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