Mini PCs · Head to head

Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) vs Asus ROG GR70 (RTX 5070 32GB + 2TB)

Full Mini PCs comparison in 2026

Updated October 2026
Data from Amazon and official Apple and Asus sites.
2026 verdict
Two mini PCs aimed at serious workstation work, and the Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) takes it on memory and platform efficiency.
Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB)
Winner
Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB)
$2299.00$2499.008% OFF

Last recorded price

Buy on Amazon USA
It wins on memory capacity (36GB of unified memory at 460 GB/s against 32GB of DDR5-5600) and is the more affordable of the pair, and it pairs an 18-core M5 Max, a 32-core GPU and four Thunderbolt 5 ports with a built-in supply and Wi-Fi 7 with Thread. The Asus ROG GR70 (RTX 5070 32GB + 2TB) is the one with a discrete RTX 5070 and 2TB of storage, so it stays the pick for gaming and GPU work that needs a dedicated card.
vs
Deals by email

Mini PC prices change while you decide

We follow prices across the catalog and email you the best deals we find.

Smart home deals and news, straight to your inbox

Price drops, new releases and the smart home news worth knowing.

No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Please enter a valid email address.
Tick the box above to finish signing up.
We couldn't verify you're human. Please try again.
Too many attempts. Please try again in an hour.
Your subscription has been successful.
FeatureApple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB)Asus ROG GR70 (RTX 5070 32GB + 2TB)Winner
Price$2299.00$2599.00Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB)
Memory Capacity36 GB32 GBApple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB)
Storage Capacity512 GB2 TBAsus ROG GR70 (RTX 5070 32GB + 2TB)
CPU ModelM5 Max 18-coreAMD Ryzen 9 9955HXDifferent strengths
Memory ConfigurationUnified MemoryDual-channelDifferent strengths
Memory Speed460 GB/s5600 MT/sDifferent strengths
GPU Model32-core GPUNVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU (8GB)Different strengths
Rating5.05.0Tie

What the differences mean

Graphics

The Apple Mac Studio draws on an integrated 32-core GPU, which is strong for video, 3D and on-device AI but not a gaming card. The Asus ROG GR70 carries a discrete RTX 5070 Laptop GPU with 8GB of its own memory, which is what modern games and CUDA-only tools want.

Processor and operating system

The Mac Studio runs an 18-core M5 Max on macOS, while the ROG GR70 uses a 16-core Ryzen 9 9955HX on Windows 11 Home. Which side you pick mostly follows the software you already depend on, not the spec sheet.

Memory and storage

The Mac Studio ships 36GB of unified memory at 460 GB/s and a 512GB SSD; the ROG GR70 has 32GB of DDR5-5600 and a 2TB drive. Where the Mac Studio is fixed, the ROG GR70 lets you swap the memory and add drives later.

Ports and connectivity

The Mac Studio brings four Thunderbolt 5 ports, 10Gb Ethernet, Wi-Fi 7 with Thread and a front SDXC slot. The ROG GR70 answers with five video outputs, six USB-A ports, USB 4.0 and a single 2.5GbE port, so it is the more flexible hub for a pile of peripherals.

Power and expandability

The Mac Studio uses an internal 480W supply and stays sealed, so RAM and storage are chosen at purchase. The ROG GR70 runs from an external 330W adapter and keeps two SO-DIMM slots and an M.2 bay open for upgrades.

Which one to buy if

  • you game or run GPU-rendering software that wants a discrete card
    Asus ROG GR70 (RTX 5070 32GB + 2TB)

    The ROG GR70 has a dedicated RTX 5070 and five display outputs, which the Apple Mac Studio cannot match.

  • your studio already lives in macOS
    Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB)

    The Apple Mac Studio runs an 18-core M5 Max on macOS with a 32-core GPU and hardware ray tracing.

  • you want Thunderbolt 5 and 10Gb Ethernet
    Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB)

    The Apple Mac Studio carries four Thunderbolt 5 ports and 10Gb Ethernet; the ROG GR70 has USB 4.0 and 2.5GbE.

  • you need many display outputs and USB-A ports
    Asus ROG GR70 (RTX 5070 32GB + 2TB)

    The ROG GR70 drives five displays and offers six USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports plus a front USB-C.

  • you want to upgrade RAM and storage over time
    Asus ROG GR70 (RTX 5070 32GB + 2TB)

    The ROG GR70 keeps two SO-DIMM slots and an M.2 bay open, where the Apple Mac Studio is fixed at purchase.

Price history compared

Every price change of both, in the same store, so the gap between the two lines is what one costs more than the other.

  • Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB)
  • Asus ROG GR70 (RTX 5070 32GB + 2TB)

Loading price history...

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) or Asus ROG GR70 (RTX 5070 32GB + 2TB)?

The Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) for workstation and creative work, with an 18-core M5 Max, a 32-core GPU, four Thunderbolt 5 ports and 10Gb Ethernet. The Asus ROG GR70 (RTX 5070 32GB + 2TB) is the pick for gaming and GPU rendering, since it has a discrete RTX 5070 and upgradeable memory and storage.

What is the biggest difference between the Apple Mac Studio and the Asus ROG GR70?

The graphics and the platform. The Apple Mac Studio runs an integrated 32-core GPU on macOS, while the Asus ROG GR70 (RTX 5070 32GB + 2TB) pairs a 16-core Ryzen 9 with a discrete RTX 5070 Laptop GPU on Windows 11 Home.

Do the Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) and the Asus ROG GR70 (RTX 5070 32GB + 2TB) have Thunderbolt?

The Apple Mac Studio has four Thunderbolt 5 ports. The Asus ROG GR70 does not: its rear Type-C is USB 4.0 at 40Gbps with DisplayPort support, which covers most of the same uses but is not Thunderbolt certified.

Can I upgrade the memory or storage later?

On the Asus ROG GR70 (RTX 5070 32GB + 2TB) you can, since it has two DDR5 SO-DIMM slots and an M.2 bay. On the Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) you cannot, so the memory and drive are chosen when you buy it.

Who should buy the Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB)?

A professional or creative buyer who already works in macOS, wants Thunderbolt 5 and 10Gb Ethernet, and needs sustained CPU and GPU performance in a quiet desk box.

Who should buy the Asus ROG GR70 (RTX 5070 32GB + 2TB)?

A gamer or GPU-rendering user who wants a discrete graphics card, five display outputs and the freedom to upgrade memory and storage in a small machine.

Full comparison table

Compare all 104 Mini PCs side by side

You are looking at two of them. The full table lines up all Mini PCs in the catalog with the same specs, so you can filter by what you need and sort by price or rating.

  • 104 Mini PCs
  • 41 specs compared
  • 38 filters
Open the full comparison
More Mini PCs

Top Mini PCs to compare next

104 mini PCs from 7 brands compared: Geekom, Beelink, GMKtec, Asus and more. CPU, RAM, storage, ports, GPU and NPU specs, side by side.

All Mini PCs
Apple

More Apple products

A sharper look at other Apple products worth comparing.

Explore Apple
Asus

More Asus products

A sharper look at other Asus products worth comparing.

Explore Asus
Price alert

Get an email when the price drops

How much should it drop?

Cancel anytime from the email.

Independent · Not sponsoredBrands never pay for placement or rankings. Affiliate commissions never influence our comparisons.
© 2026 Smart Home Compared
Search