Mini PCs · Head to head

Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) vs GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB)

Full Mini PCs comparison in 2026

Updated October 2026
Data from Amazon and official Apple and GMKtec sites.
2026 verdict
Raw throughput separates these two by a wide margin: the Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) is the far more powerful desktop against the GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB).
Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB)
Winner
Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB)
$2299.00$2499.008% OFF
Buy on Amazon USA
The Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) pairs an 18-core M5 Max and a 32-core GPU with 36GB of unified memory at 460 GB/s, four Thunderbolt 5 ports, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 7 and HDMI 2.1, all in a 2.7 kg aluminum body running macOS. The GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB) is the compact Windows alternative at a fraction of the cost, with an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, Arc 140V graphics, 16GB of LPDDR5X-8533, dual USB4 and a 523 g chassis. Choose the Apple Mac Studio for video, 3D and on-device AI at workstation scale, and the GMKtec NucBox K13 for everyday Windows work on a small, affordable desk.
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FeatureApple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB)GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB)Winner
Price$2299.00$589.99GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB)
Rating5.04.7Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB)
Memory Capacity36 GB16 GBApple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB)
CPU ModelM5 Max 18-coreIntel Core Ultra 7 256VDifferent 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
Storage Capacity512 GB512 GBTie

What the differences mean

Platform and operating system

The Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) runs macOS on Apple silicon; the GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB) runs Windows 11 Pro on Intel. That choice of software matters more than any single spec, since it decides which applications are open to you.

Processor and graphics

The Apple Mac Studio carries an 18-core M5 Max CPU, a 32-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine. The GMKtec NucBox K13 has an eight-core Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, Arc 140V graphics and a 47 TOPS NPU, a solid everyday part that is a different class from the Mac.

Memory

The Apple Mac Studio ships 36GB of unified memory at 460 GB/s, configurable, while the GMKtec NucBox K13 has 16GB of LPDDR5X-8533 fixed to the board. Neither is upgradeable after purchase, but the Mac starts with more than double the pool.

Ports

The Apple Mac Studio brings four Thunderbolt 5 ports, two USB-A, two USB-C, HDMI 2.1, a front SDXC slot and 10 Gigabit Ethernet. The GMKtec NucBox K13 offers two USB4 ports, one HDMI 2.1, two USB-A, a 3.5mm jack and 5 Gigabit Ethernet.

Size and power

The Apple Mac Studio is a 197 x 197 x 95 mm, 2.7 kg desktop with a built-in 480W supply. The GMKtec NucBox K13 measures 186 x 88 x 36.6 mm, weighs about 523 g and uses an external 100W adapter, so it can mount behind a monitor.

Extras in the box

The Apple Mac Studio has a built-in speaker and a high-impedance headphone jack but no microphone, fingerprint sensor or lock slot, and the box holds no cable. The GMKtec NucBox K13 adds a Kensington lock and ships with an HDMI cable and a VESA mount.

Which one to buy if

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall: Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) or GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB)?

The Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) is the far more powerful desktop, with an 18-core M5 Max, a 32-core GPU, 36GB of unified memory and four Thunderbolt 5 ports. The GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB) is the compact, affordable Windows alternative for everyday work.

What is the biggest difference between the Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) and the GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB)?

The platform. The Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) runs macOS on Apple silicon and is aimed at workstation jobs, while the GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB) runs Windows 11 Pro on an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V for everyday desktop use.

How much memory does each have, and can it be upgraded?

The Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) has 36GB of unified memory at 460 GB/s and can be configured up to 128GB at purchase. The GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB) has 16GB of LPDDR5X-8533 soldered, so neither is upgradeable after buying.

Do the Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) and the GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB) run the same software?

No. The Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max 36GB + 512GB) runs macOS, so it uses Mac applications. The GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB) ships with Windows 11 Pro, so it runs Windows software.

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

Professionals doing video editing, 3D, software builds or on-device AI who want a compact macOS workstation and already own a display.

Who should buy the GMKtec NucBox K13 (Ultra 7 256V 16GB + 512GB)?

Anyone who needs a compact, affordable Windows 11 Pro desktop with current Intel silicon, USB4, multi-display output and a 47 TOPS NPU for light local AI.

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