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M1 Pro or M1 max

jcampa70

jcampa70

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 27, 2006
25
12
Hi, I'm trying to decide, so I´ll appreciate some help

Apple M1 Pro with 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU 32 GB ram or Apple M1 Max with 10-core CPU, 24-core GPU 64 GB ram

I'm using Adobe Illustrator 2022, Photoshop 2022 and Lightroom Classic, handling Nikon D850 46 MB files, no video.

I actually have a MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)

Thanks!
 
Those apps, especially PS, don't use less RAM just because they are on the M1 so get as much RAM as you have or would like to have on your current Mac. While you would be fine with the M1-Pro, you need the M1-Max for 64GB; on the plus side, the 10/24 is the sweet spot for the M1-Max.
 
Both will be fine - these machines are extraordinarily powerful. Don’t fall into Apples upgrade trap. They will likely age out in a similar timeframe.

If money is not an issue, or it’s a business expense and the extra productivity will offset the extra expense then spend the money. Most of the time that extra power will go untapped.
 
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darngooddesign said:
Those apps, especially PS, don't use less RAM just because they are on the M1 so get as much RAM as you have or would like to have on your current Mac. While you would be fine with the M1-Pro, you need the M1-Max for 64GB; on the plus side, the 10/24 is the sweet spot for the M1-Max.
Click to expand...
 
Just got my 16" mbp. It has an M1 Max 32, 32GB and vs my 2019 mbp base, it's insanely fast, smooth and ridiculous when running programs. Loading Photoshop, Illustrator or any of these has been crazy smooth and quick.

It was supposed to have 64GB but they either put in the order wrong or something was messed up in the back & forth but I'm very very happy. Plus I don't want to wait another 2+ months for the right machine. I need this one for work.
 
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The Pro will cover your stated needs very well. The Max really wins out on tasks that require extended multi-thread power, like transcoding video and 3D rendering.

Unless you're currently sitting watching your CPU meters pegged at 100% for extended periods, it's unlikely you'll see a meaningful difference moving up to the Max, and obviously there's a meaningful price difference.

If you're working with 4K video, 3D models/rendering, or other high-bandwidth applications on a regular basis, the Max is an easy choice. For static image processing, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc. even in large batches, or working with audio in anything but the most aggressive professional settings, the Pro does the job just fine.
 
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I always opt for what you can afford. If the Max is in your budget then I would get that one. If not, you cannot go wrong with the Pro either. Both are fantastic.
 
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