Best Macs For Rendering of 2024

When it comes to using rendering software on a Mac, you need a lot of processing power we decided to take a look at the best Macs for rendering of 2024.

3D modelling and rendering is incredibly resource-intensive and so its essential you buy the right Mac to handle the demands of it.

However, with so many Macs on the market, it can be confusing knowing which one is best for it.

Which Software Does Rendering on Macs?

Some of the most common reasons for rendering include:

• Architects that need to render 3D CAD designs made in CAD software
• Graphic designers that need to render 3D modelling in graphic design software
• Animators or 3D artists that need to render 3D animations such as in 3DS Max or Blender
• Video editors that need to render 4K video in packages like After Effects or other video editing software such as Final Cut Pro.

Can Macs Be Used For Rendering?

Macs are ideal for rendering and some of the best rendering software now work on Macs including Keyshot, Enscape, Maya and Adobe Substance.

The latest generation of Apple Silicon Macs as particularly suited to the demands of rendering software.

The M1, M2, M3 and M4 chips are the most powerful chips ever produced by Apple and are more than powerful enough for heavy duty 3D rendering tasks.

Which M-series Chip is Fastest For Rendering?

Without doubt, any Mac with the M2 Ultra chip is the fastest Mac for rendering.

However, currently the only Macs with the M2 Ultra chip are the M2 Mac Studio or the M2 Mac Pro.

The Ultra chip, currently available in Apple’s M1 Ultra and M2 Ultra variants, can only be customized in the following Macs:

1. Mac Studio
   • Both the M1 Ultra and M2 Ultra chips are configurable options for the Mac Studio. This compact powerhouse is designed for professionals that need extreme performance for rendering, video editing, and 3D modeling.
2. Mac Pro (2023)
   • The M2 Ultra chip is the only option for the Mac Pro, making it the most powerful Mac available for highly intensive tasks like scientific simulations and large-scale rendering. This model combines the Ultra chip’s performance with modular expandability, including PCIe slots for additional upgrades.

The Ultra chip is exclusive to these high-performance desktop Macs due to its design focus on heavy multitasking, GPU-intensive tasks, and maximum RAM support, making it ideal for rendering work.

However, if these Macs are out of your budget, even the slightly slower Pro and Max are more than capable of handling most rendering projects.

How To Choose A Mac For Rendering

There are a several important factors to consider when choosing which Mac is best for your rendering needs.

Apart from the ludicrously expensive Mac Pro, Apple Silicon Macs are not customizable after purchase so it’s crucial you get the customization right when you buy it.

Nowadays, there are very few Macs on the market that can be upgraded later.

The exceptions include the older 27 inch Intel iMac, the Intel Mac Mini and the the latest M2 Mac Pro which has six additional PCIe Gen 4 cards.

Many older obsolete Intel Macs can also customized however such as the Classic Mac Pro although these are a dying breed.

Here’s some important things to consider when choosing which Mac to go for when using mainly for rendering.

1. Processing Power (CPU)

Rendering heavily depends on CPU performance.

• Multi-core CPU: Look for Macs with high-core-count processors (e.g., M2 Ultra or M3 Max), as rendering applications like Blender and Cinema 4D benefit from parallel processing.
• Clock Speed: Higher clock speeds are ideal for faster single-threaded operations.

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2. Graphics Performance (GPU)

The GPU is crucial for rendering 3D graphics, textures, and real-time previews.

• Integrated GPU in Apple Silicon: Macs with M1/M2/M3/M4 Pro, Max, or Ultra chips offer integrated GPUs with up to 76 cores (M2 Ultra), optimized for rendering software like Maya or Redshift.
• Metal Support: Ensure compatibility with Apple’s Metal framework, which many rendering tools now support for accelerated performance.

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3. Memory (RAM)

Sufficient memory is vital for handling large scenes or high-resolution textures.

• Unified Memory: Apple Silicon Macs use unified memory, which is faster than traditional RAM.
• Recommended Amounts: At least 32GB for 3D rendering; 64GB or more is ideal for heavy workloads.

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4. Storage

Rendering projects can generate large files, requiring ample storage space.

