MyTop30
Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2026, M5 Pro)

Catalog Edition of 1 October 2026

Premium Laptops & Desktops

An edited MyTop30 catalog of computer hardware, published as a dated edition.

  • 17Entries
  • 1 Oct 2026Updated
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No. 1 Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2026, M5 Pro)

Photograph: MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro, 2024, identical enclosure) by AzureSaturn, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons, edited, resized

Editor’s summary

Apple's 2026-09-22 desktop launch reshapes the list. The M5 Max Mac Studio replaces the M4 Max as the top desktop. The M5 Ultra Studio takes the personal AI crown from DGX Spark after Tom's Hardware measured almost 4× Spark's local-LLM token rate. The M5 Pro Mac mini replaces the M4 Pro mini, and Lenovo's 32-inch OLED Yoga AIO enters after a second independent review. The 16-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro remains rank 1, with its price corrected to $2,999 after Apple's June increase; DGX Spark slips to rank 5 as street prices pass $4,999.

Photograph: MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro, 2024, identical enclosure) by AzureSaturn, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons, edited, resized

01

LaptopBest in class

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2026, M5 Pro)

The 16-inch M5 Pro is the only current MacBook Pro chassis that can hold Apple’s new silicon at full power without the 14-inch Max’s throttling, and it still leads Windows 16-inch laptops on CPU, silence, and creator benches.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

9.2Overall score
out of 10

  • Performance9.6
  • Display9.5
  • Build9.4
  • Battery9.2
  • Thermals9.3
  • Value7.0

Price USD 2,999 as of 25 June 2026

Key specifications

System on chip
Apple M5 Pro 18-core CPU (6 super + 12 performance) / 20-core GPU
Memory reviewed
64 GB LPDDR5x-9600 unified (base SKU is 24 GB / 1 TB)
Display
16.2-inch Mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR, 3456×2234, 120 Hz, optional nano-texture
Weight
2.12 kg (4.68 lb)
Battery (watt-hours)
99.6

Sources

  1. Notebookcheck · Apple MacBook Pro 16 2026 Review — M5 Pro makes one of the best multimedia laptops even betterCB2024 2347/201, GB6 28436/4295, Steel Nomad 2323, 18h32 Wi-Fi battery, 92% overall; no CPU throttling in 16-inch chassis.
  2. Macworld · 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Max) review: Ultra speed with shocking readsSame 2026 16-inch generation: 1000 nits SDR / 1600 nits HDR XDR, Blackmagic SSD leap, 1475-minute video-loop battery; M5 Max 16-inch is Apple’s fastest portable.
  3. Apple · Apple introduces MacBook Pro with all-new M5 Pro and M5 Max16-inch M5 Pro starts $2699 with 1 TB; M5 Max 16-inch starts $3899.
  4. Six Colors · M5 Pro MacBook Pro review: Fast, familiar friendM5 CPU core ~15% faster than M4; 18-core M5 Pro review unit ~23% faster than a 14-core M4 Max in the reviewer’s daily machine.
  5. The Verge · Here are all of the Apple price hikes16-inch MacBook Pro M5 Pro 24 GB/1 TB base rose from $2,699 to $2,999 on 2026-06-25.
Photograph: Mac Studio (2022, identical enclosure) by Yasu, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped, resized

02

DesktopBest in subcategory

Apple Mac Studio (M5 Max, 2026)

The new desktop benchmark for creators: M5 Max Studio beats last year's M3 Ultra in most tests, stays silent, and starts at $2,499.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

