M4 Max (16-Core CPU, 128GB RAM) vs. M3 Ultra (28-Core CPU, 96GB RAM)

[seastar]

A custom-configured M4 Max Mac Studio with a 16-Core CPU, 12GB RAM, and 1TB SSD is priced at $3700, whereas the standard M3 Ultra Mac Studio with a 28-Core M3 CPU, 96GB RAM, and 1TB SSD is priced at $4000, as shown below. Which one would you prefer?

The M3 is an older generation, so the fan noise of the M3 Ultra Mac Studio may be higher than that of the M4 Max Mac Studio. The 20 GPU-core difference may not be significant for me, but is it worth paying $300 more for an 11-core CPU difference? (I assumed that a 1-core difference can be ignored due to the M3-M4 generational gap.) Would it be better to choose the M4 Max in this case?

 

[picpicmac]

Which one would you prefer?

Buy based on requirements. Price differences just get in the way.

For me, I want RAM, so 128GB is more important to me than 96GB.

OTOH, for a video producer, the four encoders in the Ultra seems like it is the thing to get, along with the more GPU cores. Plus the Ultra can do 8 monitors, or four 8K monitors, which for those with the need for such things will seal the deal for the Ultra.

 

[JSRinUK]

I had the same dilemma but here in the UK the price difference is £400 (£3,799 to £4,199). I decided I wanted 128GB RAM and wasn’t prepared to pay £400 more to have LESS. I don’t think I’d benefit as much from the M3 Ultra chip as I would from the 32GB extra RAM.

If the Ultra had been an M4 Ultra with 128GB RAM, it’d have been a whole different story.

 

[MacGizmo]

Bottom line is that unless you're using software that makes HEAVY use of multi-core operations (if you have to ask for examples, you're probably not doing them), the M4 Max with more RAM is the way to go.

 

[Basic75]

That's a bit like asking whether a station wagon is better than a sports car. Depends on what you want to do with it.

 

[Pressure]

Depends on what you will use it for.

You haven't provided any useful information on your workflow and applications usage, so how should people help you decide?

 

[seastar]

That's a bit like asking whether a station wagon is better than a sports car. Depends on what you want to do with it.

Depends on what you will use it for.

You haven't provided any useful information on your workflow and applications usage, so how should people help you decide?

I am a software engineer. Most of the time, I work on software development. I also run virtual machines (VMs) on Parallels Desktop. I have a few Linux VMs and one Windows 11 VM, which I run on Parallels Desktop. I allocate 4 to 6 CPU cores for each VM and typically allocate 16GB to 32GB of RAM.

When developing software on Linux or Windows, allocating 32GB or more RAM to a VM would be highly beneficial. However, since the M4 Max has 16 CPU cores, allocating 12 CPU cores to a single VM would limit my ability to run multiple VMs simultaneously with high performance. Therefore, I must choose between allocating 12 CPU cores to a single VM, which means running only one VM at a time, or allocating 4 to 6 CPU cores per VM to run multiple VMs simultaneously.

On the other hand, with the M3 Ultra, I will be able to allocate 12 to 16 CPU cores per VM, allowing me to run all or most VMs simultaneously. However, 96GB of RAM could be a potential constraint compared to 128GB.

Additionally, since the M3 Ultra has more CPU cores, consumes more power, and is based on an older architecture, it is likely to generate more heat, causing the fans to run more frequently. This could introduce additional fan noise, which might be a concern in a quiet working environment. This also makes my decision even more difficult, as I need to balance performance, memory capacity, and overall system noise.

A YouTube video stated that the M3 Ultra has an estimated 25% higher CPU performance than the M4 Max. If that is true, then the M4 Max would be a more suitable option for my needs, as 128GB of RAM would allow me to run more VMs.

 

[seastar]

By the way, I preordered the M4 Max with 16 CPU cores, 128GB of RAM and 1TB SSD; however, I am very undecided about changing my order to the M3 Ultra.

 

[JSRinUK]

By the way, I preordered the M4 Max with 16 CPU cores, 128GB of RAM and 1TB SSD; however, I am very undecided about changing my order to the M3 Ultra.

Only you can answer that. For me, dropping to 96GB was the deal breaker. Even if they offered 128GB for £200 more, I might have been on the fence, but they don’t. It’s 96GB or 256GB (which, at £5,800, is way outside my budget).

 

[xraydoc]

I have money from work to spend on a new computer. Must be used by the end of FY25 (end of June) or I lose it. Can't carry it over to FY26.

I think I'm going to buy a super well-equipped M4 Max -- 16/40-core model with 4TB SSD and 64GB of RAM. I most certainly could swing the 128GB upgrade with the money I have available, but it just seems like a waste for me. I currently have 36GB in my MBP and I've never gotten a low memory error. 64GB would probably be basically bottomless for my needs. 128GB would be like a joke.