• SSD Storage: Opt for as much SSD space as possible (at least 2TB or more for rendering). External SSDs can provide additional capacity at a cheaper cost than adding internal hard drive space.
• Expansion Capability: Only very high-end Macs like the Mac Pro allow internal storage upgrades, while most rely on external devices.

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5. Display and Resolution

Rendering work benefits from high-quality displays to preview intricate details.

• Retina Displays: Macs with Retina XDR displays offer accurate colors, high brightness, and HDR support, essential for rendering visualization.
• External Display Support: Ensure compatibility with 4K, 5k or even 8K external monitors for detailed previews. Note that only Macs that have HDMI 2.1 ports support 8K.

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6. Software Compatibility

Check for software support for macOS and Apple Silicon. Many rendering tools like Blender, Redshift, and Octane are optimized for Apple’s M-series chips.

Some however still only work natively on Intel Macs and although they will work on Apple Silicon thanks to Rosetta, performance isn’t as good.

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7. Portability vs. Desktop Power

This will depend on how you plan to use the Mac:

• Portability: The MacBook Pro (M2/M3/M4 Max) offers mobile power if you need to render on the move.
• Desktop Power: The Mac Studio or Mac Pro provide unmatched performance for desktop setups.

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8. Budget

Rendering requires high-performance hardware, so consider your budget:

• Entry-level: M3 iMac for light rendering.
• Mid-tier: M3/M4 Pro MacBook Pro or Mac Mini.
• High-end: M2 Ultra Mac Studio or Mac Pro.

With these factors in mind, here’s our selection of the best Macs for rendering of 2024.

1. M2 Mac Studio

The M2 Mac Studio is Apple’s newest Mac aimed at creative professionals and the M2 Mac Studio with M2 Ultra chip is our pick for the best Mac for rendering due to a mix of incredible power and connectivity.

Apart from the desktop Mac Pro, the Mac Studio is the only Mac available with the unbelievably fast M2 Ultra chip with 24-core or 76-core performance.

Why the M2 Mac Studio is Ideal for Rendering

• Unparalleled Performance: The M2 Ultra chip, available in the Mac Studio, is one of Apple’s fastest processors, featuring a 24-core CPU and up to a 76-core GPU. This makes it capable of handling even the most demanding rendering tasks with ease. Apple reports up to 20% faster CPU performance and 30% better GPU performance compared to the M1 Ultra.
• Advanced Memory Options: The M2 Ultra supports up to 192GB of unified memory with 800GB/s memory bandwidth, providing exceptional multitasking capabilities and the ability to handle large rendering projects seamlessly.
• Optimized for Creative Software: Its performance shines with rendering tools such as Blender, Cinema 4D, and Redshift, which have been optimized for Apple Silicon, offering smooth and efficient operation for 3D modeling, animation, and video rendering tasks.
• Extensive Connectivity: The M2 Mac Studio includes:
  • Four Thunderbolt 4 ports for external displays or high-speed storage.
  • 10GB Ethernet for rapid data transfers.
  • Two USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 port (which also supports 8K monitors), and a Pro audio jack, offering comprehensive support for various peripherals.
• High-Speed Storage: Configurable with up to 8TB of SSD storage, it allows for fast read/write speeds essential for large rendering files.
• Compact Design: Unlike the bulkier Mac Pro, the Mac Studio combines this incredible performance in a space-saving form factor, ideal for small studio setups.

Real-World Performance

When it comes to rendering tasks, speed is critical. In tests, the M2 Mac Studio rendered 4K video footage in just over 3 minutes, a significant improvement compared to older Intel Macs.

This makes it ideal for professionals working with high-resolution video or complex 3D scenes.

In our opinion, the M2 Mac Studio with M2 Ultra chip is the ultimate Mac for rendering, combining speed, efficiency, and power.

For professionals who demand top-tier performance without the need for Mac Pro’s expandability, the Mac Studio is the perfect choice.

Pricing

Pricing for the Mac Studio starts at $1,999 (£1,999) for the M1 Max with the M1 Ultra starting at $3,999 (£3,999).

If you bought a top of the range Mac Studio with M2 Ultra chip, 8TB of SSD it would cost $7,999 (£6,100) so it doesn’t come cheap but you wouldn’t need to upgrade for years to come.