9.2Overall score
out of 10

  • Performance9.6
  • Build9.5
  • Thermals9.4
  • Value7.4

Price USD 2,499 as of 29 September 2026

Key specifications

System on chip
Apple M5 Max (base 18-core CPU / 32-core GPU; upgraded 40-core GPU option)
Memory
Unified memory 36 GB base; up to 128 GB (Macworld unit 128 GB)
Memory bandwidth
460 GB/s (32-core GPU) / 614 GB/s (40-core GPU) per AppleInsider and Ars
Storage
512 GB SSD base; up to 8 TB
Volume
Same ≈3.6 L chassis as the 2025 Studio (AppleInsider: no design or port changes)
Ports
Thunderbolt 5 rear, front USB-C (not Thunderbolt), HDMI, 10 GbE, SDXC; up to five displays

Sources

  1. Macworld · Mac Studio (M5 Max) review: Shifting into overdrive18c/40c/128 GB/4 TB unit ($6,899): Geekbench 7 multi +22% / single +8% vs M4 Max; Cinebench 2024 GPU +33% vs M4 Max and +10% vs M3 Ultra; 30%+ higher game frame rates; base price $2,499 (+$500 vs M4 Max launch).
  2. PetaPixel · Mac Studio with M5 Max review: the best Mac for photo and video we've tested9.5/10. Best Photoshop result PetaPixel has measured and a record Premiere Pro score; close to a 256 GB M3 Ultra in Lightroom and Resolve; silent. Cons: speakers, expensive upgrades.
  3. Ars Technica · Review: Apple's hyper-pricey M5 Ultra Mac Studio made me into a vibe coderTests both Studios: M5 Max ~31 tok/s on Qwen 3.8 27B vs 18–20 on Framework Desktop / M2 Max; M5 Max beat the Ultra in HandBrake H.264; 64 GB / 1 TB full-chip Max costs $3,799.
  4. AppleInsider · M5 Max Mac Studio review: far better choice than Ultra for most desks5/5. Unit 18c/32c GPU, 1 TB (about $2,799); Geekbench 7 single 3,718; base $2,499 with 512 GB.
Photograph: Mac Studio (2022, identical enclosure) by Yasu, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped, resized

03

Personal AI hardwareBest in subcategory

Apple Mac Studio (M5 Ultra, 2026)

The fastest personal local-LLM machine reviewed so far: 1.2 TB/s unified memory up to 256 GB (512 GB due late October), generating roughly 4× the tokens per second of DGX Spark in Tom's Hardware's test.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

9.0Overall score
out of 10

  • Performance9.6
  • Build9.5
  • Thermals9.2
  • Value6.0

Price USD 5,499 as of 21 September 2026

Key specifications

Accelerator / system on chip
Apple M5 Ultra (base 30-core CPU / 64-core GPU; top 36-core CPU / 80-core GPU)
Memory (GB)
256
Memory type
Unified LPDDR, 1,228.8 GB/s (Ars); 96 GB base, 256 GB shipping, 512 GB option due late October 2026
CPU
Up to 36 cores; Geekbench 7 3,770 single / 52,293 multi (Tom's Hardware)
TDP / power
About 75 W package under HandBrake (Ars); copper vapor chamber; stable 10-run Cinebench loop at about 78 °C CPU average (Tom's)
Form factor
Mac Studio chassis, about 8 lb (3.6 kg) for the Ultra; Thunderbolt 5, 10 GbE

