Which M3Max MBP 16" to Buy

[eFei]

Hi All,

Plant to buy the new MBP16" but debating among the following three options:
1) MBP16" M3 Max, 14‑core CPU, 30‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine, 36GB RAM, 1TB SSD @ $3,499;
2) MBP16" M3 Max, 16‑core CPU, 40‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine, 48GB RAM, 1TB SSD @ $3,999;
3) MBP16" M3 Max, 16‑core CPU, 40‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine, 64GB RAM, 1TB SSD @ $4,199.

The MBP16" would be for personal use, nothing heavy-duty at the moment, but will be lots of multi-tasking:
- Run multiple platforms, browsers, spreadsheets, etc.
- Some Photoshop and video editing;
- want to connect up to 4 extended monitors (reason to pick M3 Max chip).

My Intel chip MBP15" is still working fine but needs more RAM for multi-tasking.
For instance, it is slow when running a trading platform with multiple charts open (each chart has some parameters and study sets), which requires 16-32GB RAM.
Understand that the Apple M-series chips are more powerful than the Intel chips but still hoping that the MBP 16" can still run smoothly a few years later.

Used to purchase the top-of-line MBP and keep it for a longer period of time but now technology changes so quickly and may not be a wise choice to do so anymore.

Option 1 seems a more economical choice with better resale value in 5 years.
Option 2 is the ideal configuration but paying an extra $500 for little RAM improvements.
Option 3 offers a more reasonable price for an upgrade on RAM, but the price is steep. Is it worth spending USD4,199+Tax on a MBP, unless keep it for a longer time, which goes back to my old track?

So which one to buy if keep it for 5 years?
Any suggestions and recommendations are very welcome. Thanks ahead!

 

[MacDevil7334]

You haven’t really told us anything about what you use your computer for. Whether you will benefit from the extra CPU and GPU cores and RAM in these configurations completely depends on your usage. In some workflows, upgrading would be a complete waste of money. In others, those upgrades may be money well spent.

 

[eFei]

You haven’t really told us anything about what you use your computer for. Whether you will benefit from the extra CPU and GPU cores and RAM in these configurations completely depends on your usage. In some workflows, upgrading would be a complete waste of money. In others, those upgrades may be money well spent.

thx for the note...just add more details

 

[Mr. Dee]

I would buy what you can afford and base on how long you plan to keep the device. If you see yourself in the market for an upgrade in the next couple years, then I would go with the cheapest option. If you keep your Mac beyond 5 years, go with option 3.

 

[DHagan4755]

it is slow when running a trading platform with multiple charts open (each chart has some parameters and study sets), which requires 16-32GB RAM.

This is a pain point for me right now & my MBP has 16GB of RAM. I don't know if you're using TradingView but depending on how much you add to the chart you're much better off using Safari. Safari uses less RAM & CPU than the same chart in a Chromium browser or Electron app (Electron apps use Chromium).

 

[Lobwedgephil]

This is a pain point for me right now & my MBP has 16GB of RAM. I don't know if you're using TradingView but depending on how much you add to the chart you're much better off using Safari. Safari uses less RAM & CPU than the same chart in a Chromium browser or Electron app (Electron apps use Chromium).

Why use not use the TV app?

 

[GCC]

Hi.
If you are into trading, use many charts, time frames , indicators any study/ system. Real time news. Bloomberg TV. Many tabs open , multi monitor setup.
Just my opinion.
I would go for the option c.
Also with a the idea of keeping the laptop for a period of five years plus. I went from a 16” i9 , 32 ram top of the line model to a 16” M1 Max, 64 ram fully maxed out except the ssd which is 1Tb. Cause I don’t store much in the internal ssd. Also bought a external 4tb Ssd and ICloud.
I am very satisfied with the decision.
No noise , no heating issues.

It’s a work tool I would not think twice.
If I had to buy today again I would not go under 64 Ram so again my option would be C. The new M3 Max are very powerful chips. And you also mention editing donors a clear winner.
Everything works, Ram is needed when you have 20 charts open plus and real time data with all rest of software running. Is it more then what I really need ? Maybe, but anything I throw to the laptop works smoothly
All the best in your decision.
Regards.

 

[DHagan4755]

Why use not use the TV app?

It’s chromium based. At certain times you can hear the fans kick on & click on the battery menu it will say Trading View is using significant energy. Open activity monitor & it’s consuming a lot of CPU.

