MSI Codex Z2C, Ryzen 7 8700F, 32GB, 2TB SSD, RTX 5070
Apple Mac Studio M3 Ultra 2025, 96GB, 1TB SSD, Silver
What Buyers Say
MSI Codex Z2C, Ryzen 7 8700F, 32GB, 2TB SSD, RTX 5070
The MSI Codex Z2C Gaming Desktop receives strong praise for its performance in gaming, video editing, and machine learning, with users highlighting its value at $1500. However, a notable limitation is the lack of a 2.5GbE port, as it only offers Gigabit Ethernet. Overall, it is seen as a capable and versatile machine for demanding tasks.
Pros
- Excellent gaming performance
- Great value for $1500
- Handles max graphics easily
- Powerful for video editing
- 12GB VRAM for machine learning
Cons
- No 2.5GbE port
- Only Gigabit Ethernet
Apple Mac Studio M3 Ultra 2025, 96GB, 1TB SSD, Silver
Users are overwhelmingly positive about this Mac, calling it a powerhouse and the best value for power users. They praise its multicore performance, GPU capabilities, and ability to handle demanding tasks like video editing and development without issues. The M3 Ultra is seen as a better value than the M4 Max, especially when configured with more memory.
Pros
- Powerful multicore performance
- Great GPU value
- Handles demanding tasks
- Fast exports
- Reliable and stable
Cons
- Single-core performance not noticeably fast
- Potential competition from M4 Max
Scores
Specifications
| MSI Codex Z2C | Apple Mac Studio M3 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | ||
| CPU* | AMD Ryzen 7 8700F | Apple M3 Ultra★ |
| CPU Multi-Core Score | ||
| Cores | 8 | 28★ |
| Frequency | 4.1 GHz★ | 3.5 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 16 MB★ | — |
| Graphics | ||
| GPU* | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070★ | Apple M3 Ultra 60-core |
| GPU Benchmark Score | ||
| Type | discrete | integrated★ |
| VRAM | 12 GB★ | — |
| VRAM Type | GDDR7 | System Shared |
| Memory & Storage | ||
| RAM | 32 GB | 96 GB★ |
| RAM Generation | DDR5★ | — |
| Storage 1 | 2 TB★ | 1 TB |
| Storage 1 Type | NVMe SSD★ | SSD |
| Build | ||
| Form Factor | desktop | sff |
| PSU | 750W★ | — |
| Weight | 9.70 kg | 3.64 kg |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB-C Ports | 1 | 6★ |
| USB Ports | 9★ | 2 |
| Thunderbolt | — | Thunderbolt 5 x 6 |
| HDMI | 1x HDMI 2.1 | 1x HDMI |
| DisplayPort | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a | 0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E★ | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3★ | Bluetooth |
| Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet |
| System | ||
| OS | Windows 11 Home | macOS |
Pros & Cons
MSI Codex Z2C, Ryzen 7 8700F, 32GB, 2TB SSD, RTX 5070
- Strong port selection (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong storage (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong gpu (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong ram (87th percentile)87th %ile
Apple Mac Studio M3 Ultra 2025, 96GB, 1TB SSD, Silver
- Strong cpu (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong reliability (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong ram (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (95th percentile)95th %ile
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 6 of 8 usage categories and 6 of 26 specs.