Apple Mac Studio 2025 (M3 Ultra) VS Apple Mac Studio 2025 (M4 Max)

The Apple Mac Studio 2025 (M3 Ultra) and Apple Mac Studio 2025 (M4 Max) share several physical similarities, with both having identical dimensions. Both models have a thickness of 196 mm, height of 94 mm, and width of 196 mm. Their volume is also the same at 3611.104 cm³.

In terms of weight, the Mac Studio 2025 (M3 Ultra) is heavier at 3640 g compared to the 2740 g of the Mac Studio 2025 (M4 Max), making the M4 Max model lighter by 900 g.

When it comes to storage, the M3 Ultra model offers significantly more SSD storage with 16000GB, while the M4 Max has half the capacity at 8000GB. Both models feature NVMe SSDs for faster data transfer speeds, with no difference in this aspect.

The Apple Mac Studio 2025 (M3 Ultra) and Apple Mac Studio 2025 (M4 Max) differ significantly in CPU configuration. The M3 Ultra has 24 cores running at 3.7 GHz and 8 cores at 3.4 GHz, totaling 32 threads. In contrast, the M4 Max features 12 cores at 4.51 GHz and 4 cores at 2.59 GHz, with 16 threads in total. This makes the M3 Ultra model have more cores and threads compared to the M4 Max, which could potentially translate to better parallel processing for certain tasks.

Both models include integrated graphics, so there is no difference in terms of GPU capabilities. Additionally, both devices support 64-bit computing, ensuring compatibility with modern software and applications.

Overall, while the M3 Ultra offers more cores and threads, the M4 Max has faster individual core speeds, especially in its higher-performing 4.51 GHz cores.

The Apple Mac Studio 2025 (M3 Ultra) and Apple Mac Studio 2025 (M4 Max) have the same semiconductor size of 3 nm, which indicates similar levels of process technology in both models. However, there are differences in memory bandwidth and display support.

The M3 Ultra model offers a significantly higher maximum memory bandwidth at 819 GB/s, compared to the M4 Max's 546 GB/s. This suggests the M3 Ultra may handle larger data transfers more efficiently, which could benefit memory-intensive tasks.

When it comes to display support, the M3 Ultra supports up to 8 displays, while the M4 Max is limited to 3 displays. This makes the M3 Ultra more suited for users who need to drive multiple displays simultaneously.

The Apple Mac Studio 2025 (M3 Ultra) and Apple Mac Studio 2025 (M4 Max) both feature DDR5 memory, but there is a notable difference in the amount of RAM each model offers. The M3 Ultra comes with 512GB of RAM, while the M4 Max has 128GB of RAM. This makes the M3 Ultra model significantly more suited for memory-intensive tasks, such as video editing or data analysis, where large amounts of RAM are beneficial.

Despite the difference in RAM, both models use the same DDR5 memory version, ensuring they offer the latest memory technology for fast data processing.

The Apple Mac Studio 2025 (M3 Ultra) and Apple Mac Studio 2025 (M4 Max) offer identical Wi-Fi support, both featuring Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), and Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax). Both models also support Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring they offer the latest wireless connectivity standards.

When it comes to USB ports, the M3 Ultra has a slightly more extensive offering with 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-A) ports and 4 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) ports, while the M4 Max has 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-A) ports and only 2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C) ports. Both models lack USB 4 ports and Thunderbolt ports, though they do offer 1 HDMI port and 1 RJ45 port each, ensuring both can connect to displays and wired networks.

Both models also feature a 3.5 mm audio jack but lack VGA connectors or S/PDIF Out ports, which are not available on either device.

The Apple Mac Studio 2025 (M3 Ultra) and Apple Mac Studio 2025 (M4 Max) both utilize heterogeneous multi-processing (HMP) and support big.LITTLE technology, enabling a balance between performance and energy efficiency. However, the M3 Ultra offers a maximum memory amount of 512GB, while the M4 Max is limited to 128GB of memory.

Both models share the same capabilities in terms of NX bit and TrustZone support, enhancing security. Neither supports ECC memory, which means neither system offers error-correcting capabilities for RAM.

Additionally, the M3 Ultra is specifically categorized as a desktop, while the M4 Max is classified as both a laptop and desktop, highlighting its more versatile form factor options.