M3 MBP or M2 Mac Studio for Ps work & 3D?

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Level 1

4 points

M3 MBP or M2 Mac Studio for Ps work & 3D?

Hi all.

Going to upgrade my Mac Pro (late 2013) - 8 core, 64 GB ram - I use Adobe Ps 85% of my time, working on files that are regularly 5GB - 10GB with tons of layers. I also Capture One for file processing, Cinema4D with Corona renderer (CPU based) for 3D, occasionally Adobe Ae. And for fun, Logic Pro X.

The plan was to go with an M2 Ultra Mac Studio w 192GB memory.

Now, I'm considering the M3 Max 16" MBP, with 128 GB memory for a few reasons...

I believe the M3 chip with 128GB memory should be markedly faster than my old Mac Pro when working in Photoshop.
From what I've read, the M3 chip's hardware ray tracing should help render frames in C4D and other 3D apps (Blender) much quicker than the M2 chips can.
I'm loving the idea of being able to GET OUT OF MY STUDIO occasionally, to add some variety to long hours.

Questions

Would the difference working in Photoshop on large files be more noticeable between between my '13 Mac Pro and a M3 Max MBP , or more noticeable between a loaded M3Max MCB and a loaded M2 Ultra Mac Studio?

Same question as above, but for noticing speed improvements while working in C4D?

I'm inclined to go with the MBP for now, if it will be a big advancement over my old Mac Pro. Then if I find in a year or two that I need more, go with whatever the fastest Mac Studio would be at that point (M5 anyone?!?_

Any advice / opinions greatly appreciated!

MacBook Pro (M3, 2023)

Posted on Jan 24, 2024 1:45 PM

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Answer 1

Jan 24, 2024 2:43 PM in response to Artichoke8

[in my opinion] you pay dearly for portability, light weight, and the built-in display in a MacBook Pro. if you do not routinely edit video when off the grid, your money goes much farther in a desktop system.

[in my opinion] the difference between M2 and M3 in comparable products is not that substantial. ( I can blurt that out because I don't work for Apple.)

Computers will always be faster, better and cheaper if you WAIT.

...but sooner or later, you need to just 'hold your nose and Vote' for the available system that can do the job for you NOW.

'that they will release something better in a little while' does not diminish the capabilities of the system you decided on at the time you made your decision.

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Answer 2

Artichoke8 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 24, 2024 6:06 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thanks for the thoughts GB-A! I certainly agree, that the portability and crisp screen of the MBP come at a premium. Your opinion about the M2-M3 chip performance differences is the kind of idea I'm after. I agree in general , though I do wonder if the hardware ray tracing will make a noticeable difference within 3D programs.

I will plan to upgrade this year, the Mac Pro is really starting to show it's age. I guess the comfort is that any of the new stuff should offer improved performance.

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M3 MBP or M2 Mac Studio for Ps work & 3D?

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