September 13, 2026

How about a Mac Studio

I just saw this summary (via Google AI):

"If you edit raw files, don't overspend on a high-tier Mac Studio unless you regularly do full-time batch processing or multi-cam video work. The Mac mini with the M4 Chip handles heavy Lightroom cataloging with ease at a fraction of the cost. Pair it with a highly accurate third-party color monitor (like an ASUS ProArt or BenQ) to bypass Apple's expensive Studio Display."

If this was true with the M4, it is surely even more so with the M5. And those monitor suggestions are interesting. An ASUS ProArt PA279CRV 27 Inch 4K is $400 on Amazon right now. It is 100mm vesa mount compatible. There is also a ProArt PA27JCV 27 Inch 5K for $673, not to mention an ASUS ProArt PA329CRV 32 Inch 4K for $568, and the ASUS ProArt Display PA279CDV 27" 4K OLED USB-C for $699.

Bear in mind that you can get decent 27 inch 4K monitors for under $200 (such as an Amazon Basics unit).

The bottom line -- 27 inch is the ideal size.

Look at the various M5 options

You get to choose between a M5 Max and a M5 Ultra.
Base price is $2500 vs $5500
The Ultra has two M5 chips. 
M5 Pro   - 18 (15) cores, 6 super, 12 performance, 16 core GPU
M5 Max   - 18 cores, 6 super, 12 performance, 40 (or 32) core GPU
M5 Ultra - 30 cores, 10 super, 20 performance, 80 (or 64) core GPU

M5 Pro   - 307 GB/s memory bandwidth
M5 Max   - 460 GB/s memory bandwidth
M5 Ultra - 1.2 TB/s memory bandwidth

M5 Pro   - one video decode, 1 video encode
M5 Max   - one video decode, 2 video encode
M5 Ultra - two video decode, 4 video encode
I read that the Studio has a 480W power supply, for both the Max and the Ultra. I read that the Max draws 6W idle and up to 150W at full load. The thermal design is such that it is not constrained (unlike the MacBook which restricts power to 100W).

I read that the Ultra uses twice the power and that it powers down the secondary chip when it is not needed.

Both have Wifi and Bluetooth.

Ports

Here is the list for an M5 Pro Mac mini: 
Front:
   Two USB-C (usb 3.2 gen 2 -- up to 10 Gb/s)
   One 3.5mm headphone jack

Back:
   Three Thunderbolt 5 ports (up to 120Gb/s)
   One HDMI port
   One Ethernet port (2.5 G -- 10G optional)
Here is the list for an M5 Max Mac studio: 
Front:
   Two USB-C (usb 3.2 gen 2 -- up to 10 Gb/s)
   SDXC card slot

Back:
   Four Thunderbolt 5 ports (up to 120Gb/s)
   One HDMI 2.1 port
   Two USB-A ports (USB 3)
   One Ethernet port (10G)
   One 3.5mm headphone jack
On the Mac Studio with M5 Ultra, you get Six Thunderbolt ports, the two ports on the front become Thunderbolt not USB.
The Studio 10G ethernet can run 1, 2.5, 5, or 10 Gb/s
Have any comments? Questions? Drop me a line!