On top of this ideally you would add the 27 inch 5K Apple Studio Display which starts $1599 (£1499) although you could also use one of the many excellent alternatives to the Apple Studio display instead.

Check-out our full Mac Studio M2 review to see what we think of this unbelievably powerful compact Mac.

Pros:

• Available with Apple’s most powerful M2 Ultra chip
• Up to 76-core processing power
• Add up to 8TB of SSD hard drive space
• Add up to 192MB unified memory
• Connect up to 5 external displays

Cons:

• Price
• Not upgradable after purchase
• Requires monitor, keyboard and mouse

2. M4 MacBook Pro 16 inch

The M4 MacBook Pro is Apple’s latest mobile laptop powerhouse, making it an outstanding choice for professionals working with rendering software that also need mobility.

Released in late 2024, it offers immense performance on the move, advanced memory options, and a stunning display – all packed into one.

Why the M4 MacBook Pro is Ideal for Rendering

1. M4 Max and M4 Pro Chips

While the M4 Ultra is exclusive to desktops, the M4 Max brings desktop-level performance to the MacBook Pro.

• M4 Max Highlights:
  • Up to a 20-core CPU for accelerated multi-threaded performance.
  • A 48-core GPU, providing unmatched power for rendering complex 3D models, animations, and visual effects.
  • Unified memory bandwidth of 800GB/s, making it seamless to handle large rendering projects.
• M4 Pro Features:
  • Configurable up to a 12-core CPU and 24-core GPU for lighter but demanding workloads.

2. Unified Memory (RAM) and Storage

• Configurable up to 128GB of unified memory with the M4 Max, ensuring smooth multitasking even when handling massive rendering datasets.
• Base configurations start with 512GB SSD, expandable to 8TB, ideal for storing high-resolution assets and project files.

3. Improved Rendering Speeds

Apple claims the M4 MacBook Pro renders video and 3D content significantly faster than the M2 models, with improvements of up to 30% in GPU performance over the M2 Max.

Tools like Blender and Final Cut Pro are optimized for Apple Silicon, ensuring faster rendering times.

4. Exceptional Battery Life

The 16-inch M4 MacBook Pro offers:

• Up to 20 hours of video playback and 15 hours of web browsing on battery power – ideal for professional designers on the go.

5. Liquid Retina XDR Display

The Liquid Retina XDR display is a dream for rendering work:

• Resolution of 3024 x 1964 pixels for crystal-clear detail.
• Support for DCI-P3 wide color gamut with 1,600 nits brightness, perfect for precision rendering and editing.
• True Tone technology ensures optimal color accuracy in varying lighting conditions.

6. Connectivity and Expansion

• HDMI 2.1 supports 8K displays at 60Hz and 4K displays at up to 240Hz for rendering previews on external monitors.
• Three Thunderbolt 4 ports and MagSafe charging provide flexibility for peripherals and accessories.

The M4 MacBook Pro combines power, efficiency, and portability, making it one of the best Macs for rendering in 2024. Whether you’re an animator, video editor, or 3D artist, the M4 Max configuration delivers desktop-level performance in a sleek and versatile design.

Pricing

• 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro: Starting at $1,599.
• 16-inch M4 MacBook Pro: Starting at $2,499, with upgrades depending on configuration.

If this is out of your budget, you may also find better deals with the slightly older M3 MacBook Pro which offers similar specs.

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Pros:

• Easily able to handle rendering on the move
• Up to 38 core GPU
• Up to 96GB of unified memory
• HDMI 2.1 ports that support up to 8K
• Connectivity

Cons:

• Price
• Not upgradable
• Not customizable with the Ultra chip

3. M2 Mac Mini

Although the M2 Mac Mini has now been superseded by the M4 Mac Mini, the discounted pricing of the M2 model make it a winner for those rendering on a budget.

It offers comparable performance to the M4 model for rendering tasks at a significantly lower price.

Why the M2 Mac Mini is Great for Rendering

1. Excellent Performance for Its Price

• The M2 Mac Mini features up to a 12-core CPU and 19-core GPU (with the M2 Pro upgrade), making it capable of handling rendering for video editing, 3D modeling, and animation efficiently.
• While the M4 Mac Mini delivers incremental improvements in performance, the M2 remains more than sufficient for most rendering software, especially for freelancers or smaller studios.

