Mini PCs · Head to head

Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) vs Geekom A9 Mega (128GB + 2TB)

Full Mini PCs comparison in 2026

Updated October 2026
Data from Amazon and official Apple and Geekom sites.
2026 verdict
For a large unified memory pool, the Geekom A9 Mega (128GB + 2TB) is the mini PC that wins this comparison over the Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB).
Geekom A9 Mega (128GB + 2TB)
Winner
Geekom A9 Mega (128GB + 2TB)
$3799.00$3999.005% OFF
Buy on Amazon USA
It pairs a Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and Radeon 8060S graphics with 128GB of LPDDR5X-8000 shared memory, a 2TB drive across two RAID-capable M.2 slots, two USB4 ports, a fingerprint reader, an SD card reader and a three-year warranty. The Apple Mac Studio is the macOS workstation, with an 18-core M5 Max, a 32-core GPU, 36GB of unified memory at 460 GB/s, four Thunderbolt 5 ports and 10Gb Ethernet. Choose the Geekom A9 Mega for the largest memory pool and more storage, and the Apple Mac Studio for macOS, Thunderbolt and 10G networking.
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FeatureApple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB)Geekom A9 Mega (128GB + 2TB)Winner
Price$2299.00$3799.00Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB)
Rating5.04.6Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB)
Memory Capacity36 GB128 GBGeekom A9 Mega (128GB + 2TB)
Storage Capacity512 GB2 TBGeekom A9 Mega (128GB + 2TB)
CPU ModelM5 Max 18-coreAMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395Different strengths
Memory ConfigurationUnified MemorySoldered (non-upgradeable)Different strengths
Memory Speed460 GB/s8000 MT/sDifferent strengths
GPU Model32-core GPUAMD Radeon 8060S GraphicsDifferent strengths
NPU Model16-core Neural EngineAMD XDNA 2 NPUDifferent strengths

What the differences mean

Memory capacity

The Geekom A9 Mega carries 128GB of LPDDR5X-8000 shared between CPU, GPU and NPU. The Apple Mac Studio has 36GB of unified memory at 460 GB/s. The Geekom holds over three times as much, and both are soldered and fixed at purchase.

Storage

The Geekom A9 Mega ships 2TB across two M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 slots that support RAID 0 or RAID 1. The Apple Mac Studio's base configuration fits a 512GB SSD, so the Geekom starts with much more room.

Processor and graphics

The Geekom A9 Mega runs a Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with Radeon 8060S graphics and an XDNA 2 NPU. The Apple Mac Studio uses an 18-core M5 Max with a 32-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine, a more powerful integrated graphics complex for creative work.

Operating system

This is Windows 11 Pro against macOS. The Geekom A9 Mega runs Windows software, while the Apple Mac Studio leans to creative and audio tools built for macOS.

Ports and biometrics

The Geekom A9 Mega adds a fingerprint sensor and an SDXC card reader alongside two USB4 ports and two HDMI 2.1 outputs. The Apple Mac Studio has a front SDXC reader but no fingerprint sensor, and it offers four Thunderbolt 5 ports and 10Gb Ethernet.

Power and warranty

The Apple Mac Studio has a built-in 480W supply, so no brick sits on the desk, while the Geekom A9 Mega uses an external 330W adapter. The Geekom is covered for three years, longer than typical for the category.

Which one to buy if

  • you run large local AI models
    Geekom A9 Mega (128GB + 2TB)

    The Geekom A9 Mega's 128GB unified pool is shared with its Radeon graphics and XDNA 2 NPU, room a smaller configuration cannot offer.

  • you work in video, 3D or audio on macOS
    Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB)

    The Apple Mac Studio's 32-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine and 460 GB/s unified memory are built for sustained macOS creative work.

  • you want more storage out of the box
    Geekom A9 Mega (128GB + 2TB)

    The Geekom A9 Mega ships 2TB across two RAID-capable M.2 slots, against the 512GB base drive on the Apple Mac Studio.

  • you want the tidiest desk with no power brick
    Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB)

    The Apple Mac Studio's 480W supply is built in, while the Geekom A9 Mega needs an external 330W adapter.

  • you want fingerprint sign-in and an SD reader
    Geekom A9 Mega (128GB + 2TB)

    The Geekom A9 Mega includes a fingerprint sensor and an SDXC card reader, and the Apple Mac Studio has neither fingerprint sign-in nor Thunderbolt-based biometrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) or Geekom A9 Mega (128GB + 2TB)?

For the largest unified memory pool and more storage the Geekom A9 Mega (128GB + 2TB) wins, with 128GB of shared LPDDR5X and a 2TB drive. For macOS, Thunderbolt 5, 10Gb Ethernet and sustained creative throughput the Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) is the stronger machine.

How much memory do the Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) and the Geekom A9 Mega (128GB + 2TB) have?

The Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) has 36GB of unified memory at 460 GB/s. The Geekom A9 Mega (128GB + 2TB) has 128GB of LPDDR5X-8000. Both are soldered and fixed at purchase.

Which of the Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) and the Geekom A9 Mega (128GB + 2TB) has more storage?

The Geekom A9 Mega (128GB + 2TB) ships 2TB across two M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4x4 slots with RAID support. The Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) base configuration has a 512GB SSD.

Can the memory of the Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) or the Geekom A9 Mega (128GB + 2TB) be upgraded?

Neither, both use soldered memory fixed at purchase. The Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) has 36GB and the Geekom A9 Mega (128GB + 2TB) has 128GB, the maximum the platform supports.

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

Buyers who want macOS with workstation-class CPU, GPU and AI throughput, four Thunderbolt 5 ports and 10Gb Ethernet in a compact desktop.

Who should buy the Geekom A9 Mega (128GB + 2TB)?

Anyone running large local AI models or GPU-accelerated rendering on Windows who needs the biggest unified memory pool a compact machine can offer, plus a fingerprint reader and SD card slot.

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