I could potentially get the lower model M3 Ultra for bragging rights, but I don't do any video editing and my 3D rendering needs are fully satisfied by my current M3 Max as it is -- the massive GPU in the M3 Ultra wouldn't be of any benefit. So all those extra CPU and GPU cores would just sit idle. I think for me, the faster single-thread CPU speed of the M4 Max would be overall superior to the slower but higher core count of the M3 Ultra.

 

[Ekim Venes]

This dilemma between maxed out M4 Max 128GB RAM and base M3 Ultra Studio is of interest to me as well. Currently working on the M1 Ultra 64GB RAM 20 core CPU 48 Core GPU I bought back in 2022. My use case scenario includes mostly processing holy grail (day to night/night to day) timelapse sessions. This quite often involves exporting several thousands of images via Lightroom in TIFF(!) format and in this area I'm reasonably happy with the Studio (although even faster export times are always welcome!). I feel like however that I'd benefit from more RAM especially when working on running denoise (neat Video 5/6) and deflicker (Digital Anarchy) plugins from within After Effects (AE), where this activity alone always consumes plenty of memory (as expected!) and sometimes a memory swap of several GBs is present. We're talking about 4K to 6K exports via Media Encoder (ME) mostly, because 8K would take like forever to process in AE/ME.

So atm I'm waiting for more insight on how much is it viable to upgrade from M1 Ultra to M4 Max 128GB RAM or base M3 Ultra 96GB RAM. Internal storage is not as important thanks to TB5 enclosure market to grow slowly, but surely, so running super fast external NVME SSDs (have like several PCIE 4.0 in 2 to 4TB capacity in TB4 enclosures) should be fine with me. Fan noise wouldn't bother me much either.

I'm also considering hold onto my M1 Ultra and keep going for another 1-2 years till another CPU/GPU power and efficiency gain in form of M4 or even M5 Ultra shall be introduced by Apple, which in my case would mean following the 5 year upgrade cycle.

 

[seastar]

After watching Matt Talks Tech's video, I’m now completely certain that M4 Max is the right choice. If you’re on the fence about this decision, I highly recommend checking out the video—it really helped me! Thanks everyone for all your recommendations and comments.

 

[JSRinUK]

For my use case, I’ve been looking at which LLMs I want to download in preparation for my Studio and I’m more convinced than ever that 128GB M4 Max is the right choice over the 96GB M3 Ultra. Yes, the M3 Ultra might be a few tokens/sec faster, but the 128GB allows for larger models, a larger context size, and even having some space free for running my other apps.

 

[floridaman]

After watching Matt Talks Tech's video, I’m now completely certain that M4 Max is the right choice. If you’re on the fence about this decision, I highly recommend checking out the video—it really helped me! Thanks everyone for all your recommendations and comments.

You cannot go by this video. Geekbench 6 doesn't provide accurate results for the M3 ultra processor. Geekbench 6 cannot produce the correct results. M4 Max results are accurate.

 

[dukebound85]

That's a bit like asking whether a station wagon is better than a sports car. Depends on what you want to do with it.

it is?

 

[seastar]

You cannot go by this video. Geekbench 6 doesn't provide accurate results for the M3 ultra processor. Geekbench 6 cannot produce the correct results. M4 Max results are accurate.

At least it gives an idea about M3 Ultra.

 

[asiga]

By the way, I preordered the M4 Max with 16 CPU cores, 128GB of RAM and 1TB SSD; however, I am very undecided about changing my order to the M3 Ultra.

I just preordered mine too, same specs as yours, except that I chose the 2TB SSD. Just like the rest of posters in the thread, I really wanted at least 128GB RAM as the bare minimum (and also for AI reasons, as well as running VMs, of course), so the Ultra was out of the game because the prices of the 256GB and 512GB Ultras were way beyond my budget. Now waiting for it... March 25th says my order (in Spain).

 

[JaredJenkinsDesign]

I'm debating this setup as well and hoping we'll get some tests between these two configurations in the future soon. I primarily use After Effects and Blender and have started to dabble a bit with LLMs. I'm leaning towards the M4 Max configuration as I think I'm willing to take a hit on GPU performance to get that extra RAM. 256 GB M3 Ultra is outside my budget.

 

[JSRinUK]

It seems like many of us are thinking the same thing. I think Apple missed a trick by not offering the Ultra with 128GB RAM. I mean, 96GB is good and all that, but a common LLM size is around 70B parameters and trying to squeeze that into 96GB without too much quantization might be a bit of an ask. 128GB gives you headroom to breathe.

If the M3 Ultra had been available with 128GB (or if it started at 128GB instead of 96GB), how many of us would have gone for that? I think I would have been able to squeeze a few more quid out of my budget for that.

 

[Ekim Venes]

I'm debating this setup as well and hoping we'll get some tests between these two configurations in the future soon. I primarily use After Effects and Blender and have started to dabble a bit with LLMs. I'm leaning towards the M4 Max configuration as I think I'm willing to take a hit on GPU performance to get that extra RAM. 256 GB M3 Ultra is outside my budget.