Sources

  1. Tom's Hardware · Apple Mac Studio (M5 Ultra) review: Local model citizen outpaces DGX Spark and ThreadripperEditor's Choice. Qwen 3.8-27B Q4_K_M: faster prompt processing than DGX Spark and almost 4× its tok/s, about 2× the M4 Max. Geekbench 7 3,770/52,293; HandBrake 1:04; loses Blender CPU to 64-core Threadripper; 16–18 week backorders.
  2. MacStories · M5 Ultra Mac Studio Review: The Dream Mac for Local AI Agents256 GB unit. Qwen3.8 Flash-Next 108 vs 70 tok/s (M3 Ultra); 16K prefill 2,887 vs 1,143 tok/s; 64K-prompt TTFT 24.4 s vs 59.7 s. Against an RTX 5090 on Qwen3.8 27B: 1,701 vs 3,031 tok/s read, 48 vs 59 tok/s write.
  3. PCMag · I Tested the New M5 Apple Mac Studio, a Pricey, Quad-Die Beast for Heavy AI Use4.5 Outstanding, Editors' Choice. Cinebench multi 4,635 (+40% vs M3 Ultra); Resolve PugetBench ~18,000; no ISV certification; GPU trails RTX Pro 6000.
  4. Ars Technica · Review: Apple's hyper-pricey M5 Ultra Mac Studio made me into a vibe coderQwen 3.8 27B just over 50 tok/s (vs ~31 for the M5 Max); 1,228.8 GB/s bandwidth; 256 GB / 1 TB costs $9,499; 512 GB expected above $20k.
  5. Engadget · Apple Mac Studio M5 Ultra review8.9/10. Geekbench 7 multi 52,185 vs 39,145 (M3 Ultra); sustained SSD ~14 GB/s write / 11 GB/s read; Whisper transcribed 70 min of audio in 18 s.
Photograph: MacBook Air 13-inch (M4, 2025, identical enclosure) by AzureSaturn, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons, edited, resized

04

LaptopBest in subcategory

Apple MacBook Air 13 (2026, M5)

Fanless M5 is still the world’s fastest single-core ultraportable you can actually buy, and the 512 GB base storage finally matches the rest of the machine.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

8.9Overall score
out of 10

  • Performance8.8
  • Display8.0
  • Build9.3
  • Battery8.8
  • Thermals9.5
  • Value8.6

Price USD 1,299 as of 25 June 2026

Key specifications

System on chip
Apple M5 10-core CPU / 8-core GPU (10-core GPU is a $100 option)
Memory reviewed
16 GB LPDDR5x-9600 unified (up to 32 GB)
Display
13.6-inch IPS Liquid Retina, 2560×1664, 60 Hz, ~500–546 nits
Weight
1.23 kg (2.71 lb)
Battery (watt-hours)
53.8

Sources

  1. Notebookcheck · Insane performance and efficiency without fans — Apple MacBook Air 13 M5 Entry ReviewCB2024 957/200, GB6 17072/4185, 546 nits, ΔE 2.1, 16h11 Wi-Fi, 92% overall, fully silent.
  2. Tom's Hardware · Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, M5) review: Steady as it goesEditors’ Choice. GB6 4168/17067; 15h28 mixed battery; still the best Mac for most people.
  3. PCMag · I Tested Apple’s M5 MacBook Air—It’s Still the One Most Laptops ChaseRepeat Editors’ Choice; June 25 2026 $200 price hike to $1299 base documented in-article.
  4. The Verge · MacBook Air M5 review: a small update for the ‘just right’ MacM5 + Wi-Fi 7 + 512 GB base; ~2× SSD speeds vs M4; 15.3-inch sibling 66.5 Wh / 1.51 kg.
Photograph by Daniel Lu, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, resized

05

Personal AI hardwareNotable challenger

NVIDIA DGX Spark

Still the CUDA-native desk AI appliance: 128 GB coherent memory and ConnectX-7 clustering in a 1.1 L box. It is now second in this subcategory, because the M5 Ultra Studio generates tokens much faster for single users.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

7.9Overall score
out of 10

  • Performance8.2
  • Build8.6
  • Thermals8.0
  • Value6.0

Price USD 4,999.99 as of 20 September 2026

Key specifications

Accelerator / system on chip
NVIDIA GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchip (Blackwell GPU + 20-core Arm CPU: 10× Cortex-X925 + 10× Cortex-A725, NVLink-C2C)
Memory (GB)
128
Memory type
unified LPDDR5X, 256-bit, 273 GB/s coherent CPU+GPU
CPU
20-core Arm v9 (10P+10E), up to ~4.0 GHz
Peak AI performance
up to 1 PFLOP sparse FP4; LMSYS places AI compute roughly between RTX 5070 and 5070 Ti
TDP / power
240 W USB-C adapter; GB10 SoC budget ~140 W; measured ~35 W idle (22–25 W after CX-7 hot-plug firmware), ~160 W GPU-heavy wall, ~195 W peak reported
Form factor
150 × 150 × 50.5 mm, 1.13 L, 1.2 kg; 4 TB Gen5 2242 NVMe (FE); ConnectX-7 dual QSFP 200 GbE + 10 GbE + Wi-Fi 7; DGX OS (Ubuntu 24.04)