2. Unified Memory

• Configurable up to 32GB of unified memory, which provides fast access for both CPU and GPU. This is enough for handling complex rendering tasks, although heavier scenes might benefit from higher memory configurations available in M4 models.

3. High-Speed Storage Options

• Available with up to 8TB of SSD storage, ensuring fast read and write speeds for rendering files. This allows for seamless handling of large textures, high-resolution videos, and project files.

4. Optimized for Rendering Software

• The M2 Mac Mini excels with rendering software optimized for Apple Silicon, such as Blender, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve. Its efficiency makes it competitive even with newer models, ensuring you’re not left behind in performance.

5. Affordability

• The base model M2 Mac Mini starts at just $599, while the M2 Pro Mac Mini starts at $1,299—significantly cheaper than the M4 Mac Mini, which starts at $899 for the base model and climbs higher for Pro configurations. Although it’s more expensive than the basic M2 chip, we strongly recommend going for the more powerful M2 Mac Mini with M2 Pro chip for rendering as not only is it faster but it also supports up to three external displays – two via Thunderbolt and one via HDMI.
• The M2 Pro version of the Mac Mini also allows you to customize it with up to 32GB of unified memory.
• For those on a tight budget, the price-to-performance ratio of the M2 Mac Mini is hard to beat.

6. Compact and Versatile Design

• The compact size makes the M2 Mac Mini ideal for smaller workspaces or studios.
• It’s compatible with a range of external monitors and peripherals, offering flexibility for multi-monitor setups essential for rendering previews.

7. Connectivity

• Includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, USB-A ports, and Gigabit Ethernet, providing ample options to connect external GPUs, storage, or displays.

M2 vs M4 for Rendering

• Performance Gap: The M4 Mac Mini offers marginal improvements in GPU core count and memory bandwidth, making it better for ultra-high-end tasks. However, for most rendering work, the difference in processing power is negligible.
• Cost Efficiency: The M2 Mac Mini delivers similar performance for a much lower price, making it ideal for those on a budget who don’t need the absolute latest hardware.

The M2 Mac Mini stands out as one of the best Macs for rendering on a budget. While the M4 Mac Mini offers slight performance gains, the M2 is more than capable of handling demanding tasks for a lower cost.

You can read our full M2 Mac Mini review for more on this incredibly powerful budget Mac.

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Pros:

• Price
• Great budget Mac for rendering
• Can support 3 displays simultaneously
• Up to 8TB of storage
• Up to 32GB of memory
• Easily portable

Cons:

• Requires keyboard, monitor and mouse separately
• Not customizable with the M2 Ultra chip

4. Mac Pro

For professionals with an unlimited budget who demand the absolute best for rendering, the Mac Pro (not to be confused with the MacBook Pro) stands as Apple’s most powerful and expandable Mac.

Its cutting-edge performance, unparalleled connectivity, and modular design make it an exceptional choice for particularly demanding rendering.

Why the Mac Pro Excels at Rendering

1. Equipped with the M2 Ultra Chip

At the heart of the Mac Pro is the M2 Ultra chip, Apple’s fastest processor to date:

• 24-core CPU delivers unrivaled computational power for multi-threaded tasks like 3D rendering and animation.
• 76-core GPU ensures lightning-fast graphics rendering, ideal for software like Blender, Cinema 4D, and Maya.
• 192GB of unified memory with 800GB/s memory bandwidth offers seamless handling of massive rendering projects and datasets.

2. PCIe Expansion for Flexibility

The Mac Pro is the only Apple Silicon Mac with PCIe expandability, featuring six PCIe Gen 4 slots for upgrading with additional GPUs, storage, or network cards.

While Apple Silicon doesn’t support external GPUs (eGPUs), the PCIe slots provide ample opportunity to customize for specialized tasks.

3. Exceptional Connectivity

• Eight Thunderbolt 4 ports make the Mac Pro perfect for connecting multiple Thunderbolt hard drives, external SSDs, and other peripherals essential for rendering.
• Additional USB-A ports, dual 10Gb Ethernet, and HDMI provide comprehensive connectivity options.

