most modern Mac models have unified chips and components such as RAM and storage soldered to the motherboard, making post-purchase upgrades impossible. In contrast the majority of Windows PCs allow you to upgrade RAM, storage, and graphics.
