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What configuration did PetaPixel review?
PetaPixel tested a Mac Studio with an 18-core CPU, 40-core GPU, 128GB unified memory, and 4TB SSD. The review gives its price as $6,899 and notes that the 4TB SSD upgrade accounted for $1,800 of that price. This is a substantially upgraded system, not a description of every M5 Max Mac Studio.
For comparison, PetaPixel lists $3,499 for a configuration with the 40-core GPU, 64GB memory, and 512GB SSD. Apple announced a U.S. starting price of $2,499 for the M5 Max Mac Studio in 2026; the standard M5 Max has a 32-core GPU. These are dated launch and review prices, not a promise of current stock or sale pricing. Check Apple’s technical specifications and current store listing before ordering.
How good is it for photo and video editing?
Lightroom Classic
PetaPixel tested Lightroom Classic with Puget Systems’ Extended benchmark. The workflow imports 250 RAW files from Canon EOS R5 Mark II, Panasonic Lumix S1R II, Sony a1 II, and Nikon Z8 cameras; creates 100 Smart Previews; and exports 100 JPEGs and 100 DNGs. It also exercises AI features including Select Sky, Select Subject, Reflection Removal, Denoise, Enhanced Details, and Super Resolution. The published charts report Sony a1 II timings because those files have the highest megapixel count in the set.
#1 Best Overall
- BRAWN OF A NEW AGE — Mac Studio is a tremendously powerful pro desktop. The M5 Max chip enables remarkable on-device AI compute. Blast through creative projects and professional workflows with the advanced graphics architecture and faster memory and storage.
- M5 MAX CHIP — Tap into breakthrough performance with a next-generation CPU, a more powerful GPU with third-generation ray tracing, and a Neural Accelerator built into each GPU core. Mac Studio gets a boost with more power to generate real-time media and accelerate complex workflows.
- MEMORY AND STORAGE — Get up to 128GB unified memory and up to 614GB/s memory bandwidth for more speed when processing massive datasets, complex 3D scenes, and inference in AI workflows. And up to 2x faster storage* expedites tasks like file transfers and loading large projects.
- A POWERFUL PLATFORM FOR AI — Apple silicon, and every major component that powers it, is designed to run demanding AI workflows like running huge LLMs, directly on device. And Apple Intelligence* helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly, while Siri AI* is your profoundly capable assistant — all with groundbreaking privacy protections.
- A POWERFUL PLATFORM FOR AI — Apple silicon, and every major component that powers it, is designed to run demanding AI workflows like running huge LLMs, directly on device.
In that test, PetaPixel says the M5 Max Mac Studio nearly matched its M3 Ultra comparison system, despite the latter having 256GB of unified memory. The result speaks to the tested systems and benchmark workload; it does not show that every photographer needs 128GB of memory.
Photoshop
PetaPixel calls the M5 Max Mac Studio its best-performing machine tested in Photoshop. That is a strong result for demanding image-editing work, but it is a ranking within the publication’s tested systems, not a universal claim about every computer or every Photoshop task.
Rank #2
- M5 MAX CHIP—Tap into breakthrough performance with a next-generation CPU, a more powerful GPU with third-generation ray tracing, and a Neural Accelerator built into each GPU core. Mac Studio gets a boost with more power to generate real-time media and accelerate complex workflows.
- MEMORY AND STORAGE—Get up to 128GB unified memory and up to 614GB/s memory bandwidth for more speed when processing massive datasets, complex 3D scenes, and inference in AI workflows. And up to 2x faster storage* expedites tasks like dense file transfers and loading large projects.
- A POWERFUL PLATFORM FOR AI—Apple silicon, and every major component that powers it, is designed to run demanding AI workflows like running huge LLMs, directly on device.
- POWERFUL CONNECTIONS—Features four Thunderbolt 5 ports with ultra-high bandwidth for linking models in clustered AI compute or PCIe expansion. Includes two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, an SDXC card slot, a headphone jack, and the ability to connect up to five external displays. With the Apple-designed N1 wireless chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.*
- FITS RIGHT ON YOUR DESK—The compact 7.7-inch-square Mac Studio fits perfectly under most displays. And an advanced thermal system lets you fly through intensive tasks while keeping Mac Studio quiet, so it never interferes with your workflow.
Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve
PetaPixel says the Mac Studio set a new record in its Premiere Pro tests. For DaVinci Resolve, the reviewer cautions that an updated Puget benchmark makes direct comparison with older Macs unhelpful. The comparison pool was also incomplete, and the M3 Ultra system shown had 256GB of memory. Treat the Resolve results as a limited view rather than a clean generational ranking.
Independent benchmark context
Macworld separately tested a high-end M5 Max Mac Studio with a 40-core GPU, 128GB memory, and 4TB SSD. In its Geekbench 7 results, multicore performance was 22% above M4 Max and 9% below M3 Ultra; single-core was 8% above M4 Max. In Geekbench 6, it measured M5 Max multicore performance 7% above M3 Ultra. In Cinebench 2024, Macworld reported GPU performance 33% above M4 Max and 10% above M3 Ultra. Those percentages are Macworld’s results on its review configuration, and should not be treated as guaranteed gains in a particular editing workflow; benchmark suites and comparison data differ.
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Rank #3
- FAST RUNS IN THE FAMILY — The 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro or M5 Max chip brings next-generation speed and powerful on-device AI to personal, professional, and creative tasks. With all-day battery life, double the starting storage,* and a breathtaking Liquid Retina XDR display, it’s pro in every way.*
- BUCKLE UP — Along with a next-generation CPU, faster unified memory, and up to 2x faster SSD storage,* M5 Pro and M5 Max feature a more powerful GPU with a Neural Accelerator built into each core, delivering faster AI performance and on-device training capabilities. So you can blaze through demanding workloads at mind-bending speeds.
- BUILT FOR AI — Apple silicon, and every major component that powers it, is designed to run demanding on-device AI workloads like LLM inference and training. And Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- ALL-DAY BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Pro delivers the same exceptional performance whether it’s running on battery or plugged in.*
- MACOS RUNS APPS FAST — All your go-to apps run lightning fast in macOS, including built-in apps like FaceTime and Messages. Plus, built-in virus protection and free software updates help keep your Mac running smoothly and securely.
What hardware and connections does it offer?
Apple lists the standard M5 Max with an 18-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine, and 460GB/s memory bandwidth. A configurable M5 Max option raises the GPU to 40 cores and memory bandwidth to 614GB/s. Apple’s listed Media Engine accelerates H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and ProRes RAW, with two video encode engines, two ProRes encode/decode engines, and AV1 decode.
Apple lists unified memory configurations up to 128GB and SSD capacity up to 8TB. The front has two USB-C ports rated up to 10Gb/s and a UHS-II SDXC card slot. The rear includes four Thunderbolt 5 ports, two USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, 10Gb Ethernet, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Apple lists Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, and says the M5 Max model supports up to five external displays.
Rank #4
- LITTLE DO-IT-ALL — Mac mini packs pure power into a small, five-by-five-inch desktop. The M5 Pro chip brings even more performance to advanced AI tasks and creative and technical workflows. With ports on the front and back.
- M5 PRO CHIP — The M5 Pro chip brings extra power to take on demanding projects, with a next-generation CPU and faster unified memory. It’s a mighty force for on-device AI, delivering up to 4x faster AI performance,* thanks to a Neural Accelerator in each GPU core.
- CONNECT IT ALL — Features three Thunderbolt 5 ports, an HDMI port, and a 2.5Gb Ethernet port in the back, and two USB-C ports and a headphone jack in front. Supports up to three external displays. With the Apple-designed N1 wireless chip for Wi-Fi 7* and Bluetooth 6.
- A POWERFUL PLATFORM FOR AI — Apple silicon is designed to run demanding AI workflows like using huge LLMs, directly on device. And Apple Intelligence* helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly, while Siri AI* is your profoundly capable assistant — all with groundbreaking privacy protections.
