Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Why do you say that?

Given the ~5850/5217 MB/s write/read transfer rates in the MaxTech article of the internal SSDs wouldn't that mean that video work would be much faster having a project on the internal SSDs, assuming it would fit?

Well; video files are huge and a studio write a lot of terabyes a day; makes the life of a SSD shorter. But the workflow is in fact a mix of internal and external drives.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Amadeus71
Lets just say it is replaceable (when it breaks), doubtfull you we will see a meaningfull way to upgrade.
I think it might be upgradeable... by Apple. Or by Apple certified repair stores.

There's been a lot of advances from Apple in the last months regarding Right to repair, but it will always be controlled by Apple in some way, which I think is a fair compromise so far.
 
A bit off-topic, but nah, pros want internal storage wherever possible, because it's way, way faster. The only reason to go for external storage is to save money, which is not the main concern for pros (or if it is, you're an aspiring pro at best).
Don't speak for all pros. I have external NVMe SSDs and they are fast enough. 8TB external vs an 8TB internal saved me a lot of money, and I have external RAID. Some of my video projects approach 10 hours which is nearly 4TB in size alone. So I have the external SSD as my working drive, and my RAID array for backups and completed projects. I have a 50TB NAS and a smaller 20 TB NAS.
 
Yeah, totally makes sense, but I just wonder why that option is worth so much. Just get more storage right away. It's not like you're gonna use your machine for 20 years. You're gonna buy a new computer after 5-7 years anyway, and for that time, storage needs aren't thaaaat uncertain.
And if you are that level of a pro that needs the raw speeds of the internal drive vs an external fast SSD, you have enough money where it is not an issue. I learned long LONG LONG ago to not have my working files on my OS drive. I have gone through many corruptions, drive failures, computer deaths to count and lost a lot of data. My main drive is only reserved for OS and applications. Everything I do is on my externals and RAIDs. Its also beneficial when you are someone like me that has 7 computers and likes to transfer work between them all.
 
If such modules can be made to work, they almost certainly will be MUCH cheaper than Apple OEM. You can see that in all storage upgrade options at OWC now. Throughout the Intel run, those comfortable with some DIY could buy minimum specs from Apple and then "load up" from OWC to max out (sometimes beyond Apple options) RAM and storage.

However, the related question is: will the system software support anything other than Apple OEM? In other words, maybe it's not just plug in another piece of hardware that DOES fit the jack. Something in the system software may need to be activated to support the extra. I recall a few generations of iPods had an FM radio tuner in the off-the-shelf chips Apple was using. But Apple never turned on the option to be able to also tune FM. Perhaps it would be the same here... UNLESS maybe you buy the custom SSD only from Apple and only Apple can do the install?

Since several of these "reviewers" bought several Studios to break down, wouldn't it have been great if ONE of them had simply taken the SSD from one of their spares and tried it in another? I wonder what would have happened if they inserted a spare in the empty jack and booted up?

If it was recognized and usable immediately, the software "key" would already be ON and there would be hope for OWC or similar to deliver clones of the custom SSD card. If it did not work, we would already know that it will require more than replicating the hardware card (SSD) itself. Even now, I wish one of them would simply open a spare Studio, pull its SSD and put it in the empty jack of another Studio to see what happens. Does it "just work" or will this require software/firmware support from Apple to activate... if they are ever motivated to do so?

Unlike the full teardown I saw some do, this doesn't even look that hard to test. It appears both SSD jacks are relatively easily accessible right at the bottom of the device- no full teardown required. I'm well aware that some of them read MR posts, so hopefully one will see this one and make a new video in which they test this out. It looks easy and would actually be a very informative video, perhaps helpful to MANY Studio owners with storage potential questions.

If it does work now, can 2 SSDs be RAID-0ed for even faster storage?

Imagine the ability to max that: 8TB plus 8TB inside that little box... but not at $2200 + $2200.
I think on that WAN show video Linus said they were going to try that when they get a chance.
 
Great news.

But in general, I don't quite understand the fuss around user-upgradability. Why do storage and memory need to be upgradable? Just buy as much as you need over the machine's lifetime right away. Think you will need 32 GB memory in the future instead of 16 GB? Then just get 32 GB memory now. Think you will eventually need 4 TB storage instead of 2 TB? Then just get 4 TB now.

A machine that is good enough at the time when you buy it will also be good enough five years later.

Eventually after some years, the CPU becomes the bottle neck, and since that is not really replaceable anyway, whenever that point comes, you will need an entirely new machine anyway, not just a memory or storage upgrade.
Apple charges $400 for 32 go ram upgraded (when it was user upgradeable) vs $150 out of pocket from bestbuy.

Apple charges $400 for 1tb SSD vs $150 out of pocket.

If you can afford the apple tax, great! But I reckon cost is why a lot of people prefer to upgrade their machines themselves.

Saying “just get 4tb now” for the insane cost apple asks, is quite the statement.
 
but these sockets seem proprietary, right? seems stupid unless there are performance benefits
proprietary RAM modules - understand, performance benefits
It is more about the manufacturer (in this case Apple) binding the customer to itself. Need spare parts? You have to buy from him for "fat" money.
 
  • Like
Reactions: foliovision
What do they mean might? Why didn’t they try one to see if it works? Many of these reviewers did the steam deck, or other tech that uses comparable m.2 drives. What’s the holdup? It doesn’t matter if the ssd they put in is a different size or not to confirm third party drives will work fine.
 
