Skip to content
local-ai

Mac Studio M5 Max

Apple · High-end

The M5 Max Mac Studio, announced August 2026, with up to 128GB of unified memory shared between CPU and GPU at a claimed 614GB/s. A capable, quiet desktop for running mid-to-large models, sitting below the M5 Ultra on both memory ceiling and bandwidth.

Specifications

Unified memory 36GB
Memory bandwidth 614 GB/s
Type complete machine

Announced from $2,499 (US) at launch, with UK pricing to confirm. A complete machine, so compare it against a full build rather than a card. Pre-orders opened 25 August 2026, with availability from 22 September. Figures are Apple's own from the announcement and predate independent testing.

Mac Studio M5 Max: common questions

What models can the Mac Studio M5 Max run?
With 36GB of unified memory it can run models up to roughly 57B parameters at a 4-bit quantisation, or smaller models with more context. Use the hardware matrix for specifics; these figures are approximate.

Strengths

  • Up to 128GB unified memory runs models that need far more than a 24GB card
  • High memory bandwidth for an integrated design, so reasonable generation speed
  • Very low power and near-silent for the capability

Weaknesses

  • Memory bandwidth still trails high-end discrete GPUs, so slower than they are
  • Memory is fixed at purchase and cannot be upgraded
  • AI-performance figures are Apple's claims, not yet independently measured
See what models fit in 36GB →

Featured in builds

Entry last verified 25 August 2026. Specifications and especially prices change; verify before buying.