 

[eFei]

Hi GCC, thanks for sharing your experience.
I'm leaning towards buying 64GB RAM 1TD SSD MBP16" too but was advised by Apple Staff that the resale value would be highly depreciated when new chips come out...even though I've never sold any of my laptops in the past (keep them all).

How long are you planning to keep your M1 Max MBP? Did you sell your old intel MBP

 

[eFei]

I would buy what you can afford and base on how long you plan to keep the device. If you see yourself in the market for an upgrade in the next couple years, then I would go with the cheapest option. If you keep your Mac beyond 5 years, go with option 3.

About 5 yrs. that's why debating...

 

[eFei]

This is a pain point for me right now & my MBP has 16GB of RAM. I don't know if you're using TradingView but depending on how much you add to the chart you're much better off using Safari. Safari uses less RAM & CPU than the same chart in a Chromium browser or Electron app (Electron apps use Chromium).

Understand that Safari uses less CPU and RAM but it is a separate platform, such as "ThinkorSwim", not based on the browser. Thx for the tip though.

 

[DHagan4755]

Understand that Safari uses less CPU and RAM but it is a separate platform, such as "ThinkorSwim", not based on the browser. Thx for the tip though.

What are you talking about? TradingView Desktop is built on Electron & thus has the same power consumption & RAM issues as Chromium browsers do.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Hi All,

Plant to buy the new MBP16" but debating among the following three options:
1) MBP16" M3 Max, 14‑core CPU, 30‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine, 36GB RAM, 1TB SSD @ $3,499;
2) MBP16" M3 Max, 16‑core CPU, 40‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine, 48GB RAM, 1TB SSD @ $3,999;
3) MBP16" M3 Max, 16‑core CPU, 40‑core GPU, 16‑core Neural Engine, 64GB RAM, 1TB SSD @ $4,199.

The MBP16" would be for personal use, nothing heavy-duty at the moment, but will be lots of multi-tasking:
- Run multiple platforms, browsers, spreadsheets, etc.
- Some Photoshop and video editing;
- want to connect up to 4 extended monitors (reason to pick M3 Max chip).

My Intel chip MBP15" is still working fine but needs more RAM for multi-tasking.
For instance, it is slow when running a trading platform with multiple charts open (each chart has some parameters and study sets), which requires 16-32GB RAM.
Understand that the Apple M-series chips are more powerful than the Intel chips but still hoping that the MBP 16" can still run smoothly a few years later.

Used to purchase the top-of-line MBP and keep it for a longer period of time but now technology changes so quickly and may not be a wise choice to do so anymore.

Option 1 seems a more economical choice with better resale value in 5 years.
Option 2 is the ideal configuration but paying an extra $500 for little RAM improvements.
Option 3 offers a more reasonable price for an upgrade on RAM, but the price is steep. Is it worth spending USD4,199+Tax on a MBP, unless keep it for a longer time, which goes back to my old track?

So which one to buy if keep it for 5 years?
Any suggestions and recommendations are very welcome. Thanks ahead!

Option #3 IMO, no contest. That strong CPU/GPU will benefit from lots of UMA RAM. I bought an M2 MBP with 96 GB RAM last winter. It is a joy to bounce among multiple apps on three 4K displays with negligible delay.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Hi GCC, thanks for sharing your experience.
I'm leaning towards buying 64GB RAM 1TD SSD MBP16" too but was advised by Apple Staff that the resale value would be highly depreciated when new chips come out...even though I've never sold any of my laptops in the past (keep them all).

How long are you planning to keep your M1 Max MBP? Did you sell your old intel MBP

Ignore Apple staff regarding alleged "resale value." Like you said, you do not sell them anyway (nor do I). What matters is how it works over the likely life cycle, ideally without inefficient paging to SSD. Get the most RAM you can afford.

 

[Lobwedgephil]

It’s chromium based. At certain times you can hear the fans kick on & click on the battery menu it will say Trading View is using significant energy. Open activity monitor & it’s consuming a lot of CPU.

Gotcha, battery never a concern for me, but using 3-4 screens 27 inch of Tradingview charts has never really pushed the CPU since M1.

 

[Lobwedgephil]

Understand that Safari uses less CPU and RAM but it is a separate platform, such as "ThinkorSwim", not based on the browser. Thx for the tip though.

Thinkorswim is awful on M1, they have finally released an Apple silicon version, but still very poor experience.

