Apple M4 Pro and Archicad

This hardware benchmark test report provides a detailed performance analysis of the latest Apple devices and is specifically tailored for the needs of Archicad users.

When Graphisoft published their benchmarking results for the M3 MAX, we thought we should do something similar with more reasonably priced Apple hardware – essentially to find the value for money sweet spot.

Our tests analyse both standard and intensive Archicad workflows, highlighting the relative strengths of the below devices in handling various architectural tasks.

Here is the line-up…

iMac (2020)
8-Core Intel Core i7
AMD Radeon Pro 5500
24GB DDR4 Ram
500GB SSD

Price: N/A

MacStudio (2023)
Apple M2 Max
12 CPU, 30 GPU cores
64GB Unified Ram
500GB SSD

Price: $3,899

Mac Mini (2024)
Apple M4 Pro
12 CPU, 16 GPU cores
48GB Unified Ram
500GB SSD

Price: $2,799

Macbook Pro (2024)
Apple M4 Pro
12 CPU, 16 GPU cores
48GB Unified Ram
500GB SSD

Price: $3,899

INFO > We also did the below tests on the base model of the M4 Mac Mini, but the results were way below what we consider useful for an architectural workstation.

Hardware Benchmarking

To establish a general baseline the computers’ hardware has been tested using Geekbench 6, measuring their performance in both single-core and multi-core processing tasks.

The results offer a value to each model’s computational power, providing a comparative measure to other devices.

CAUTION > Although this information is valuable, the results are simplified overviews and don’t always reflect true operational strengths.

Archicad Benchmarking

Next we reviewed the performance of the above Apple Hardware utilising Archicad.

For comparisons sake we tried to follow the aforementioned Graphisoft benchmark methodology.

For reference and to keep the results relevant and consistent, our Archicad test PLN file has the below metrics.

Project Details

Size

Type

Phase

No. Dwellings

Height

– 3010MB
– High Rise Residential
– Documentation
– 230
– 27 storeys

File Contents

3D Model

3D Elements

2D Elements

Attributes

Drawings

– 3,335,271 Polygons

– 47,383

– 735,968

– 1117

– 430

Drawings

Sheets

Resolution

Render Detail

Render Engine

– 430

– 221

– 5120 x 2880 (5K)

– Fine Details

– Redshift Renderer

A. Typical Processes

The tests below displays the common tasks encountered in daily use, with results showing the time taken to complete each task in seconds. Lower values are preferable.

B. Slow Processes

The tests below focus on tasks which involve more processing power, with results showing the time taken to complete each task in seconds. Lower values are preferable.

Conclusions and Recommendations

The M2 Max processor in the Mac Studio offers strong GPU performance, but its impact is minimal when working with a single Archicad file.

As expected the new M4 Pro processors outperform older chipsets, delivering better performance at a lower price.

The M4 Pro based MacBook Pro and Mac Mini offer similar computational power, with the MacBook Pro showing slight performance drops likely due to its more limited cooling system.

For flexible work setups, the MacBook Pro is ideal, while the Mac Mini offers comparable power at a significantly lower cost.

Mac Studio M2 Max
– Powerful Graphics
– Higher Cost
– Bulky Form Factor
– Powerful Cooling

Mac Mini M4 Pro
– Powerful Performance
– Cost Effective
– Small Form Factor
– Good Cooling

MacBook Pro M4 Pro
– Powerful Performance
– Balanced Cost
– Portable
– Adequate Cooling

TIP > The above results are now also reflected in our post about Apple Hardware recommendations for Architects.

Andrew Kim

25 December 2024