Mini PCs · Head to head

Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) vs GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB)

Full Mini PCs comparison in 2026

Updated October 2026
Data from Amazon and official Apple and GMKtec sites.
2026 verdict
On value for a compact desktop, the GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB) is the better mini PC of these two.
GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB)
Winner
GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB)
$1099.99$1299.9915% OFFPrime exclusive deal
Buy on Amazon USA
It runs Windows 11 Pro on an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V with Arc 140V graphics and a 47 TOPS NPU, carries 32GB of LPDDR5X and a 1TB drive, and includes an HDMI cable and a VESA mount, all in a 460g metal chassis. The Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) is the stronger machine where it counts, with an 18-core M5 Max, a 32-core GPU, 36GB of unified memory at 460 GB/s and four Thunderbolt 5 ports for heavy creative and AI work. Take the GMKtec K17 Plus for an affordable Windows desk that mounts behind a monitor, and the Apple Mac Studio for sustained GPU and macOS workloads.
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FeatureApple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB)GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB)Winner
Price$2299.00$1099.99GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB)
Rating5.04.7Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB)
Memory Capacity36 GB32 GBApple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB)
Storage Capacity512 GB1 TBGMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB)
CPU ModelM5 Max 18-coreIntel Core Ultra 7 258VDifferent strengths
Memory ConfigurationUnified MemorySoldered (non-upgradeable)Different strengths
Memory Speed460 GB/s8533 MT/sDifferent strengths
GPU Model32-core GPUIntel Arc 140VDifferent strengths
NPU Model16-core Neural EngineIntel AI Boost NPU (47 TOPS)Different strengths

What the differences mean

Performance class

The Apple Mac Studio pairs an 18-core M5 Max with a 32-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine. The GMKtec K17 Plus uses an eight-core Intel Core Ultra 7 258V with Arc 140V graphics and a 47 TOPS NPU, which covers office work and light AI rather than workstation loads.

Memory

The Apple Mac Studio carries 36GB of unified memory at 460 GB/s. The GMKtec K17 Plus carries 32GB of LPDDR5X-8533. Both are soldered, so neither can be expanded after purchase.

Storage

The GMKtec K17 Plus ships with a 1TB M.2 NVMe drive and a second slot for expansion. The Apple Mac Studio's base configuration fits a 512GB SSD, half the capacity.

Operating system

This is macOS against Windows 11 Pro. The Apple Mac Studio leans to creative and audio tools built for macOS, while the GMKtec K17 Plus runs the Windows software that most home and office buyers rely on.

Ports and networking

The Apple Mac Studio offers four Thunderbolt 5 ports, 10Gb Ethernet, HDMI 2.1 and a front SDXC reader. The GMKtec K17 Plus has a USB4 port, two HDMI 2.1 outputs, a single 2.5G Ethernet port and Wi-Fi 6E.

Power and mounting

The Apple Mac Studio has a built-in 480W supply and weighs 2.7kg, while the GMKtec K17 Plus uses a 100W adapter, weighs 460g and ships with a VESA mount and an HDMI cable, so it can hide behind a display.

Which one to buy if

  • you edit video, run 3D or train local models
    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 GPU and AI throughput.

  • you want an affordable Windows desktop for a small desk
    GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB)

    The GMKtec K17 Plus runs Windows 11 Pro on current Intel silicon with a 47 TOPS NPU at a fraction of the price.

  • you want more storage out of the box
    GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB)

    The GMKtec K17 Plus fits a 1TB drive with a second M.2 slot free, against the 512GB base drive on the Apple Mac Studio.

  • you need Thunderbolt and 10G networking
    Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB)

    The Apple Mac Studio has four Thunderbolt 5 ports and 10Gb Ethernet, which the GMKtec K17 Plus does not offer.

  • you want to mount the PC behind a monitor
    GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB)

    The GMKtec K17 Plus weighs 460g and includes a VESA mount, so it disappears behind a display.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) or GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB)?

The Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) is the more powerful machine, with an 18-core M5 Max, a 32-core GPU and 36GB of high-bandwidth unified memory. The GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB) wins on value, running Windows 11 Pro with a current Intel chip, more storage and a lower cost.

What is the biggest difference between the Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) and the GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB)?

Purpose and platform. The Apple Mac Studio is a macOS workstation built for GPU and AI work, while the GMKtec K17 Plus is a compact Windows 11 Pro desktop for everyday home and office use with a 47 TOPS NPU.

Can the memory of the Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) or the GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB) be upgraded later?

No. The Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) uses soldered unified memory fixed at purchase, and the GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB) uses soldered LPDDR5X, also fixed. Choose the memory you need when you buy.

Which of the Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) and the GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB) has more ports?

The Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) has four Thunderbolt 5 ports, 10Gb Ethernet, HDMI 2.1 and a front SDXC reader. The GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB) has a USB4 port, two HDMI 2.1 outputs, a 2.5G Ethernet port and a 3.5mm audio jack.

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

Buyers who want macOS and sustained CPU, GPU and AI performance in a compact desktop, already own a display, and value Thunderbolt 5 and 10Gb Ethernet.

Who should buy the GMKtec K17 Plus (32GB + 1TB)?

Anyone who wants a compact, affordable Windows 11 Pro desktop with a current Intel chip, on-device AI acceleration, a 1TB drive and a VESA mount for a tidy desk.

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