Not only did Apple unveil its new M1 Ultra processor at its launch event yesterday, it also unveiled its first app: a new model of its Mac Studio desktop, and that one would expect it to be a particularly powerful computer. Next to it it also introduced a model of computer that is equipped ‘only’ with the existing M1 Max processor that offers a more affordable price to the end consumer.
Mac Studio looks like a slightly larger Mac Mini with a slightly more luxurious design. At the back is a perforated grille that covers almost everything and is the one through which the computer takes the hot air out of the system, while two relatively large fans in the front draw cold air from the bottom and distribute it out over the computer system itself.
The M1 Ultra version is slightly heavier physically and not just because the processor is actually a sort of connection of two M1 Max processors to each other. The dimensions are the same square dimensions of 19.7 cm which rises to a height of 9.5 cm, but the weight is 2.7 kg in the case of the Max and 3.6 kg in the case of the Ultra.
The basic version of the computer in the case of the Max stands at 10 cores which are divided into 2 efficient cores and 8 performance cores with a graphics processor consisting of 24 cores, and next to it a 16-core nerve processor. There is also a video encoding engine, and two ProRes encoding and decoding engines. Those who want a higher version have an M1 Max version with 32 graphics cores.
The M1 Ultra version is exactly a doubling of what the M1 Max version offers, the entire length, and as mentioned the reason is that the Ultra is exactly two Max processors.
Zag is also true for the rest of the basic configuration: 32 GB or 64 GB of unified memory in the Max version, and dual in the Ultra version. 512 GB SSD drive compared to a 1 terabyte drive with volumes of up to 8 terabytes in both.
The case has enough ports, including 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports on the back with 2 USB-A ports, as well as HDMI connections and a local network at 10 Gbps. The front has two USB-C connections in the Max and two more Thunderbolt 4 connections in the Ultra. There is also an SDXC card reader. Bluetooth 5.0 and WiFi 6 are also supported.
In terms of performance, Apple claims the M1 Max version is 50% faster than the Mac Pro with a 16-core Xeon processor and 2.5 times faster than the iMac with a 27-inch screen. The Ultra version is 60% faster than a Mac Pro with a 28-core processor and up to 4.5 times faster than the iMac mentioned above.
Base prices are $ 1,999 and $ 3,999 respectively. The M1 Ultra with all the possible hardware additions can reach up to $ 7,999 – not including screen.
The new screen, Studio Display will cost $ 1,599 for a standard panel or $ 1,899 with a nano-textures panel. It is a 27-inch screen with a resolution of 5120 × 2800 pixels with a brightness of 60 nits and with support for True Tone technology. It is equipped with a 12-megapixel webcam with a 122-degree shooting field, and a system of six high-quality speakers, sensitive microphones and Dolby Atmos support.
It has a rear hub with three USB-C connections and a Thunderbolt 3 connection that can also provide charging at a maximum power of 96 watts. It weighs about 6.9 kilograms and is also available with different stands. It is already possible to order him as well as his computer friends.