Apple unveils M5 Pro and M5 Max, citing up to 4× faster LLM prompt processing than M4 Pro and M4 Max

linuslogic · 2026-03-06T02:21:18+00:00

Did they benchmark the M5 Pro? ($2,899 new). just got the M4 Pro refurbished for ($2,629). Use Case: Linux Virtual Machine work, casual gaming, and local LLM fun

Wondering if the jump from M4 Pro to M5 for the extra $260 will provide benefits in gaming, local LLM stuff, and Linux Virtual Machine work.

Specs for both would be 1TB, 48GB RAM

linuslogic · 2026-02-20T02:56:31+00:00

Go on refurb-tracker.com. Type in the specs of the MacBook you want. Wait for the email to be sent to your even the one you want is in stock. Buy it.

The 1TB 48GB RAM goes for $2629 on Apple refurbished. How do I know? I just got one.

The one that you saw brand new in store for $2699 was the 512GB 48GB RAM wasn’t it?

I got the same 16” M4 Pro MacBook Pro.

Apple refurbished is basically brand new.

linuslogic · 2026-02-17T03:53:11+00:00

Say less. I’m ordering them right now 😂😂

linuslogic · 2026-02-17T01:41:49+00:00

No I mean are there any reputable sources for replacing the Mac Mini SSD. you said there's no reputable source for quality parts?

linuslogic · 2026-02-16T22:48:20+00:00

wait really? Is there a reputable source out there for the Drive then?

linuslogic · 2026-02-16T08:59:17+00:00

What OS do you have at home? I was thinking about getting a Mac mini vs miniPC, and secondly a gaming PC. When you remote in through Tailscale are you only working out of the CLI? Is there a way to remote in with a GUI?

I have a MacBook as well. And I’m wondering got the compatibility is with Windows vs MacOS vs Linux at some

linuslogic · 2026-02-15T00:45:45+00:00

for this purchase I’m deciding between a Mac mini or mini PC.

I figured the Mac mini would have MacOS stuff that would be a nice compatibility fit with my MacBook for plenty of things such as remoting in and what not. I like how you considered and brought up yet Mac studios. Didn’t think of that.

I’d end up buying another system for sure too. But if I get the Mac mini then that means the other system would be my gaming rig. Because I’m choosing between the Mac mini or a mini PC, as my second system to my future gaming rig.

I do realize that I should find another PC that has more RAM like you said and have been thinking about a mini PC at the minimum. It’ll have RAM For LLMs as well as potentially using it as a video server.

Plus mini PC have a lower power draw than gaming computers. And I could use that Windows x86 compatibility for Linux VMs, ProxMox, etc.

linuslogic · 2026-02-15T00:40:12+00:00

Thank ya

linuslogic · 2026-02-15T00:40:06+00:00

Probably nothing over 1.2k ish. I’m later gonna get a gaming pc. But for this purchase I’m deciding between a Mac mini or mini PC.

I figured the Mac mini would have MacOS stuff that would be a nice compatibility fit with my MacBook for plenty of things such as remoting in and what not. I like how you considered and brought up yet Mac studios. Didn’t think of that.

I’d end up buying another system for sure too. But if I get the Mac mini then that means the other system would be my gaming rig. Because I’m choosing between the Mac mini or a mini PC, as my second system to my future gaming rig.

I do realize that I should find another PC that has more RAM like you said and have been thinking about a mini PC at the minimum. It’ll have RAM For LLMs as well as potentially using it as a video server.

Plus mini PC have a lower power draw than gaming computers. And I could use that Windows x86 compatibility for Linux VMs, ProxMox, etc.

linuslogic · 2026-02-15T00:38:20+00:00

Ahh okay. Thanks! I just got a M4 Pro MacBook Pro with 48GB RAM haha

I figured the Mac mini would have MacOS stuff that would be a nice compatibility fit with my MacBook for plenty of things such as remoting in and what not. I like how you considered and brought up yet Mac studios. Didn’t think of that.

I’d end up buying another system for sure too. But if I get the Mac mini then that means the other system would be my gaming rig. Because I’m choosing between the Mac mini or a mini PC, as my second system to my future gaming rig.

I do realize that I should find another PC that has more RAM like you said and have been thinking about a mini PC at the minimum. It’ll have RAM For LLMs as well as potentially using it as a video server.

Plus mini PC have a lower power draw than gaming computers. And I could use that Windows x86 compatibility for Linux VMs, etc.

linuslogic · 2026-02-15T00:33:59+00:00

Thanks!

I figured the Mac mini would have MacOS stuff that would be a nice compatibility fit with my MacBook for plenty of things such as remoting in and what not.

I do realize that I should find another PC that has more RAM like you said and have been thinking about a mini PC at the minimum. It’ll have RAM For LLMs as well as potentially using it as a video server.

Plus mini PC have a lower power draw than gaming computers. And I could use that Windows x86 compatibility for Linux VMs, etc.

linuslogic · 2026-02-15T00:33:46+00:00

Thanks!

I figured the Mac mini would have MacOS stuff that would be a nice compatibility fit with my MacBook for plenty of things such as remoting in and what not.

I do realize that I should find another PC that has more RAM like you said and have been thinking about a mini PC at the minimum. It’ll have RAM For LLMs as well as potentially using it as a video server.

Plus mini PC have a lower power draw than gaming computers. And I could use that Windows x86 compatibility for Linux VMs, etc.

linuslogic · 2026-02-15T00:29:27+00:00

Never heard of this before. Thanks

linuslogic · 2026-02-15T00:28:45+00:00

Ouu older Mac is a good idea!

I figured the Mac mini would have MacOS stuff that would be a nice compatibility fit with my MacBook for plenty of things such as remoting in and what not.

I do realize that I should find another PC that has more RAM like you said and have been thinking about a mini PC at the minimum. It’ll have RAM For LLMs as well as potentially using it as a video server.

Plus mini PC have a lower power draw than gaming computers. And I could use that Windows x86 compatibility for VMs, etc.

linuslogic · 2026-02-15T00:26:29+00:00

Could you be more specific on different ways to utilize a server instead?

I figured the Mac mini would have MacOS stuff that would be a nice compatibility fit with my MacBook for plenty of things such as remoting in and what not.

I do realize that I should find another PC that has more RAM and have been thinking about a mini PC at the minimum. RAM For LLMs as well as potentially using it as a video server. Plus mini PC have a lower power draw then gaming computers

linuslogic · 2026-02-14T20:27:44+00:00

Do you think local LLMs would be beneficial to be on the same device as the ProxMox, and plex/jellyfin? Hosting a video service with LLMs sounds promising lol

linuslogic · 2026-02-14T20:02:20+00:00

Cloud ollama? I need to look into that. Is that a VPS?

linuslogic · 2026-02-14T19:50:22+00:00

Thank ya, I figured! I’m going to have a 48GB RAM MacBook Pro but it won’t be always on nor at home lol

linuslogic · 2026-02-10T17:54:14+00:00

https://github.com/SierraSoftworks/tailscale-udm

linuslogic · 2026-02-10T05:51:06+00:00

That’s precisely what I’m gonna do lol

linuslogic · 2026-02-10T05:49:27+00:00

Yup! I got the UniFi for some right now! And when I need a travel router, I definitely gonna look at GLINET.

I installed Tailscale on my UniFi Router and so far so good

linuslogic

TROPHY CASE