Looking to buy a new Mac, I searched and did come across several topics.
But they don’t give a definitive answer what options are better for Rhino, most just point to the minimal specs to run Rhino, and I see answers like: maybe this, probably that or it will run fine
I work with larger models, like 3D scans, and I do get slowdown when working with the larger files.
I almost never render an image or use grasshopper, and mostly work in shaded mode.
I really want to specifically know, do I spend money on work memory or more CPU / GPU cores ?
I think this is quite simple. The latest is usually the best choice. The new M5 has more memory bandwidth compared to the M4, higher SSD throughput and faster raytracing. All aspects that make your work experience nicer with Rhino.
If you want to get the more compact 14inch, the timing is right. If you want more performance with the M5Pro or the bigger 16inch, then you’ll have to wait until early next year.
For larger files, more RAM is safer so I would go with 32 instead of 24GB, especially since this is shared between CPU and GPU. If you want even more, then again you’d have to wait for the other M5 variants coming early 2026.
Buying an M4 Macbook now doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense unless you get a really good deal.
I assume you are looking for a Macbook, not a Mini or Studio?
Well, the Mac Mini with M5 will likely be released together with the other Macbook Pro models in early 2026. Then you’ll be able to get it with an M5Pro chip. That Mac Mini with M5Pro will outperform a Studio with M1Max.
M5 Pro and Max aren’t ready yet because Apple will utilize multi chip packaging. Those take some more time to be ready, that’s why this time they only released the normal M5 alone.
Buying a Mac is really not easy, especially because Apple is so damn good at upselling .
I don’t really see the problem. You are working with big files or meshes so you would of course want strong hardware. The more is always the better but how much you can get depends on what you are willing to spend.
For a mac you start with the base chip and there your priority should be to go with more RAM. So not 16GB, not 24GB but 32GB - that should put you in a comfortable spot. If want to spend more, you can get the Pro chip instead of the base chip. If you then still are willing to pay more you go with even more RAM than 32GB. Still more money to throw at it - then you get the Max chip and so on.
SSD capacity isn’t affecting your workflow performance that much unless you run out of memory (RAM), then the OS will swap. I recommend to not get less that 1TB.
1TB why?:
Usually SSD controllers achieve their max throughput by writing to multiple NAND chips in parallel. If you have a low capacity SSD it might not have enough physical NAND chips for its controller to reach its theoretical read/write limit. Thats why macs with SSD capacities of 256 or 512 often show worse SSD performance compared to a 1TB model.
It sounds like you are having issues with drawing this many triangles at a decent framerate. If you are able to load and view this model, then you already have enough ram so the only thing that can potentially improve framerate would be better gpu.
Not sure if you interpreted Steve’s comment well. If you are able to load the geometry already,but only frame rate is bad, adding more memory will not make it go faster.
I’m a Windows user, so I can’t answer to which Mac you have to choose.
In Mac OS there’s an Activity Monitor, similar to the Windows Task Manager or Linux one, that lets you see how many resources programs are using.
So, before spending money on one solution or another, I would take a look to how many Ram is used and how the GPU is working when you have the files loaded.
If the Ram is at 50% you don’t need more… if it’s at 95% you can go on working but you should think to add more.
Same for the GPU, if you see that rotating the view in Rhino put the GPU at 100% for several seconds and the system freeze, then you have to try a powerful video card…
It’s very difficult and “dangerous” to tell someone which machine to buy because there are a lot of configuration and a lot of different prices and would be a pity to spend a lot of money in something he doesn’t need… so this is why you don’t get a direct response from other users.
The Activity monitor is a good place to look, thanks.
I also work with 3D scanners at my workplace on Win, and the manufacturer not only just tells me the minimal specs to run the software, but details what processor is better, and the more RAM the better the performance.
And most, if not all CAD program developers on Win can tell you what you should prioritize when buying hardware.
I was hoping here at the official Rhino forum, they (the developers) could tell me on what hardware to concentrate on, when buying a new system, and I think they should be able to, and it’s a bit silly that they cannot.
It seems McNeel doesn’t have enough experience about developing for the Mac and they… just… don’t… know.
Unfortunately Mac is a closed system so you can improve until a certain limit, Increasing Memory or Cpu on Mac doesn’t increase the performance at the same rate as the costs.
Doubling your Ram would not cut in half your rendeirng time… propabibly would not change anything.
The MAC base system is really performative but when hiper-performance are needed Win reamains more upgradable. Nvidia and AMD card could work in parallel incrementing performance, it’s called scalability. Mac, by choice, is not scalable.
If you feel that your Mac is at the limit a Win solution could handle the workload better.
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