Sources

  1. Tom's Hardware · DGX Spark review (Jan 2026)independent professional review; llama.cpp vs Strix Halo, thermals, power
  2. StorageReview · DGX Spark review (Oct 2025, updated 2026-08-16)independent professional review; vLLM tok/s, MAMF, GDS
  3. LMSYS · DGX Spark in-depth review (2025-10-13)independent lab SGLang/Ollama tok/s vs RTX 5090 / PRO 6000
  4. ServeTheHome · DGX Spark reviewindependent professional hands-on; clustering/networking
  5. NVIDIA Developer Forums · 2026-02-23 price changeofficial $3,999 → $4,699
  6. VideoCardz · DGX Spark prices are already climbing before RTX Spark mini PCs launchOut of stock on NVIDIA Marketplace at $4,699; cheapest available units $4,999.99 (Amazon / Micro Center); ASUS GX10 about $6,000.
Photograph: Mac mini (2024, identical enclosure) by Seasider53, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped, resized

06

DesktopNotable challenger

Apple Mac mini (M5 Pro, 2026)

The most powerful tiny desktop: 25–40% faster than the M4 Pro mini, but the 2026 price rise makes it a worse value.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

8.8Overall score
out of 10

  • Performance9.0
  • Build9.4
  • Thermals8.8
  • Value7.2

Price USD 1,699 as of 22 September 2026

Key specifications

System on chip
Apple M5 Pro (base 15-core CPU / 16-core GPU; full 18-core CPU / 20-core GPU as reviewed)
Memory
24 GB base; reviewed 48 GB
Storage
512 GB base; reviewed 1 TB
Volume
0.82 L, 0.73 kg (The Verge)
Ports
Thunderbolt 5, 2.5 GbE standard (10 GbE option), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6

Sources

  1. Macworld · Mac mini (M5 Pro) review: Killer performance at a lethal priceFull 18c/20c, 48 GB, 1 TB, 10 GbE unit ($2,899): Geekbench 7 single +12% / multi +38% vs M4 Pro; Cinebench 2026 multi +40%; HandBrake CPU encode 26% faster; costs 25–50% more for 25–30% more speed.
  2. The Verge · Apple M6 / M5 Pro Mac Mini review: Still mighty, just not as cheapM5 Pro ($2,899 unit): Geekbench 6 4,294/29,104; Cinebench 2026 715/8,059; PugetBench Photoshop 17,726, Premiere 105,041, Resolve 85,624; SSD 12,218/15,421 MB/s. Weak speakers.

07

LaptopNotable challenger

Dell XPS 14 (2026, Core Ultra X7 358H)

The Windows 14-inch that actually came back: Panther Lake X7 plus Arc B390 matches last-gen RTX 4050 graphics in a stiffer, quieter, longer-running chassis.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

8.7Overall score
out of 10

  • Performance8.7
  • Display8.8
  • Build9.0
  • Battery9.0
  • Thermals8.2
  • Value7.8

Price USD 2,199.99 as of 2 September 2026

Key specifications

System on chip
Intel Core Ultra X7 358H (Panther Lake, 16c) + Intel Arc B390 (12 Xe3)
Memory reviewed
32 GB LPDDR5x-9600 soldered
Display
14-inch 2880×1800 OLED touch, 20–120 Hz VRR, ~394 nits SDR lab / 500 nits spec
Weight
1.44 kg (3.18 lb)
Battery (watt-hours)
70

Sources

  1. Notebookcheck · Dell XPS 14 2026 review: Fully reborn with Intel Panther Lake X7X7 358H + Arc B390: R23 18932, GB6 17121/2927, PCMark 10 9880, Fire Strike 17324, OLED ΔE 1.27.
  2. PCMag · Dell XPS 14 (2026) Review: A Hit Revival of a Legendary Luxury LaptopEditors’ Choice. 21h02 battery; Arc B390 beat 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro in 3DMark; $2199.99 as tested.

