M4 Pro or Mac Studio (UK) / 64gb ram+. Looking to buy second hand as well.

[Astrohunter]

Hi,

I’m wondering about upgrading my M1 Mini 16gb/256gb.

The prices for RAM are ridiculous as we all know, what I need is 64GB ram minimum and at least 14 cores CPU.

I could get:
“Apple Mac mini M4 Pro 14-core CPU 20-core GPU 64GB Ram 1TB SSD”

For 2.224£, which is a bit much for the specs.

I need my Mac mostly for Pixinsight and some video/audio production.

I have seen people saying that almost maxed M4 Pro is a bad deal compared to Mac Studio, but studio seems much more expensive to me, I know it has slightly better CPU and more TB5 ports though.

I wonder about waiting for M5/M6 as Im in no rush, but knowing Apple they will add more ram and ssd probably in 2030+, lol.

It’s really hard to get 64gb Mac second hand as well.

Hmm perhaps someone knows a cheaper way to get it other than eBay?
Or perhaps someone knows anyone who is looking to sell such specced Mac?

Apple is selling refurbs but they either have 48GB, or you pay more for 10gbit connection which I don’t need 🥴

There is also an option buying M2 Ultra etc., but I would rather get a newer latest models.

Thanks for any advice

 

[theluggage]

I have seen people saying that almost maxed M4 Pro is a bad deal compared to Mac Studio, but studio seems much more expensive to me, I know it has slightly better CPU and more TB5 ports though.

There was a “price overlap” with the M2 models making the base studio a no-brainier over a maxed-out Mini, but with the M4 it’s about bangs-per-buck rather than raw price. Since you have to get the 16/40 core Max to get 64GB on the Studio it’s going to be more speedy than a Mini, but you are getting a substantially more powerful chip. Sounds like you have researched the RAM and CPU you need, and if it’s “at least 14 cores” then you’ll probably benefit from 16. Ultimately it comes down to how much you are prepared to spend.