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AtlanticFox 143K Views
Sep 23, 2026 2:46 PM

Select Stores: Apple Mac Studio Desktop (2026): M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 512GB SSD

$2,000

$2,500

20% off
(In-Store Only, Limited Stock)at Micro Center
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Deal Details
Select Micro Center Stores have Apple Mac Studio M5 Max Desktop Computer (2026, MHL64LL/A) for $1999.99 (In-Store Only).

Thanks to Community Member AtlanticFox for finding this deal.

Note: Select stores may be available for pickup. Availability may vary by location and is very limited.

Specs:
  • Apple M5 Max 18-Core CPU
  • 36GB Unified RAM
  • 512GB SSD
  • Apple M5 Max Chip 32-Core GPU
  • WiFi 7 (802.11be) + Bluetooth 6.0
  • 480 Watt Power Supply
  • SDXC Card Reader
  • macOS
  • Ports:
    • Front/Top Panel
      • 2x USB 3.2 (Gen 2 Type-C)
    • Back Panel
      • 2x USB 3.2 (Gen 1 Type-A)
      • 4x Thunderbolt 5
      • 1x HDMI 2.1
      • 1x LAN RJ45 (10 GbE)
      • 1x 3.5mm Headphone

Editor's Notes

Written by SubZero5 | Staff
  • About this deal:
    • Our research indicates that this deal is $449.01 less (18% savings) than the next best available price from a reputable merchant with prices starting from $2,449 at the time of this post.
  • About this store:
    • Details of Micro Center's return policy (here)

Original Post

Written by AtlanticFox
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Community Notes
About the Poster
Select Micro Center Stores have Apple Mac Studio M5 Max Desktop Computer (2026, MHL64LL/A) for $1999.99 (In-Store Only).

Thanks to Community Member AtlanticFox for finding this deal.

Note: Select stores may be available for pickup. Availability may vary by location and is very limited.

Specs:
  • Apple M5 Max 18-Core CPU
  • 36GB Unified RAM
  • 512GB SSD
  • Apple M5 Max Chip 32-Core GPU
  • WiFi 7 (802.11be) + Bluetooth 6.0
  • 480 Watt Power Supply
  • SDXC Card Reader
  • macOS
  • Ports:
    • Front/Top Panel
      • 2x USB 3.2 (Gen 2 Type-C)
    • Back Panel
      • 2x USB 3.2 (Gen 1 Type-A)
      • 4x Thunderbolt 5
      • 1x HDMI 2.1
      • 1x LAN RJ45 (10 GbE)
      • 1x 3.5mm Headphone

Editor's Notes

Written by SubZero5 | Staff
  • About this deal:
    • Our research indicates that this deal is $449.01 less (18% savings) than the next best available price from a reputable merchant with prices starting from $2,449 at the time of this post.
  • About this store:
    • Details of Micro Center's return policy (here)

Original Post

Written by AtlanticFox

Community Voting

Deal Score
+309
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Why are you downvoting this deal?

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Top Comments

Caleo
6.8KComments
1.2KReputation
This is oddly reasonable. 36GB isn't super amazing but it's enough to run the decent MoE models that are targeted for 24GB VRAM (like gemma4:26b-a4b, qwen3.6:36b-a3b).. if local LLM is what you're looking to do with this.
Go to Comment
AtlanticFox
33Comments
26Reputation
It's $300 more than the Mac Mini M5 Pro. You get vastly better graphics performance, 12 GB extra RAM, better Ethernet. For $300 extra, it's a good deal for a lot of people. If it was the original price of $2.5k, I see your point more.
Go to Comment
ChaoticThrifty
35Comments
18Reputation
Get it while you can. I'm still kicking myself for not jumping on the Mac Mini and Mac Studio deals of winter 2025.
Go to Comment

Community Reviews

This Mac Studio stands out as a compact but powerful desktop for local AI, video work, and heavy productivity, with the M5 Max, 36GB unified memory, and lots of ports drawing the most praise. The 10Gb Ethernet, strong graphics, and lower throttling make it feel like a bigger step up than a Mac mini, and the price matchable $1,999 to $2,000 range looks unusually low for a fresh release. The main knocks are the fixed 36GB memory ceiling and 512GB SSD, which feel tight for larger LLMs and storage-heavy workflows. Availability and price matching have also been inconsistent, so timing and store stock matter.

Common Questions (5)

  • Stock has been very volatile, with restocks and sellouts happening quickly by location. Several comments say the walk-in deal ends around 9/28-9/30, and the price later rose to $2,299 after the sale window closed.

    knockout0127CraftyThundercjbell82BigDickJohnson

  • Yes, but it is most reliable in-store with a manager override and nearby Micro Center stock. Online or phone agents often approve it and then later revoke it, while in-store matches have been completed at $1,999.99 or with an adjusted checkout link.

    kashhhmoneyyyUSEagledshopprJJSparks

  • It can run smaller and mid-sized local models, including MoE models aimed at 24GB VRAM, and can even handle multiple smaller models at once. It is still a limit for heavier LLM workloads, where 64GB or more would be preferable.