08

DesktopNotable challenger

Framework Desktop (Ryzen AI Max+ 395)

The only Strix Halo mini you can actually service: 16 Zen 5 cores, Radeon 8060S, and up to 128 GB unified memory on a Mini-ITX board that unbolts from a 4.5-liter case.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

8.4Overall score
out of 10

  • Performance8.5
  • Build8.4
  • Thermals8.0
  • Value8.3

Price USD 1,099 as of 2 September 2026

Key specifications

System on chip
AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 (8c, Radeon 8050S) or Ryzen AI Max+ 395 (16c/32t, Radeon 8060S 40 CU RDNA 3.5, XDNA 2 ~50 TOPS NPU)
Memory
32 / 64 / 128 GB soldered LPDDR5x-8000 (~256 GB/s); up to 96 GB allocatable to GPU on 128 GB SKU
Storage
2× M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0; DIY edition ships without SSD unless configured; PCMag unit 2 TB
Volume
4.5 L (96.8 × 205.5 × 226.1 mm; PCMag 8.9 × 3.8 × 8.1 in), ~3.1 kg
Ports
2× USB4, 2× USB-A, HDMI, 2× DisplayPort, 5 GbE, audio; 2× front Framework expansion-card bays; Wi-Fi 7; 400 W FlexATX PSU; optional PCIe 4.0 x4 (no x16 GPU)

Sources

  1. PCMag · Framework Desktop Review: This Mighty Mini PC Has Modular Mojo, CPU Go-Go4.0 Excellent. Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 128 GB, 2 TB, Win11 Pro, $2,605 as tested. Cyberpunk Ultra 85/52 fps at 1080p/1440p; competitive with Mac Studio on Premiere; no dGPU slot.
  2. The Verge · The Framework Desktop made me fall for small form factor PCs4.5 L Mini-ITX; 385/32 GB $1,099, 395/64 GB $1,599, 395/128 GB $1,999 for board+case+PSU. Runs Llama 3.3 70B on 128 GB. Soldered RAM/CPU; no x16 GPU.
  3. Tom's Hardware · Framework Desktop review: AMD's Strix Halo in a petite, powerful, pricey PCIndependent gaming/SFF lab review of Strix Halo in Framework chassis.
  4. Phoronix · Framework Desktop With AMD Ryzen AI Max Offers Excellent, Linux-Friendly PerformanceLinux (Ubuntu 25.04 / Fedora 42 / Arch) first-class with kernel 6.1x + Mesa 25 for RDNA 3.5. RAM not replaceable.
Photograph: iMac (M4, 2024) by AzureSaturn, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped, resized

09

DesktopNotable challenger

Apple iMac 24-inch (M4, 2024)

Still the world’s best 24-inch all-in-one in 2026: 4.5K Retina, M4, and a complete desk kit — if you accept no height adjustment and soldered RAM.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

8.6Overall score
out of 10

  • Performance8.2
  • Display9.3
  • Build9.4
  • Thermals9.0
  • Value7.4

Price USD 1,499 as of 2 September 2026

Key specifications

System on chip
Apple M4 — 8-core CPU/GPU base or 10-core CPU/GPU (reviewed)
Memory
16 GB unified minimum (up to 24 GB on 8-core, 32 GB on 10-core), soldered, 120 GB/s
Storage
256 GB SSD base; reviewed configs 512 GB–1 TB; up to 2 TB on 10-core
Display
23.5-inch 4.5K (4480×2520) IPS Retina, ~500 nits, P3; optional nano-texture glass (+$200); no height adjust; optional VESA
Volume
AIO: ~11.5 mm chin enclosure on aluminum stand
Ports
Base: 2× Thunderbolt 4. 10-core: 4× Thunderbolt 4 + Gigabit Ethernet on PSU. Wi-Fi 6E / BT 5.3. 12 MP Center Stage webcam, six speakers, Magic Keyboard/Mouse.

