Apple - Mac Studio - M4 Max - 512GB SSD - Silver

The Mac Studio 2025 M4 Max is a powerhouse of a desktop, delivering exceptional single-core CPU performance, impressive AI processing capabilities, and strong efficiency for creative workflows. While it may not match dedicated NVIDIA GPUs for gaming or CUDA workloads, it excels in optimized Apple software and AI-driven applications. The seamless setup, high-speed storage, and robust build quality make it a compelling choice for professionals seeking a reliable and compact desktop solution. However, its pricing, lack of bundled peripherals, and the necessity for additional accessories could be drawbacks for some users. Overall, it is an outstanding machine for those who prioritize macOS, Apple’s ecosystem, and performance efficiency over raw GPU power. I really enjoy using mine and it seems like a very capable machine.

Beast of a machine. I use it for video editing and work and I don’t even hear it.

I would have gone with a base Mac Mini M4 but for my use case I needed multiple monitor support for trading stocks. The most I appreciate about this machine coming from a desktop AMD AM4 platform is how power efficient and quiet it is. Another huge plus is that even under load it doesn't heat up the room. I priced out building a custom small form factor PC using AMD/Intel parts and the costs would have been almost the same as just buying the Mac Studio M4 Max for the same amount of (single core) performance (my stock trading programs are heavily single threaded) and monitor support that I wanted. The old argument getting more bang for your buck with x86 architecture machines isn't as clear cut as before. Also, with raising graphics card prices new and in the secondary market the value proposition isn't there for me (I don't game much anymore). So far my experience with the Mac Studio M4 Max has been wonderful. The machine never stutters and my trading applications are a lot more snappy then when I used them on my Windows 11 machine (it mostly has to do with the applications simply running better on Apple Silicon). I view this machine as an appliance and it just simply works is well worth the investment. It's a hassle free experience as compared to my AMD desktop where things would randomly fail or error. I had an opportunity to use Crossover 25 for Mac to help play Windows based games on Mac. The latest iteration provides a lot of performance improvements and more titles such as Red Dead Redemption II. Since this Mac Studio M4 Max has 32-GPU cores it gets very playable framerates across multiple titles. As long as you are not trying to play AAA newly launched titles or games that are online and require anti-cheat mechanisms it should be supported. Playing Windows games on a Mac is very feasible in 2025 and support for it is only going to get better moving forward. If the upfront costs of this machine is still pretty high to dissuade you then consider that the resell value of this machine a few years from now will still be very high as compared to reselling PC parts. Also, if you are using this machine to make money then it will pay for itself eventually with the time you save in either not having to wait for projects to render or not having to troubleshoot random component failures that costs you time. I only see myself upgrading from this machine maybe 2-3 years from now at minimum and will probably last me 4-5 years or something else comes out from Apple that is very compelling.