    Caleodrgka55drgka55cromo

  • For many productive uses it is undersized, especially if you keep large media or model files locally, but an external Thunderbolt NVMe drive can work as a near-native extension. The SSD is also described as not soldered on this Mac Studio, though replacement kits may take time to appear.

    drgka55jmandawgAtlanticFoxThirstyCruz

  • The Mac Studio gives you a much stronger GPU, more RAM, better Ethernet, more ports, and less throttling, so it can be worth the extra $300 for many buyers. The Mac mini is the better value if you want lower cost and can live with less performance and connectivity.

    privaterAtlanticFoxcockadoodlecockadoodle

AI-generated summary based on comments from the community. Updated ago

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225 Comments

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Sep 23, 2026 11:39 PM
16 Comments
Joined Jun 2020
DelightfulCorn6973Sep 23, 2026 11:39 PM
16 Comments
Quote from PenPewPewPew View quoted comment :
Gah dang it, I need to find the CEO and tell him to build one in my state. Houston is a long trip
as long as it's still available in any of their stores, you can price match it with best buy.
Sep 23, 2026 11:52 PM
10 Comments
Joined Jul 2016
wangb1Sep 23, 2026 11:52 PM
10 Comments
Quote from sd_King View quoted comment :
Would it work if there is no Microcenter in 850 miles?
the online chat said I have to pick up within 25mi of a micro center that shows in stock
Original Poster
Sep 23, 2026 11:58 PM
33 Comments
Joined May 2015
AtlanticFox
Original Poster
Sep 23, 2026 11:58 PM
33 Comments
Quote from tzan View quoted comment :
If you're just running an agent locally, this is a bit pricey, I'd rather get 2nd hand. If you're running an LLM model, this is not even remotely enough. Also the lack of on board disk space will be a PIA during upgrades.
You can add a SSD via Thunderbolt.
Original Poster
Sep 24, 2026 12:01 AM
33 Comments
Joined May 2015
AtlanticFox
Original Poster
Sep 24, 2026 12:01 AM
33 Comments
Quote from EdD3229 View quoted comment :
At this point only available in Indiana and Ohio.
They're in more states. Georgia, Colorado, and Florida to name a few.
Pro
Sep 24, 2026 12:11 AM
3.4K Comments
Joined Jul 2020
ThirstyCruz
Pro
Sep 24, 2026 12:11 AM
3.4K Comments
Quote from AtlanticFox View quoted comment :
You can add a SSD via Thunderbolt.
Tb5 gen 4 nvme will max at 6000mbps which is more than respectable. You can easily set the ext drive with your primary user directory and make it seamless almost as if it were native.
2
Sep 24, 2026 12:38 AM
6 Comments
Joined Feb 2025
LavenderDesk218Sep 24, 2026 12:38 AM
6 Comments
Thanks OP. Got a sweet deal with price match + 5% off with BB credit card + living in a no sales tax state
1
Sep 24, 2026 1:12 AM
3K Comments
Joined Jun 2014
schlackSep 24, 2026 1:12 AM
3K Comments
Quote from jmandawg View quoted comment :
$2000 and you only get 512GB SSD, just sad.
Most users will anyways use NAS, external, or cloud storage. These are targeted at professionals.
1
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Sep 24, 2026 1:19 AM
135 Comments
Joined Dec 2012
ajainaSep 24, 2026 1:19 AM
135 Comments
Doesn't see anywhere is stock from all the states available in dropdown.
Sep 24, 2026 1:35 AM
552 Comments
Joined Jun 2009
drgka55Sep 24, 2026 1:35 AM
552 Comments
Quote from tzan View quoted comment :
If you're just running an agent locally, this is a bit pricey, I'd rather get 2nd hand. If you're running an LLM model, this is not even remotely enough. Also the lack of on board disk space will be a PIA during upgrades.
It is enough. "enough" depends on so many factors. But it is enough for LLMs. You can run very capable smaller models and they will fit in fact multiple can fit and run at same time.
1
Original Poster
Sep 24, 2026 1:39 AM
33 Comments
Joined May 2015
AtlanticFox
Original Poster
Sep 24, 2026 1:39 AM
33 Comments
Quote from ajaina View quoted comment :
Doesn't see anywhere is stock from all the states available in dropdown.
Duluth GA still has one. Check the actual store in the drop down.
Sep 24, 2026 2:00 AM
423 Comments
Joined Mar 2009
untimed6399Sep 24, 2026 2:00 AM
423 Comments
What's so hard about making a terabyte default? Cloud $?
Sep 24, 2026 2:04 AM
28 Comments
Joined Aug 2011
apocalipticSep 24, 2026 2:04 AM
28 Comments
Best buy price matched it. On top of the price match I traded in a mac mini for $500 that I purchased last year for $450
Sep 24, 2026 2:07 AM
154 Comments
Joined Jul 2017
Syr2425Sep 24, 2026 2:07 AM
154 Comments
Last 5 BB agents have said they can't price match, because it's available in limited quantities, geographically limited etc... even though 9 at my local store. What have you guys been saying for this to work?
Sep 24, 2026 3:11 AM
1K Comments
Joined May 2010
bikerbanditoSep 24, 2026 3:11 AM
1K Comments
At what point does it make sense to use a local LLM for software development in addition to a sub to one of the frontier models like Opus? What are you guys using local LLM's for?

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Sep 24, 2026 3:24 AM
5.3K Comments
Joined Dec 2009
masterz13Sep 24, 2026 3:24 AM
5.3K Comments
512GB storage on a $2000 computer is wild

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