Sources

  1. PCMag · Apple iMac (2024, M4) ReviewEditors’ Choice consumer AIO. M4 beats M3 and Windows AIOs in productivity; SpyderX: better DCI-P3 and brightness than Lenovo IdeaCentre 27. Base now $1,499.
  2. WIRED · Apple iMac (M4, 2024) Review: Small but Worthwhile Upgrades9/10. Highest AIO CPU benches WIRED had measured; 12 MP webcam; nano-texture ‘must-have’; no Thunderbolt 5; Magic Mouse still charges upside-down.
  3. Tom's Guide · Apple iMac M4 review: The best all-in-one just got betterBest AIO with more juice; M3 owners need not rush. Cons: no HDR, no touch, no height adjust.

10

LaptopNotable challenger

Dell XPS 16 (2026, Core Ultra X7 OLED)

Tom’s Guide’s ‘Windows laptop to beat’: a pound lighter than last year’s 16 Premium, with Panther Lake endurance and a tandem OLED, at the cost of discrete graphics and an SD reader.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

8.5Overall score
out of 10

  • Performance8.3
  • Display8.9
  • Build9.0
  • Battery8.7
  • Thermals8.0
  • Value7.6

Price USD 2,349 as of 12 April 2026

Key specifications

System on chip
Intel Core Ultra X7 358H + Intel Arc (integrated; no dGPU on any 2026 XPS 16)
Memory reviewed
32 GB LPDDR5x (Tom's Guide unit)
Display
16-inch 2880×1800 tandem OLED touch, 120 Hz (FHD+ 120 Hz IPS is the base panel)
Weight
1.63 kg / 3.6 lb (OLED as tested); 1.74 kg / 3.84 lb NBC base IPS
Battery (watt-hours)
70

Sources

  1. Tom's Guide · Dell XPS 16 (2026) review‘The Windows laptop to beat.’ GB6 2839/16927, 13h08 battery, 355 nits SDR OLED, $2349 as tested.
  2. Engadget · Dell XPS 16 (2026) review: Return of the kingRedesign restores physical keys and practical chassis; early keyboard ghosting bug; $2349 review unit, ~$1900 on promo.
  3. Notebookcheck · Dell XPS 16 review: Two steps forward, one step backConfirms 600 g weight cut and Panther Lake efficiency; Ultra 5 325 SKU is not the elite config (CB2024 Multi 629).

11

LaptopNotable challenger

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition

The business ultraportable still to beat: 9/10 iFixit repairability, a real ThinkPad keyboard, and 18–25 hour batteries from a 58 Wh pack.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

8.5Overall score
out of 10

  • Performance7.6
  • Display7.8
  • Build9.2
  • Battery9.6
  • Thermals8.8
  • Value7.9

Price USD 2,139 as of 25 July 2026

Key specifications

System on chip
Intel Core Ultra 5 325 to Ultra X7/X9 Panther Lake (reviewed: Ultra 5 325 NBC, Ultra 7 355 PCMag)
Memory reviewed
32 GB LPDDR5x soldered (up to 64 GB on X-SKU)
Display
14-inch 1920×1200 60 Hz low-power IPS (max battery) or 2880×1800 120 Hz OLED
Weight
0.99 kg OLED / 1.14 kg IPS touch
Battery (watt-hours)
58

Sources

  1. Notebookcheck · Flagship business laptop with almost 24 hours of battery life — ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 ReviewNearly 24 h Wi-Fi / 14 h max brightness from 58 Wh; 1.14 kg IPS; factory calibration poor.
  2. PCMag · Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura EditionEditors’ Choice 4.5/5. Ultra 7 355 OLED; 25h08 battery; $2139/$2374; Space Frame repairability.
  3. Thurrott · Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition Review: Panther Lake PerfectioniFixit 9/10 Space Frame; sub-1 kg OLED path; soldered RAM the remaining caveat.

