Mac Mini M4PRO

[De_Ja]

Looking at getting the new Mac Mini M4Pro and wondered if anyone has run AC27 on the base model

12-core CPU

16-core GPU

24GB Unified memory

and is it worth considering updating the memory to 48GB

I am running small to medium sized residential projects

Operating system used: Mac Apple Silicon Sequoia

[Karl Ottenstein]

Should be a super machine for your needs and 24gb should be fine.  Given that people are happily running on earlier, less powerful versions of the chip, there is no reason to expect any issues on the new Mini.  With fast thunderbolt ports, internal storage is not even really a consideration by adding a fast external SSD if you run out of room on the internal SSD.

Memory cannot be upgraded later, so if you anticipate running large models in the future… or complex photo rendering software … or many large open apps (adobe creative suite, rendering and Archicad at the same time), then the increased memory would be worth considering.

[De_Ja]

Thanks Karl, only thinking about going for 48GB upgrade to make running Archicad in tandem with Twinmotion smoother.

Cheers D J

[Karl Ottenstein]

Yes, if you're using TwinMotion, I would go for the memory upgrade ...

[rjwilden]

The Mac Studio M4 should be coming out early next year. But quite a price difference between it and the Mac Mini.

Does the Mac Studio offer any real  advantages when running Archicad/ Twin motion. 

Given that this will be my last new computer "ever". Retirement is looming.  Im hoping it will last 10 years, I need a computer that will last the distance, and be able  to dabble in architecture into my old age. I still enjoy parts of the job.

Or get a Mac mini and upgrade a bit further down the track.

Seriously thinking about finishing upgrading archicad with V29 perpetual, and running that until the grim reaper knocks on the door.

In the old days retirement was easy, no special equipment to do the job. just a pen and drawing board. Nowadays the cost implications of keeping things running is quite the problem. Interested in how others are handling the retirement question.   

[Karl Ottenstein]

The big difference with the current MacBook Pro… and the early (?) 2025 Mac Studio or Mac Pro and the Mac Mini is that the Mini only goes up to the M4 Pro (only choice of Mini for Archicad in my view due to the faster memory speed and additional GPU cores).   The new Studio and Pro will have M4 Max or M4 Ultra.  Today’s MacBook Pro with M4 Max has double or more the graphics cores of the M4 Pro in the Mini… so if you use rendering software that uses those cores…or multiple external monitors… it will make a big difference…but at a price.

That said, the M4 Pro Mini would be remarkably faster and run much cooler compared to your i9 iMac 😊

[De_Ja]

Hi Richard, not an expert at all, but the Mac Studio with an M4 chip will be quite a beast compared to you iMac and I reckon would see you out for good 10 years. I have a 2013 13" MacBook Pro and albeit a wee bit slow but when on the move will still cope with smaller AC projects but understandably grinds to a shuddering halt with Twinmotion. That's coming up for 12 years on from purchase. If you're looking to halt AC upgrades at V29, as in next year probably an idea to hold off getting anything new until next year when the new Studio comes out and you can see the full specs. In the UK the base level Mac Mini M4Pro with a 48GB upgrade retails at £1800 and £2000 with the 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU, and maxed out with 64GB memory takes it to £2200, which is more than the current Studio. You'll probably find that the new Studio will match the current pricing levels, so I reckon hold fire and keep your cash until next year and max out on the best machine you can afford at that time.

BTW loved Dunedin when I was there and looking forward to heading down to NZ again next year.

Cheers DJ