I'd say we'll find out soon-ish based on plethora of youtube videos out in coming weeks when comparing these two configurations. As a rule of thumb I'd say that RAM should be the no. 1 priority. It's a shame Apple don't allow 128GB RAM with M3 Ultra config, but hey that's Apple for ya. It's criminal how much they charge for an upgrade from 96GB to 256GB RAM, which apparently would be fantastic to have, but like you said it's not exactly budget friendly

From my personal perspective - coming from M1 Ultra with 64GB RAM - I'll keep an eye on direct comparison to M3 Ultra 96GB RAM version. Can't rule out to keep my current rig if the gains turn out to be rather conservative. And then comes M4 Max Studio with 128GB RAM, hmmm. Wonder how much slower would it be in After Effects compared to M1 Ultra 64GB RAM, that's my question.

Let's wait and see and eventually make the "buy or pass" decision end of the month!

 

[Ekim Venes]

It seems like many of us are thinking the same thing. I think Apple missed a trick by not offering the Ultra with 128GB RAM. I mean, 96GB is good and all that, but a common LLM size is around 70B parameters and trying to squeeze that into 96GB without too much quantization might be a bit of an ask. 128GB gives you headroom to breathe.

If the M3 Ultra had been available with 128GB (or if it started at 128GB instead of 96GB), how many of us would have gone for that? I think I would have been able to squeeze a few more quid out of my budget for that.

Couldn't agree more! Their marketing decisions are sometimes dubious, to say the least. Or should I say "profit before the customer" oriented policy. Well it is what it is, wallet will hurt one way or another, if not this year, possibly in 2026 or 2027🤔

 

[seastar]

It seems like many of us are thinking the same thing. I think Apple missed a trick by not offering the Ultra with 128GB RAM. I mean, 96GB is good and all that, but a common LLM size is around 70B parameters and trying to squeeze that into 96GB without too much quantization might be a bit of an ask. 128GB gives you headroom to breathe.

If the M3 Ultra had been available with 128GB (or if it started at 128GB instead of 96GB), how many of us would have gone for that? I think I would have been able to squeeze a few more quid out of my budget for that.

The main issue is not just the difference between 96GB and 128GB of RAM (although a 32GB difference is certainly significant). The real factor is the old-generation vs. new-generation cores. Older cores generate more heat, which can lead to increased fan noise. Additionally, the performance gap between the M4 Max and the M3 Ultra may not be as big as expected.

 

[JSRinUK]

The main issue is not just the difference between 96GB and 128GB of RAM (although a 32GB difference is certainly significant). The real factor is the old-generation vs. new-generation cores. Older cores generate more heat, which can lead to increased fan noise. Additionally, the performance gap between the M4 Max and the M3 Ultra may not be as big as expected.

I hadn’t thought of the heat. I’m not hugely bothered about fan noise, as I’m kind of thinking that I might set up my Studio as a “remote” LLM server which I’ll access via my MacBook Pro elsewhere in the house (or the garden). If I don’t need the “grunt” of the Studio, then it’ll probably be turned off anyway - the MacBook Pro is no slouch for the most part.

I know it’s probably stupid, but I waited for the Studio because I didn’t want “old tech” and it seems to me that an M3 is likely to become obsolete before the M4 Max even if it was released later. I kind of have to go with the M4 Max, if only for that.

 

[Zubba]

The main issue is not just the difference between 96GB and 128GB of RAM (although a 32GB difference is certainly significant). The real factor is the old-generation vs. new-generation cores. Older cores generate more heat, which can lead to increased fan noise. Additionally, the performance gap between the M4 Max and the M3 Ultra may not be as big as expected.

Heat shouldn't be an issue as the ultra models are running on a fully copper heat sink and core, whereas the Max models are running on an aluminum heat sink/copper core.

 

[museic]

I hadn’t thought of the heat. I’m not hugely bothered about fan noise, as I’m kind of thinking that I might set up my Studio as a “remote” LLM server which I’ll access via my MacBook Pro elsewhere in the house (or the garden). If I don’t need the “grunt” of the Studio, then it’ll probably be turned off anyway - the MacBook Pro is no slouch for the most part.

I know it’s probably stupid, but I waited for the Studio because I didn’t want “old tech” and it seems to me that an M3 is likely to become obsolete before the M4 Max even if it was released later. I kind of have to go with the M4 Max, if only for that.

I'm with you on that. I had a M4P Mini spec'd up to $2099 in my cart off and on for months, and I kept waiting, thinking an M4 Studio would be a better buy for me. Ordered a Studio one day after launch (M4M 64/1TB) and this morning I cancelled it for an M4M 128/2TB and it's clocking in at double the price of the Mini haha. Target workloads are mostly software dev, local LLMs, and maybe dabbling in Ableton again.

I should also sell my 4090 gaming PC (since the GPU market is crazy again) to offset the cost as my investment in computers is getting silly at this point.