12

DesktopNotable challenger

HP Z2 Mini G1a (Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 395)

The ISV-certified Strix Halo box: 128 GB unified memory, 96 GB GPU-addressable, three-year on-site warranty, and enough lab coverage to sit beside Mac Studio for Windows/Linux pros.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

8.4Overall score
out of 10

  • Performance8.7
  • Build8.6
  • Thermals7.2
  • Value8.0

Price USD 1,379 as of 1 October 2026

Key specifications

System on chip
AMD Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 395 (16c/32t Zen 5, up to 5.1 GHz, 120 W PL1 / 160 W PL2) + Radeon 8060S (40 CU); also 380/385 SKUs
Memory
Up to 128 GB soldered LPDDR5x-8533 ECC; up to 96 GB to GPU; NBC unit 64 GB; PCMag/SR 128 GB
Storage
2× M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0, RAID 0/1, up to 8 TB; PCMag dual 1 TB
Volume
≈2.9 L (3.4 × 7.9 × 6.6 in / 87 × 200 × 168 mm), from 2.3 kg, internal 300 W PSU
Ports
2× Thunderbolt 4, USB-A 20/10 Gbps, 2× mini DisplayPort 2.1, 2.5 GbE, optional flex I/O (10 GbE/serial/USB), Wi-Fi 7 / BT 5.4; four 4K displays; 3-year on-site

Sources

  1. PCMag · HP Z2 Mini G1a Review: Ryzen AI Max+ Brings the HeatEditors’ Choice mini workstation. 128 GB / dual 1 TB, $3,039 as tested. Beats M4 Pro mini in CB multi and HandBrake; 8060S dominates 3DMark vs NUC 15 Pro+ / Geekom A9 Max. Fans loud under load.
  2. Notebookcheck · HP Z2 Mini G1a with AMD Strix Halo review – Compact workstation with Ryzen AI Max+ and Radeon RX 8060S16-core Max+ PRO 395, 64 GB LPDDR5X-8533 ECC. iGPU competes with RTX 4070 Laptop. Noise the main con; Quiet mode keeps most performance.
  3. Windows Central · HP Z2 Mini (G1a) review: Absurd performance in a tiny package128 GB / 96 GB VRAM can run massive LLMs locally; claims capacity can beat an RTX 5090 for model size. 8060S ≈ laptop RTX 4070.
  4. StorageReview · HP Z2 Mini G1a Review: Running GPT-OSS 120B Without a Discrete GPUGPT-OSS 120B on iGPU via 96 GB VRAM. Street $3,343 vs $4,781 list.

13

LaptopNotable challenger

ASUS ProArt P16 (RTX 5090, Lumina Pro OLED)

Trusted Reviews’ best laptop of 2026: a 4K 120 Hz tandem OLED plus a 24 GB RTX 5090 in a ~2 kg creator body, at the cost of noise, heat, and a four-figure GPU premium.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

8.4Overall score
out of 10

  • Performance9.3
  • Display9.4
  • Build8.8
  • Battery6.4
  • Thermals7.0
  • Value6.8

Price USD 5,499 as of 9 March 2026

Key specifications

System on chip
AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop 24 GB (≈120–150 W TGP depending on SKU)
Memory reviewed
64 GB LPDDR5X-7500 soldered
Display
16-inch 3840×2400 Lumina Pro tandem OLED, 120 Hz, 100% DCI-P3, 1600 nits HDR peak
Weight
1.95–2.0 kg
Battery (watt-hours)
90

