Mac Studio M1 Ultra, 2022

Positioned between the compact Mac mini and the expandable Mac Pro, the Mac Studio signifies Apple's re-entry into the mid-size desktop market. This top-tier, configure-to-order model is powered by the 3.2 GHz Apple M1 Ultra processor, created by linking two M1 Max chips. It features a 20-core CPU (16 performance, 4 efficiency), the maximum 64-core GPU, a 32-core Neural Engine, and a dual Media Engine. If specified with base options, it ships with 64 GB of onboard RAM and a 1 TB SSD that is physically removable. Front-facing connectivity includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports and an SDXC (UHS-II) card slot. The rear offers four more Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, 10-Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is standard. The system is supplied without a display, keyboard, or mouse.

The maxed-out Mac Studio M1 Ultra with 64-core GPU represents the pinnacle of Apple's 2022 desktop performance. Professional reviews emphasize its unmatched graphics processing capabilities, with the 64-core GPU delivering exceptional performance for 3D rendering, complex visual effects, and professional video production. The system excels in GPU-intensive applications like Blender, where it showcases significant advantages over traditional workstations. Reviewers consistently note its ability to handle the most demanding creative workflows while maintaining Apple's signature quiet operation and thermal efficiency. The substantial GPU upgrade provides meaningful performance improvements for professionals working with feature-length 8K videos, complex 3D models, and graphics-intensive applications. This configuration is praised as offering workstation-class performance that was previously only available in much larger, more expensive systems.