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AtlanticFox 152K 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
+310
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Top Comments

Caleo
6.9KComments
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
35Comments
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 deal stands out as a rare early discount on the new M5 Max model, with strong performance, 36GB unified memory, 10Gb Ethernet, and plenty of ports for productivity, video work, and local AI. The price lands close to some Mac mini M5 Pro custom builds while offering more GPU power and less throttling. The main drawbacks are the fixed 36GB memory ceiling and the 512GB SSD, which feels tight for a $2000 machine. Availability and price matching have also been messy, with stock moving fast and Best Buy approvals often depending on in store manager help.

Common Questions (5)

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

    kashhhmoneyyyUSEagledshopprSlickindeals818

  • 36GB is enough for many smaller and mid-sized local models, including MoE models aimed at 24GB VRAM, and can even run multiple smaller models at once. It is still a limit for heavier LLM workloads, where more RAM would be preferable.

    Caleodrgka55drgka55cromo

  • For general productivity it can be workable, but many buyers see 512GB as tight for pro workflows and upgrades. An external Thunderbolt or Gen4 NVMe drive can extend storage, and some users suggest keeping the main user directory on the external drive for a near-native setup.

    jmandawgAtlanticFoxThirstyCruzdrgka55

  • The deal appears to have been temporary and later moved to $2,299 after store closing. Several comments say the walk-in deal was ending around 9/28-9/30, so the $1,999 price may not last.

    dshopprmilkmandanmilkmandanOlivePencil5156

  • The Mac Studio M5 Max is described as having a non-soldered SSD, unlike the Mac mini. A replacement or upgrade may still require a compatible kit because the pin layout is different from the M4 Max.

    1gokartjwong1gokartjargoone

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

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227 Comments

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Sep 27, 2026 9:47 PM
161 Comments
Joined Mar 2010
ihtcSep 27, 2026 9:47 PM
161 Comments
Bestbuy not price matching for me
1
Pro
Sep 27, 2026 9:49 PM
4.6K Comments
Joined Nov 2015
dshoppr
Pro
Sep 27, 2026 9:49 PM
4.6K Comments
Quote from gudstuff View quoted comment :
Seems silly to get a Max chip, but skimp on ram and disk space.
True! They should have atleast given 1TB for Mac Studio.
Sep 27, 2026 9:52 PM
2.8K Comments
Joined Oct 2012
JaxidianSep 27, 2026 9:52 PM
2.8K Comments
Quote from pmperry View quoted comment :
The biggest issue is that you can get 32 Gig GPUs that have good inference for about half this price. So if I can get the Intel 32 Gig or AMD 32 Gig card, I'm getting a better option just using my PC. If you don't have a PC this probably makes sense, but if you do, just buy one of those two cards.
Link please
1
Sep 27, 2026 10:07 PM
116 Comments
Joined Dec 2025
WiseLanguage910Sep 27, 2026 10:07 PM
116 Comments
IDK seems strange to be on sale so soon
1
Pro
Sep 27, 2026 10:26 PM
4.6K Comments
Joined Nov 2015
dshoppr
Pro
Sep 27, 2026 10:26 PM
4.6K Comments
Quote from WiseLanguage910 View quoted comment :
IDK seems strange to be on sale so soon
Happened when they release mac mini M4 too.
Sep 27, 2026 10:38 PM
2 Comments
Joined May 2019
electoblazeSep 27, 2026 10:38 PM
2 Comments
Was able to get a succcessful price match with Best Buy just a few minutes ago so offering my successful data point: "__, today is your lucky day! I can match the price for this product with microcenter at just $1,999.99, and I'm genuinely excited to help you grab this amazing deal!....I've successfully initiated a refund of $522.51 which will take upto 3 business days!" This was my 2nd attempt through live chat today. The first rep asked for zip code, (I lied since there isn't anything in stock near me), first rep denied my PM request, I waited about 15 minutes, started a new chat, then this rep offered me the price match without asking for my zip, only my name, phone, and email used on my best buy account. So the bb pm is still possible as of now, keep trying if denied
2
Sep 27, 2026 10:44 PM
208 Comments
Joined Nov 2005
milkmandanSep 27, 2026 10:44 PM
208 Comments
Quote from dshoppr View quoted comment :
keep trying to price match with Bestbuy.
i did, made order online, went to customer service live chat agent and got price matched, but only thru refund. got approval for PM and got case number. two different agents confirmed my PM approval and the refund.... waiting 3-4 hours, got a random direct email from best buy customer service, said they would not honor price match. made no mention of my refund though. but no refund on my card yet, so I am SOL. BB won't honor PM for any recent orders is the word on the street. maybe if you got it 2-3 days ago, but not today or yesterday. they losing out too much so they stopped it, it seems. if anyone was able to fully get a price matched item without BB revoking it, please share tactic.

