Apple Redefines the Pro Workstation with the New M3 Ultra Mac Studio

M3 Ultra Chip: Unprecedented Performance

At the core of the most beastly of the new Mac Studio configurations lies the M3 Ultra chip. Boasting up to 32 CPU cores, with 24 performance cores, and a GPU configurable up to 80 cores, the M3 Ultra delivers unparalleled processing power.

Apple says the M3 Ultra Mac Studio is the “perfect choice for video editors, colorists, developers, engineers, photographers, creative pros, and other users who need to blaze through intensive workflows,” noting that the new Studio, “delivers phenomenal single-threaded CPU performance with the world’s fastest CPU core, along with outstanding multithreaded CPU performance for complex workloads.”

M1 Ultra Mac Studio users can expect huge performance gains with the M3 Ultra Studio. The advanced graphics architecture in M3 Max brings Dynamic Caching, along with hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing, so graphics workflows like GPU-based renderers are up to 2.6x faster than Mac Studio with M1 Ultra.

This architecture ensures seamless multitasking, rapid rendering, and efficient handling of complex workflows. Additionally, the 32-core Neural Engine enhances machine learning tasks, offering faster data processing and improved AI capabilities.

Mac Studio with M3 Ultra starts with 96GB of unified memory, but can be configured up to 512GB—the most unified memory ever in a personal computer.

The M3 Ultra Mac Studio can also be configured with up to 16TB of SSD storage, so more content and data can be kept locally. Apple says that’s enough storage for over 12 hours of 8K ProRes video.

M4 Max Chip: Enhanced Performance for Demanding Workflows

Alongside the M3 Ultra, the new Mac Studio offers configurations with the M4 Max chip. The M4 Max features an up to 16-core CPU, comprising 12 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, ensuring efficient handling of both intensive and background tasks. The GPU is configurable up to 40 cores, providing robust graphics performance suitable for video editing, 3D rendering, and other graphics-intensive applications. The chip also includes a 16-core Neural Engine, enhancing machine learning capabilities and accelerating AI-driven tasks.

M4 Max offers memory bandwidth up to 546GB/s, facilitating swift data access and smooth multitasking. The Mac Studio with M4 Max starts with 36GB of unified memory and is configurable up to 128GB, allowing users to tailor the system to their specific workload requirements. Storage options range from 512GB to 8TB.

An Abundance of Thunderbolt 5 Ports

Both the M3 Ultra and M4 Max Mac Studio are equipped Thunderbolt 5 ports. However, if you opt for the M3 Ultra model, you get two more Thunderbolt 5 ports on the front of the device, bringing the grand total of ultra fast ports to six on Apple’s most powerful Mac. On the M4 Max model those two front ports are USB-C ports with USB3.2 speeds (10GB/s).

Apple notes that for those who rely on PCIe expansion cards for their workflows, Thunderbolt 5 on the Mac Studio allows users to connect an external expansion chassis with higher bandwidth and lower latency.

Thunderbolt 5 provides the fastest data transfer speeds available alongside extremely versatile connectivity thanks to backwards compatibility with previous generations of Thunderbolt, USB3, and USB4. Thunderbolt 5 offers bi-directional data speeds of up to 80Gbps, doubling the bandwidth of its predecessor, Thunderbolt 4. For even higher-bandwidth applications, it can achieve up to 120Gbps, accommodating multiple high-resolution displays and data-intensive peripherals.

Enhance Your Mac Studio Setup with OWC Thunderbolt 5 Solutions

To fully leverage the capabilities of the new Mac Studio, consider integrating the following OWC products into your workflow:

• OWC Envoy Ultra SSD: This portable SSD utilizes Thunderbolt 5 technology to deliver read/write speeds exceeding 6000MB/s, making it ideal for rapid data transfers and real-time editing of high-resolution content. In short, this is the perfect companion for Apple’s most powerful Mac. The Ultra’s rugged, weatherproof design ensures durability in various environments, and with capacities up to 4TB, it offers ample space for extensive media libraries. Click here to learn more.
• OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub: Expand your Mac Studio’s connectivity even further with the fastest hub in the galaxy. The Thunderbolt 5 Hub adds three additional Thunderbolt 5 ports and one USB-A port to your setup. Supporting bi-directional data speeds up to 80Gbps with expandability to 120GB/s for video output for up to three 8K displays, this hub enhances the versatility of your Mac Studio, allowing for a more organized and efficient workspace. Click here to learn more.

Detailed Specifications for Mac Studio with M3 Ultra

• CPU: Up to 32-core CPU, featuring 24 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores.
• GPU: Configurable up to 80-core GPU for exceptional graphics performance.
• Neural Engine: 32-core Neural Engine optimized for advanced machine learning tasks.
• Memory: Starts at 96GB of unified memory, configurable up to 512GB.
• Storage: Options range from 1TB to 16TB SSDs, ensuring high-speed data access and extensive storage space.
• Connectivity:
  • Six Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports, all supporting high-speed data transfer and versatile connectivity.
  • Two USB-A ports for legacy devices.
  • HDMI port supporting high-resolution displays.
  • 10Gb Ethernet port for fast network connectivity.
  • 3.5 mm headphone jack with advanced support for high-impedance headphones.
• Price: Starts at $3,999.

Detailed Specifications for Mac Studio with M4 Max

• CPU: 16-core CPU, comprising 12 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, delivering robust processing power.
• GPU: Configurable up to 40-core GPU, suitable for intensive graphics tasks.
• Neural Engine: 16-core Neural Engine
• Memory: Starts at 36GB of unified memory, with options up to 128GB, accommodating various professional workloads.
• Storage: SSD options range from 512GB to 8TB, providing fast and reliable storage solutions.
• Connectivity:
  • Four Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports, with high-speed data transfer capabilities.
  • Two USB-A ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals.
  • HDMI port compatible with high-resolution external displays.
  • 10Gb Ethernet port ensuring rapid and stable network access.
  • 3.5 mm headphone jack supporting high-impedance headphones.
• Price: Starts at $1,999.

Pricing and availability

The new Mac Studio, powered by the M3 Ultra chip and equipped with Thunderbolt 5 ports, sets a new benchmark for desktop performance and connectivity. You can pre-order the new Mac Studio starting today. Mac Studio with the M4 Max starts at $1,999 while Mac Studio M3 Ultra starts at $3,999. Mac Studio will begin arriving to customers and will be available in stores starting March 12.