This Studio is marketed as a workhouse, though. And 512GB with a huge premium to upgrade just ain't gonna cut it.
The price Apple charges for SSD is fairly ridiculous - seems to be about twice the retail price of higher-end NVMe SSD. OK, it's very fast... and $200 for the 512GB to 1TB upgrade is a better deal than the $200 for the 256 to 512 GB upgrade on the Mini.

That said, 512GB is probably sensible as a "system disc" that's going to hold your software, virtual memory and frequently-accessed libraries, which is where the big performance boost from having a really fast SSD comes from.

Keeping the system drive just for those, and having any additional storage as external drives - whether they're networked, attached by USB 3.1 or Thunderbolt - actually makes a lot of sense for data management. USB3.1 gen 2 is fast enough for any single SSD drive.

Hopefully, we'll see some nice 'stackable' storage enclosures to go with the studio (if the ones already available for the Mini don't work).

Still, it would have been nice if they had managed to leave space for a regular M.2. slot somewhere in there so you could stick to a single box...
 
What do they mean might? Why didn’t they try one to see if it works?
Because nothing currently available fits - and not just because you need a "half length" card. Max tech established that the connector is not the same as the Mac Pro. But it's not M.2 either.
 
In another of their videos, they tested write speed, which was lower than Apple advertises. Maybe write speed is a casualty of the SSD not being soldered in?
No. There is a lot of other stuff going on in a PCB layout that effects signal integrity margins. The contribution of each can be quantified with enterprise signal integrity software such as HyperLynx and SIPro.
 
  • Like
Reactions: You’re not me
Yep. Great news. Just hope that in the future there will be no proprietary hardware and software borders to let users upgrade with affordable alternatives.
 
Great news.

But in general, I don't quite understand the fuss around user-upgradability. Why do storage and memory need to be upgradable? Just buy as much as you need over the machine's lifetime right away. Think you will need 32 GB memory in the future instead of 16 GB? Then just get 32 GB memory now. Think you will eventually need 4 TB storage instead of 2 TB? Then just get 4 TB now.

A machine that is good enough at the time when you buy it will also be good enough five years later.

Eventually after some years, the CPU becomes the bottle neck, and since that is not really replaceable anyway, whenever that point comes, you will need an entirely new machine anyway, not just a memory or storage upgrade.
I've bumped up the RAM on my 2015 27" iMac twice, as my needs have increased and I've been able to afford it. After market prices are drastically lower than what Apple charges.
 
Last edited:
Apple said nothing about this supposed upgradability, which mean one thing: If you pop open the case and do it yourself, the warranty is voided. And if Apple was going to offer it as an in-store option, seems they would have mentioned it to add some actual validity to their use of the term "modular".
 
Last edited:
I feel like the type of user that buys this computer either a) doesn’t mind/enjoys doing this type of work themselves or b) can afford to pay someone to do it
 
Yeah that's a fair point of course. But how much are prices for fast internal SSD storage really going to go down over the next 3-4 years? Yes, you are right in principle, but how big is the difference really. And yes, I could invest these 1000 dollars in stocks now instead of getting more storage, and then in 3 years when I need more storage it might already have become 2000 dollars.

I like your signature, by the way.
alot, samsung 980 nvme 1tb is 2x if not more cheaper today than a year ago.

working conditions can change on the fly, life is unexpected and i expect my computer to be flexible to some degree. we can only be certain to a degree, but having the option to upgrade your computer as your life change is a heck alot easier than going out to buy a new computer, and that really says alot for apple's commitment to environmental push.

your 1k investment into the market could also be 500 bucks in the next 3 years, with raising inflations and brink of ww3, whatever new variant coming out, betting on the market is not the best investment vehicle atm.
 
Last edited:
Apple said nothing about this supposed upgradability, which mean one thing: I you pop open the case and do it yourself, the warranty is voided. And if Apple was going to offer it as an in-store option, seems they would have mentioned it to add some actual validity to their use of the term "modular".
Its also a legal issue. Apple clearly said not user upgradeable because having exposed power supply that can shock you is very dangerous. Max even pointed it out in the video. If someone gets shocked upgrading it, Apple can point to their document stating its not user upgradeable.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SSDGUY
Great news.

But in general, I don't quite understand the fuss around user-upgradability. Why do storage and memory need to be upgradable? Just buy as much as you need over the machine's lifetime right away. Think you will need 32 GB memory in the future instead of 16 GB? Then just get 32 GB memory now. Think you will eventually need 4 TB storage instead of 2 TB? Then just get 4 TB now.

A machine that is good enough at the time when you buy it will also be good enough five years later.

Eventually after some years, the CPU becomes the bottle neck, and since that is not really replaceable anyway, whenever that point comes, you will need an entirely new machine anyway, not just a memory or storage upgrade.
Because prices historically have gone down over time while memory requirements have gone up. So if 2TB is enough for you for the next 3 years or so and going to 4TB costs an additional $600, it 3 years, it might cost $300 to jump to 4TB. If the rest the machine still works for you, you can avoid external storage and keep going.

Or when you sell the old Mac, someone who doesn't have the same RAM requirements that you do now can upgrade what they need more easily.
 
Last edited:
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.