From Newsgroup: comp.sys.mac.system


Apple has reportedly discontinued the Mac Studio with 512GB RAM.

According to this news item from MacRumors, it is due to the shortage
of DRAM chips ... but that is simply complete and utter nonsense. What *EVERYONE* on the internet seems to have forgotten is that Apple does
not even use DRAM chips in any of its devices. The RAM in Apple devices
is built into the Apple Silicon chip itself, not separate DRAM chips
(that's why you can't upgrade it later). The SSD storage drives may use
DRAM chips, but Apple doesn't actually make those, only install them in
their devices and they are not RAM, so has zero affect on teh 512GB RAM computer.

The actual most likely reasons for discontinuing this top-end model is
simply that it's super-expensive, so sells in limited quantities, and
Apple is probably trimming the stock levels of CPUs, possibly ready for
the release of updated models.


Mac Studio 512GB RAM Option Disappears Amid Global DRAM Shortage
----------------------------------------------------------------
Apple quietly updated Mac Studio configuration options this week,
removing the 512GB memory upgrade. As of yesterday, there is no
option to purchase a ‌Mac Studio‌ with 512GB RAM, with the machine
now maxing out at 256GB.

The ‌Mac Studio‌ starts with 36GB RAM, but there were upgrades
ranging from 48GB to 512GB, with the higher tier upgrades limited
to the M3 Ultra chip. Now there are options ranging from 48GB to
256GB, with wait times into May for the 256GB upgrade.

Apple has also raised the price for the 256GB RAM upgrade option.
It used to cost $1,600 to go from 96GB to 256GB on the high-end
M3 Ultra machine, but now it costs $2,000. 512GB was $4,000 when
it was available.

Apple has likely removed the option to purchase 512GB of memory
because of global DRAM shortages that have dried up supply and
caused prices to soar, and it's also probably why shipping times
for a configuration with 256GB RAM range into May.

Demand for the ‌Mac Studio‌ has increased due to consumers seeking
machines suitable for running local AI agents, which could also
be a wait time factor.

Memory scarcity is already having an effect on DRAM pricing, and
it could affect PC and smartphone sales in the months to come.
Apple is able to absorb higher memory costs in the short term, and
it is well-positioned to minimize the effect on consumers because
it is better able to secure available DRAM supply than smaller
companies.

We are expecting M5 Max and M5 Ultra versions of the ‌Mac Studio‌ in
2026, but it is not yet clear when Apple might release an update.


<https://www.macrumors.com/2026/03/05/mac-studio-no-512gb-ram-upgrade/>




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