Apple Mac Studio Desktop M5 Ultra 256GB Unified Memory 1TB SSD in Silver - Z1U500038

Apple Z1U500038 Mac Studio Desktop M5 Ultra 256GB Unified Memory 1TB SSD in Silver

The Apple Z1U500038 Mac Studio with M5 Ultra is a compact professional desktop computer built around a 36-core CPU, 80-core GPU, 32-core Neural Engine, 256GB of unified memory and a 1TB SSD¹. Its 1.2TB/s memory bandwidth, Neural Accelerators and third-generation hardware-accelerated ray tracing support intensive graphics, simulation, development and on-device AI work. A dedicated Media Engine accelerates H.264, HEVC, ProRes, ProRes RAW and AV1 decode, while six Thunderbolt 5 ports reach up to 120Gb/s and flexible Thunderbolt and HDMI output supports up to eight external displays.

Within the Apple desktop computer lineup, this Silver configuration is engineered for filmmakers color-grading uncompressed 8K footage, VFX artists rendering complex simulations, developers compiling large projects and teams running local AI models. Its quiet thermal system helps sustain batch renders, coding agent tasks and other intensive sessions without interrupting focus.

Key Features

M5 Ultra with 36-Core CPU and 80-Core GPU

M5 Ultra fuses two M5 Max chips into one system on a chip, pairing a 36-core CPU with an 80-core GPU and 32-core Neural Engine. Neural Accelerators, 1.2TB/s memory bandwidth and third-generation hardware-accelerated ray tracing give professional apps room for complex simulations, detailed visual effects and graphics-heavy production.

256GB Unified Memory for On-Device AI

The 256GB shared memory pool lets the CPU, GPU and Neural Engine work from the same large body of data. That architecture is designed for frontier-class models, large datasets, high-resolution media and agentic workflows running locally without relying on cloud tokens.

Hardware-Accelerated Media Engine

Dedicated media hardware covers H.264, HEVC, ProRes, ProRes RAW and AV1 decode, with two video decode engines, four video encode engines and four ProRes encode and decode engines. Filmmakers can use these specialized resources for uncompressed 8K color work, playback, transcoding and final output.

Up to Eight External Displays

Build an expansive editing, monitoring or technical workspace with as many as eight displays. The M5 Ultra configuration can drive eight displays at up to 6K 60Hz or 4K up to 165Hz, or up to four at 8K 60Hz, 5K 120Hz or 4K 240Hz, with VRR, HDR and multichannel audio support.

Six Thunderbolt 5 Ports and Professional I/O

Four rear and two front Thunderbolt 5 ports provide up to 120Gb/s for high-bandwidth storage, DisplayPort 2.1 displays, video synchronization, external PCIe expansion and clustered compute. HDMI 2.1, 10Gb Ethernet, two USB-A ports, front SDXC UHS-II and a high-impedance-capable headphone jack connect both current and established studio equipment.

The Apple N1 chip adds Wi-Fi 7², Bluetooth 6 and Thread networking technology for compatible wireless networks and devices.

Compact, Quiet Thermal Design

The 7.7 in square, 3.7 in high enclosure is designed to sit beneath most displays while keeping front and rear ports close at hand. Inside, the thermal system supports sustained intensive work while remaining remarkably quiet, helping batch video renders and coding agent tasks continue without breaking concentration.

macOS and Apple Intelligence

macOS is tuned for Apple silicon graphics, unified memory and machine-learning capabilities, supporting optimized pro and AI-ready apps such as Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Photoshop. Apple Intelligence and Siri AI combine on-device processing with Private Cloud Compute for supported features designed around privacy.³

Is the Apple Z1U500038 Right for You?

This configuration is built for professionals whose workloads go far beyond everyday desktop tasks. Shoppers using a desktop computer buying guide to compare processors, memory, storage and connections will find its 256GB memory pool, extensive display support and local AI capabilities suited to uncompressed 8K media, complex simulations, large software builds and advanced model work.

Features

• M5 Ultra and 1.2TB/s Memory Bandwidth
  A 36-core CPU, 80-core GPU, 32-core Neural Engine, Neural Accelerators and ray tracing power extreme pro and AI workflows.
• 256GB Unified Memory
  Provides a large shared pool for complex models, simulations, high-resolution media and professional projects.
• 1TB SSD Storage
  Keeps applications, active projects, media and model data on fast internal solid-state storage.¹
• Advanced Media Engine
  Accelerates H.264, HEVC, ProRes, ProRes RAW and AV1 decode workflows with dedicated hardware.
• Up to Eight External Displays
  Supports flexible high-resolution and high-refresh-rate screen combinations for expansive workspaces.
• Six Thunderbolt 5 Ports
  Four rear and two front connections deliver up to 120Gb/s for storage, displays, expansion and clustered compute.
• Professional I/O
  Connects studio gear through HDMI 2.1, 10Gb Ethernet, two USB-A ports, SDXC UHS-II and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
• Apple N1 Wireless Networking
  Adds Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread for compatible networks, peripherals and devices.²
• Compact Silver Design
  Fits beneath most displays while keeping front and rear connections within easy reach.
• Quiet Thermal System
  Helps maintain intensive rendering, development and AI sessions without distracting from the work.
• macOS and Apple Intelligence
  Uses Apple silicon capabilities for optimized pro apps, on-device processing and supported intelligent features.³
• 35% Recycled or Renewable Content
  Includes a 100% recycled aluminum enclosure and is ENERGY STAR certified.⁴

Footnotes:

¹ 1GB = 1 billion bytes and 1TB = 1 trillion bytes; actual formatted capacity is less.

² Wi-Fi 7 availability varies by country.

³ Apple Intelligence and Siri AI feature, language, region, device and usage-limit restrictions apply.

⁴ Product recycled or renewable content is calculated as a percentage of device mass and excludes packaging and in-box accessories.

Studio Display, Studio Display XDR, Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, external storage, PCIe chassis and other pictured accessories are sold separately and are not included in the box.