- A POWERFUL PLATFORM FOR AI — Apple silicon is designed to run demanding AI workflows like using huge LLMs, directly on device.
The Mac Studio is a desktop computer, not an all-in-one workstation kit: Apple lists the computer and power cord in the box. Plan separately for a display and any keyboard, mouse, external storage, or other peripherals you want to use. Its built-in SDXC slot means a separate card reader is not automatically necessary.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which configuration makes sense?
Choose memory and storage based on the size and complexity of your actual projects, the apps you keep open, and how much media you need locally. Apple offers the M5 Max with 36GB unified memory and a 512GB SSD at the base tier, with memory options of 48GB, 64GB, or 128GB and SSD options up to 8TB. PetaPixel warns that memory and storage upgrades are pricey, and those components are not user-upgradeable in the way some workstation buyers might expect.
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- FAST RUNS IN THE FAMILY — The 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro or M5 Max chip brings next-generation speed and powerful on-device AI to personal, professional, and creative tasks. With all-day battery life, double the starting storage,* and a breathtaking Liquid Retina XDR display, it’s pro in every way.*
- BUCKLE UP — Along with a next-generation CPU, faster unified memory, and up to 2x faster SSD storage,* M5 Pro and M5 Max feature a more powerful GPU with a Neural Accelerator built into each core, delivering faster AI performance and on-device training capabilities. So you can blaze through demanding workloads at mind-bending speeds.
- BUILT FOR AI — Apple silicon, and every major component that powers it, is designed to run demanding on-device AI workloads like LLM inference and training. And Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- ALL-DAY BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Pro delivers the same exceptional performance whether it’s running on battery or plugged in.*
- MACOS RUNS APPS FAST — All your go-to apps run lightning fast in macOS, including built-in apps like FaceTime and Messages. Plus, built-in virus protection and free software updates help keep your Mac running smoothly and securely.
- Mostly Lightroom Classic and Photoshop: Start by comparing the base and mid-tier configurations against your catalogue size, active projects, and budget. PetaPixel says some photographers may find a Mac mini sufficient for this kind of work.
- Large local photo libraries or active video projects: Decide how much internal SSD capacity you need and whether external Thunderbolt storage fits your workflow. Do not pay for a large internal drive solely because the review unit had one.
- Heavy video, effects, or 3D workloads: Consider whether the 40-core GPU and higher memory options match your software and workload. For the most demanding video work, PetaPixel points to the M5 Ultra as the higher-tier alternative.
- Need a powerful Mac you can carry: PetaPixel recommends considering the M5 Max MacBook Pro when laptop portability is essential; a desktop Mac Studio does not replace that convenience.
Are there alternatives?
| Option | May suit | Trade-off to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Mac mini | Photographers focused on Lightroom Classic and Photoshop who do not need the Studio’s higher-end configuration. | PetaPixel says it may be adequate for some photographers; compare the specific Mac mini configuration with your workload and display, storage, and port needs. |
| Discounted M4 Max Mac Studio | Buyers who want a powerful desktop and find a prior-generation model at a good price. | Potential savings depend on the actual discount and configuration available; compare memory, storage, and workload needs rather than generation labels alone. |
| M5 Ultra Mac Studio | People with the most demanding video workloads who need a higher-tier desktop. | It sits above the M5 Max tier; weigh its capabilities against the work you actually do. |
| M5 Max MacBook Pro | Editors who need a powerful Mac and portability. | It is a laptop choice rather than a like-for-like desktop; consider the total setup and how often you need to work away from a desk. |
Apple’s August 25, 2026 announcement described the new Mac Studio as available beginning September 22, 2026. Apple also claimed up to 3x faster DaVinci Resolve Studio Magic Mask performance and 1.4x faster Maxon Redshift scene rendering versus M4 Max, as well as up to 50% faster GPU performance than the previous generation under its stated comparisons. Those are Apple’s manufacturer claims, not independent outcomes from PetaPixel or Macworld. See Apple’s announcement for its stated comparisons.
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