4. Support for Multiple Displays

The Mac Pro can drive up to six Pro Display XDRs, delivering unmatched clarity for color grading, 3D modeling, and high-resolution rendering.

However, while the Pro Display XDR is the gold standard, it starts at $4,999 and the Apple Studio Display offers a more affordable alternative.

5. Designed for Professionals

Available in desktop and rack-mounted configurations, the Mac Pro suits various studio setups.

Its modular design and PCIe slots ensure it’s one of the few Macs that’s relatively future-proof, offering professionals the ability to upgrade components as needs evolve.

Why Choose the Mac Pro for Rendering?

The Mac Pro’s combination of the M2 Ultra chip, modular expandability, and extensive connectivity makes it the most capable rendering machine Apple offers.

If your work requires handling large, complex projects and you need future-proof customization, the Mac Pro is perfect.

Pricing for Mac Pro is not for the faint-hearted though. Starting at $6,999 (£7,199), it’s by far the most expensive Mac for rendering and strictly for professionals.

Pros:

• The most powerful Mac desktop computer for rendering
• Six PCIe card slots for upgrading graphics
• Equipped with the M2 Ultra chip
• An incredible 8 Thunderbolt 4 ports
• Connect up to six external displays

Cons:

• Not portable
• Very expensive
• Bulky design

5. M4 iMac

If you need an all-in-one budget solution for rendering, then the latest M4 iMac released in November 2024 combines power, simplicity, and elegance.

Why the M4 iMac is a Strong Choice for Rendering

1. Enhanced M4 Chip Performance

• The M4 chip in the latest iMac offers up to 12 CPU cores and 18 GPU cores, delivering faster processing for complex rendering tasks.
• Optimized for software like Blender, Final Cut Pro, and Cinema 4D, the M4 iMac handles large rendering files with ease, providing a smoother, more efficient workflow compared to the M1 or M2 versions (there were no M3 iMacs).

2. Unified Memory and Speed

• Configurable with up to 32GB of unified memory, the M4 iMac ensures seamless multitasking, allowing users to render, preview, and edit simultaneously without slowdowns.
• Memory bandwidth improvements over earlier models mean quicker processing of textures, simulations, and high-resolution assets.

3. Stunning 24-Inch Retina Display

• The 4.5K Retina display on the M4 iMac is perfect for rendering professionals, offering 500 nits of brightness, P3 wide color gamut, and True Tone technology for accurate color reproduction.
• The resolution and color precision ensure rendered outputs appear exactly as intended, a key factor for professionals in industries like animation and visual effects.

4. Sleek, All-in-One Design

• The compact, all-in-one form factor of the iMac saves desk space without sacrificing performance, making it ideal for home offices, small studios, or collaborative workspaces.
• Available in vibrant colors, it brings a touch of personality to your setup while still delivering high-spec performance for rendering.

5. Improved Connectivity

• The M4 iMac features Thunderbolt 4 ports, allowing users to connect high-speed external storage, additional monitors, or other peripherals.
• While it lacks PCIe expandability (like the Mac Pro), its connectivity options suffice for most professionals.

6. Efficiency and Value

• The M4 iMac delivers remarkable performance for its price, providing high-end rendering capabilities at a more affordable price than the Mac Pro or Mac Studio.
• Its energy efficiency and fanless operation make it quiet and sustainable, perfect for long rendering sessions.

M4 iMac vs. Previous Models

• Compared to the M1 iMac, the M4 delivers 50% faster CPU performance and significantly better GPU capabilities, allowing smoother handling of intensive tasks.
• Unlike earlier versions, the M4 offers improved memory bandwidth and advanced rendering support, ensuring faster completion times for complex projects.

The M4 iMac is an excellent all-in-one solution for rendering professionals seeking performance, simplicity, and affordability.

With its powerful M4 chip, stunning Retina display, and compact design, it bridges the gap between casual rendering enthusiasts and professionals who require a reliable and efficient workstation.

For those seeking a balance between cost and capability, the M4 iMac is a great option.

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Pros:

• Ideal as a budget desktop all-in-one Mac for rendering
• 24 inch retina 4.5K display
• M4 chip is super fast for rendering
• Choice of colors

Cons:

• Desktop solution only
• Lack of ports compared to other desktop Macs
• 27 and 21 inch model discontinued