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Sep 27, 2026 11:12 PM
886 Comments
Joined May 2015
Doctor_DragoSep 27, 2026 11:12 PM
886 Comments
Considering this is a higher end macbook (studio) the specs are ok at best.

Another victim of RAM shortage. If you can wait would def pass on this
3
2
Sep 28, 2026 1:25 AM
11 Comments
Joined Dec 2023
Slickindeals818Sep 28, 2026 1:25 AM
11 Comments
Quote from milkmandan View quoted comment :
i did, made order online, went to customer service live chat agent and got price matched, but only thru refund. got approval for PM and got case number. two different agents confirmed my PM approval and the refund.... waiting 3-4 hours, got a random direct email from best buy customer service, said they would not honor price match. made no mention of my refund though. but no refund on my card yet, so I am SOL. BB won't honor PM for any recent orders is the word on the street. maybe if you got it 2-3 days ago, but not today or yesterday. they losing out too much so they stopped it, it seems. if anyone was able to fully get a price matched item without BB revoking it, please share tactic.
i went to bb store in person on friday and showed them there were local ones in stock at a nearby micro center, manager then came reviewed on the spot and approved
Sep 28, 2026 2:06 AM
208 Comments
Joined Nov 2005
milkmandanSep 28, 2026 2:06 AM
208 Comments
Quote from electoblaze View quoted comment :
Was able to get a succcessful price match with Best Buy just a few minutes ago so offering my successful data point: "__, today is your lucky day! I can match the price for this product with microcenter at just $1,999.99, and I'm genuinely excited to help you grab this amazing deal!....I've successfully initiated a refund of $522.51 which will take upto 3 business days!" This was my 2nd attempt through live chat today. The first rep asked for zip code, (I lied since there isn't anything in stock near me), first rep denied my PM request, I waited about 15 minutes, started a new chat, then this rep offered me the price match without asking for my zip, only my name, phone, and email used on my best buy account. So the bb pm is still possible as of now, keep trying if denied
you're likely going to get an email either today or tomorrow saying they wont honor the price match. unless you have an actual refund in dinged to your account or the total charge was only ~$2000 + tax, then its not a fully successful PM yet.
1
Sep 28, 2026 2:17 AM
828 Comments
Joined Nov 2016
RCMIKESep 28, 2026 2:17 AM
828 Comments
Decided to pass on an open-box for a hair under $1,800.
2
Sep 28, 2026 2:27 AM
3K Comments
Joined Oct 2008
asukaSep 28, 2026 2:27 AM
3K Comments
Quote from dotCOMdiscount View quoted comment :
microcenter regularly sells apple computers at a discount, close to or even better than the education discounts sometimes. not sure how apple allows them to do it, but they do
Micro Center was with Apple during the dark ages. There's some loyalty there.
Pro
Sep 28, 2026 2:55 AM
4.6K Comments
Joined Nov 2015
dshoppr
Pro
Sep 28, 2026 2:55 AM
4.6K Comments
Quote from RCMIKE View quoted comment :
Decided to pass on an open-box for a hair under $1,800.
where did you score an openbox for $1800 ?
Sep 28, 2026 3:06 AM
828 Comments
Joined Nov 2016
RCMIKESep 28, 2026 3:06 AM
828 Comments
Quote from dshoppr View quoted comment :
where did you score an openbox for $1800 ?
I didn't. I passed on it. In the end, my M1 does everything I need it to do.

Micro Center is where it was. Someone else has surely bought it by now.
2

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Pro
Sep 28, 2026 3:33 AM
4.6K Comments
Joined Nov 2015
dshoppr
Pro
Sep 28, 2026 3:33 AM
4.6K Comments
Quote from RCMIKE View quoted comment :
I didn't. I passed on it. In the end, my M1 does everything I need it to do.

Micro Center is where it was. Someone else has surely bought it by now.
I mean which MicroCenter store?
1

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