I do heavy Photoshop / Illustrator work, video editing (4K video generally), and After Effects. These days though, I really only do this kind of work for freelance jobs which come up here and there throughout the year. At my day job I am more of a creative manager / ADHD multitasker / builder of presentations and don’t often get into those apps much anymore.

Even though I don’t do those freelance jobs every single day anymore, my 2019 i9 with 64gb RAM is no longer able to keep up when I do get them. I am curious which (over the top) configuration would work better for me. Rendering speed will be nice, but since I don’t do that every single day, I am more looking for a machine that can be just as useful for day to day use as it can for the heavy jobs.

The configuration options I’m reviewing are:

M3 Max 16-Core | 64GB RAM

M3 Max 14-Core | 96GB Ram

M3 Pro 12-Core | 36GB RAM (for $1k less - though I’m inclined to round up and get a more future-proof machine)

  • juanp-duque@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    The 16 core only has like 5-8% boost from the 14 core, so I’ll take the 14 core, but 96gb of ram will be overkill in my opinion

  • themarouuu@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    You can absolutely do everything you need with the M3 Pro 12/36. I think it’s more than enough. I think that getting the Max out of the Max would need a Mac Studio instead of a laptop.

    If you want to future proof, 16/64 definitely, 96 is pointless for your workflow.

    But the thing is, by the time Pro/12/36 becomes obsolete, M5/6 will probably be a thing and you’ll be better off getting a new machine rather than using an old M3 Max. If I had to bet, those laptops will have an updated look as well so you probably won’t like your old laptop anyway :)

    • altlash@alien.topOPBEnglish
      1·
      11 months ago

      Thank you for the in depth response. I have had the same thought about upgrading more often / with a lower end model, though the top of the line M3s seem so powerful they could easily last me much longer than that. The form factor is a good point, but most of the time I am using the laptop on my desk plugged into two external monitors, so that will probably bother me less.

      • themarouuu@alien.topBEnglish
        1·
        11 months ago

        At the end of the day, if your tool is making you money, then the expense is justifiable.

        Go get that 16/64 you lucky dog you :)