 

[eFei]

Option #3 IMO, no contest. That strong CPU/GPU will benefit from lots of UMA RAM. I bought an M2 MBP with 96 GB RAM last winter. It is a joy to bounce among multiple apps on three 4K displays with negligible delay.

Glad to hear that
Guess I will enjoy the experience while paying some "Apple Taxes"...

 

[eFei]

Thanks for all your input!
I've ordered an MBP16" M3Max 64GB RAM 1TBSSD and it will arrive in about two weeks.

 

[eFei]

Thinkorswim is awful on M1, they have finally released an Apple silicon version, but still very poor experience.

Thanks for the info. Hope that no need to run ToS natively on Apple chips.
Feel free to share if there are better options to run ToS charts on MBP w M chips.

 

[eFei]

Why use not use the TV app?

May I ask which TV app?

 

[GCC]

Hi GCC, thanks for sharing your experience.
I'm leaning towards buying 64GB RAM 1TD SSD MBP16" too but was advised by Apple Staff that the resale value would be highly depreciated when new chips come out...even though I've never sold any of my laptops in the past (keep them all).

How long are you planning to keep your M1 Max MBP? Did you sell your old intel MBP

Hi Efei.
Yes I sold the 16” MBP to a good friend like new at a very reasonable price.
I plan to keep my 16 M1 Max hopefully for 5 years plus.
Trust me the 64 Ram was the best decision I made. It never leaves the office , connected to external ultra wide, Logitech MX keys and Logitech MX3 mouse.
I don’t even touch the laptop it’s 100% used as a desktop

Think this way :
The price difference of losses from buying the base 32GB model to 64GB in five years is no money.
This laptop will be paid by itself it’s a work tool. Zero issues and the best laptop I have ever owned until now.
And if I ever need to move it to another desk or use it as a Laptop the screen and everything is nice and fast machine, sound is great etc.
No regrets would buy again with closed eyes.
Forget resale value, enjoy the machine now. I am In Europe prices here are higher than US.
Let us know your decision
Cheers.

 

[Lobwedgephil]

May I ask which TV app?

Tradingview, that is my charting platform.

 

[Melbourne Park]

Buying now from Apple, you can return it by January 8th, and be refunded.

I bought the 36 MB version, which maybe overkill for me, I am not yet sure. I considered an M2 Pro as well. The best value for performance users is the Max 64 MB version. The 48 MB version is IMO poor value. I bought mine from Apple at a discount, they matched web pricing, and I did a click and collect - ie bought on the internet from Apple at a discount a price match with an Apple internet salesperson, and picked it up in the store.

Apple would not match the web prices in the store, so I went to the carpark outside, and called Apple. Crazy stuff ... and I got 10% off.

The only other discount around for such 16" machines was for M2 Pros (I was wanting 16") and Apple are not selling those new anymore (in Australia). Buying from a retailer mean't I would loose the Apple return deal (Jan 8 last day). I think also the refurbs may not be refundable by January 8th, but I did not check those options when the discounts for some "base" configurations of !6" Macbook pros occurred.

 

[eFei]

Let us know your decision

Yes. Already ordered MBP16" M3 Max, 64GB RAM, 1TB SSD

 

[eFei]

Buying now from Apple, you can return it by January 8th, and be refunded.

I bought the 36 MB version, which maybe overkill for me, I am not yet sure. I considered an M2 Pro as well. The best value for performance users is the Max 64 MB version. The 48 MB version is IMO poor value. I bought mine from Apple at a discount, they matched web pricing, and I did a click and collect - ie bought on the internet from Apple at a discount a price match with an Apple internet salesperson, and picked it up in the store.

Apple would not match the web prices in the store, so I went to the carpark outside, and called Apple. Crazy stuff ... and I got 10% off.

The only other discount around for such 16" machines was for M2 Pros (I was wanting 16") and Apple are not selling those new anymore (in Australia). Buying from a retailer mean't I would loose the Apple return deal (Jan 8 last day). I think also the refurbs may not be refundable by January 8th, but I did not check those options when the discounts for some "base" configurations of !6" Macbook pros occurred.

Thanks for sharing!
It is nice that you were able to obtain some discounts. The M3 chip MBP16" is excluded from Apple's BF promos in Canada/USA.
Apple staff have advised me to buy the cheaper one and can go back for higher RAM during the extended holiday return/exchange dates. Do not wanna go through the hassle of installing software and testing the MBP, so just go with the specs that I like the most
Hope that you are enjoying the MBP you just bought. Feel free to update us if MBP16" 36GB is the one for you.