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Can I run Vectorworks 2025 on a Mac Mini M2 Pro, 32 GB RAM?


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Can anyone advise if they have used VW 2025 on a Mac Mini M2 Pro, 32 GB RAM. We are architects and need a fast mac that can cope with BIM modelling in VW.  I am looking into getting the Mac Mini M2 Pro with 12 core CPU, 19 core GPU.  I cant work out of the graphics card on this Mac will match the VW high end profile specs.

Grateful for any advice 🙂

 

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5 hours ago, David James Architects said:

Can anyone advise if they have used VW 2025 on a Mac Mini M2 Pro, 32 GB RAM.

 

I can confirm that I run VW 2025 on a M1 standard, non-Pro/Max, Mini with its poor max out 16 GB memory .....

 

It is no fun of course.

I may reach the memory limit and brownish Activity Manager Memory Curve, pretty easily with just a 

small residential building BIM modeling and a few Safari Tabs and Apple Mail 🙂

 

I can't even think of also opening that small Project in parallel on Bricscad.

VW already asks for around 10 GB of memory.

It is not a big issue swapping many background Apps and Tabs, but it is a problem when a single

App needs the whole memory in one piece.

 

VW profits from fast single core CPU speed,

so newer Apple ARM SoCs will usually be better than older ones.

VW can sometimes use more than one Threads but I think a Mx Ultra

would not help much over a standard Mx, beside CPU Rendering or the option of offering

more memory available,

similar for the GPU or AI cores.

 

So M1 standard-Ultra decision may be more limited by your min memory needs.

 

 

 

But of course, for a Mac Mini,

wait for the presentation (should be during October !)/release (rumored to be Nov 1st)

of a new M4 Mac Mini !

If that will be ever unsatisfying, you can still buy the M2 Mini Pro and hope for an ever

better discount ...

 

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I agree with @zoomer. The M2 Mac Mini is a step up from the M2 MacBookAir (24GB) that I use.  My Mac it is suitable for the type of work that I do (single family residences without much rendering), I know that (much) more memory would really help, and I wouldn't call it a "high end profile" machine.  You might be better off with Mac Studios which allows for more memory.  

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6 minutes ago, E|FA said:

You might be better off with Mac Studios which allows for more memory.  

 

I think,

if you have a need for/can live with, a mobile Macbook Pro, these M Pro or Max offers are a great.

 

If you prefer a desktop like me and as Apple forgot to release a M3 Studio (or Mac Pro anyone 😉 )

We have to wait (again) for at least mid 2025 for a M4 (or already M5 ?) Studio or go with

another interims M4 Mac Mini, rumored for early October 2024 release.

 

I just see that it doesn't make sense, for my usage, to go something less than 32 memory,

which is my absolute min spec for now, not for a few years in very near future ,,,

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  • 3 weeks later...
3 hours ago, ParkerJames said:

Similar question…sort of.

My desktop is a Studio and runs great.

What is the minimum Max Air suitable for remote use for client meetings alone?

Residential single family homes.

To add: I am running 2024 and will load 2025 after another patch or so.

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