GoKawiilApple's M5 Ultra Mac Studio beats Nvidia DGX Spark and Threadripper in local AI tests
Tom's Hardware reviewed Apple's new Mac Studio built around the M5 Ultra chip, which now serves as Apple's top desktop after the Mac Pro's discontinuation. The tested configuration, priced at $12,299 with 256GB of unified memory and 4TB storage, outperformed rivals like Nvidia's DGX Spark and AMD Threadripper systems when running AI models locally, while the base M5 Max model starts at $2,499.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
As more users and businesses want to run AI models on their own hardware rather than the cloud, machines that can handle large models locally without specialized GPUs become increasingly valuable. Apple positioning the Mac Studio as both a creative workstation and an enterprise-grade AI server shows it's chasing a market previously dominated by Nvidia and AMD workstation hardware.
- The M5 Ultra Mac Studio outperformed Nvidia's DGX Spark and AMD Threadripper in local AI model testing.
- Pricing ranges from $2,499 for a base M5 Max configuration to over $12,000 for a fully specced M5 Ultra model.
- Apple retains the same compact, quiet design while offering memory up to 256GB now, with 512GB planned for later.
Apple Mac Studio M5 Ultra — This is the exact machine reviewed here—Apple's top desktop now packing the M5 Ultra chip, huge unified memory options, and blazing memory bandwidth for local AI workloads. Perfect for creators, developers, or anyone wanting a compact powerhouse that outpaces bulkier workstations like DGX Spark or Threadripper rigs.
See Apple Mac Studio M5 Ultra on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: tomshardware.com — Andrew E. Freedman, 2026-09-21
Published there as: “Apple Mac Studio (M5 Ultra) review: Local model citizen outpaces DGX Spark and Threadripper”
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