Starforge Systems
Starforge Systems Voyager IV
Gaming · Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus · GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16GB
8.1
$3,200Nov 9
Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max / M5 Ultra)
Apple's compact pro desktop with M5 Max or M5 Ultra chips, unified memory up to 512 GB and 10Gb Ethernet.
- Creator, Workstation, AI / ML
- Apple M5 Max (18-core CPU)
- Apple M5 Max (32-core GPU)
- 36 GB
- 512 GB
PCPR score
6.1
Poor
Best price we’ve seen
$2,499Nov 9
Checked recently. Confirm at the retailer.
R1
The short version
Mac Studio is Apple's compact desktop for creative and AI work, now built around the M5 Max or M5 Ultra chip with unified memory up to 128 GB (Max) or 512 GB (Ultra) and 10Gb Ethernet. It measures 3.7 × 7.7 × 7.7 inches and drives up to five or eight external displays over Thunderbolt 5 and HDMI, depending on the chip. Memory and storage are selected at purchase, so buyers should size them up front. There is no internal expansion path listed.
Pros
- M5 Ultra configurations reach 512 GB of unified memory, rare on a desktop of this size
- Four Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI 2.1 and 10Gb Ethernet as standard
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 in a 3.7 × 7.7 × 7.7 in body
- Drives up to five (M5 Max) or eight (M5 Ultra) external displays
Cons
- Memory and storage must be chosen at purchase
- No internal expansion slots are listed in Apple's specifications
- macOS rules out Windows-only software without virtualization
- Top memory tiers require the highest M5 Ultra chip option
Best for
- Video, audio and 3D creators on macOS
- On-device AI models that need large amounts of unified memory
SYS1
Configurations
| Configuration | Processor | Graphics | Memory | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M5 Max · 18-core CPU · 32-core GPU · 36GB · 512GB | Apple M5 Max (18-core CPU) | Apple M5 Max (32-core GPU) | 36 GB | 512 GB | $2,499 |
| M5 Max · 18-core CPU · 40-core GPU · 64GB · 1TB | Apple M5 Max (18-core CPU) | Apple M5 Max (40-core GPU) | 64 GB | 1 TB | $3,099 |
| M5 Ultra · 30-core CPU · 64-core GPU · 96GB · 1TB | Apple M5 Ultra (30-core CPU) | Apple M5 Ultra (64-core GPU) | 96 GB | 1 TB | $5,499 |
J5
What you can upgrade later
Memory
UnconfirmedThe maker doesn’t publish its slot layout. Check before buying more memory.
Browse memoryProcessor
UnconfirmedA drop-in upgrade depends on the socket and the maker’s BIOS. Check the board before buying a CPU.
Browse processorJ3
Full specifications
Core
- Built for
- Creator, Workstation, AI / ML
- Form factor
- Mini PC
- Processor
- Apple M5 Max (18-core CPU)
- Graphics
- Apple M5 Max (32-core GPU)
Memory
- Memory
- 36 GB
- Storage
- 512 GB
Power
- PSU details
- Internal; Apple lists 480 W maximum continuous power
Software
- Operating system
- macOS
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi 7
- Ethernet
- 10 GbE
Physical
- Finish
- Silver
- Dimensions
- 3.7 × 7.7 × 7.7 in (H × W × D)
Compatibility notes
- Rear Thunderbolt 5 ports run at up to 120 Gb/s; front ports differ by chip (M5 Max: two USB-C at 10 Gb/s and SDXC; M5 Ultra: two Thunderbolt 5 and SDXC)
- Apple lists a maximum continuous power draw of 480 W
P1
Where to buy
Official store
Seen Nov 9, 2026
$2,499
Buy from the makerBest Buy
Seen Nov 9, 2026
$2,499
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AV1
Video reviews
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R9
Common questions
Can the memory or storage be upgraded later?
Apple lists unified memory and SSD capacity as configuration choices at purchase, so plan for the capacity you need. Apple's specifications show no user-upgrade path for either.
How many displays can Mac Studio drive?
Apple says M5 Max supports up to five external displays and M5 Ultra up to eight, over Thunderbolt 5 and HDMI, with resolution limits that depend on the display count.
Which chip should I choose?
M5 Max starts with 36 GB of unified memory and suits most video and 3D work. M5 Ultra starts at 96 GB and reaches 512 GB on the 36-core CPU, 80-core GPU option, aimed at large AI models and the heaviest rendering.
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