Sources

  1. Trusted Reviews · Asus ProArt P16 (4K Lumina Pro OLED) Review: The best laptop display everRyzen AI 9 HX 370 + RTX 5090, 64 GB/2 TB unit: tandem 4K 120 Hz OLED praised as the best laptop display; RTX 5090 gaming numbers closer to RTX 5080-class gaming laptops; UK price £4,799.99.
  2. Root-Nation · Asus ProArt P16 H7606WX reviewIndependent unit review of the RTX 5090 ProArt P16.
  3. Trusted Reviews · Best Laptop 2026: Top picks, rated and rankedLists the ProArt P16 (4K Lumina Pro OLED) among the best laptops of 2026.

14

DesktopNotable challenger

ASUS ROG NUC (2025) / ROG NUC 15

The only current mini that puts a real RTX 50-series laptop GPU on a desk: 1440p desktop-rivaling games in ~3 liters, with three independent labs behind it.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

8.4Overall score
out of 10

  • Performance8.9
  • Build8.3
  • Thermals7.4
  • Value7.5

Price USD 1,899 as of 2 September 2026

Key specifications

System on chip
Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX (24c, up to 5.4 GHz, cTDP 45–75 W) or Ultra 7 255HX + Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 / 5070 / 5070 Ti (12 GB) / 5080 Laptop (16 GB GDDR7, up to ~140–175 W with Dynamic Boost)
Memory
Up to 96 GB DDR5-5600/6400 SO-DIMM (2 slots); reviewed 32 GB
Storage
2× M.2 2280 (one PCIe 5.0); reviewed 1–2 TB
Volume
≈3 L upright (PCMag 11.2 × 7.4 × 2.2 in; alktech 282 × 188 × 57 mm); 330 W external PSU
Ports
Thunderbolt 4, 2× HDMI 2.1, 2× DisplayPort 1.4a/2.1, 2.5 GbE, 4× USB-A rear + front USB-C/A, headset; Wi-Fi 7 / BT 5.4; five 4K displays claimed

Sources

  1. PCMag · Asus ROG NUC (2025) Review: This Tiny Terror of a Gaming PC Is a Big Winner4.5 Editors’ Choice SFF gaming. Ultra 9 275HX + RTX 5070 Ti Laptop, 32 GB/2 TB, $2,799. Beats RTX 5060 Ti desktop towers at 1080p/1440p; CPU beats several midrange desktop chips. RAM/SSD upgradable, CPU/GPU not.
  2. Notebookcheck · Best Mini Gaming PC 2025: Asus ROG NUC 15 with GeForce RTX 5080 & Core Ultra 9 review2.5–3 L, Ultra 9 275HX + RTX 5080 Laptop 16 GB (115+25 W). Smooth 1080p and often QHD. $3,199 / ~€2,500. High idle/load power the main criticism.
  3. PCWorld · Asus ROG NUC 2025 review: Mini PC in size, massive in performanceUltra 9 275HX + RTX 5080, 32 GB, 2 TB. Noise 0–45 dBA, power 25–310 W. ~$3,600 street for that config. Strong 1440p, premium for the shrink.

15

LaptopNotable challenger

ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026, RTX 5080)

The only current thin 16-inch that still feels like a laptop while running an RTX 5080, and the first Zephyrus G16 in years with honest 13–14 hour office battery.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

8.3Overall score
out of 10

  • Performance8.9
  • Display9.3
  • Build8.7
  • Battery8.2
  • Thermals7.4
  • Value5.8

Price USD 3,699 as of 1 August 2026

Key specifications

System on chip
Intel Core Ultra 9 386H (Panther Lake) + NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop 16 GB (up to 160 W)
Memory reviewed
64 GB LPDDR5-8533 soldered (32 GB also sold)
Display
16-inch 2560×1600 OLED, 240 Hz VRR, 500 nits SDR / 1100 nits HDR, 100% DCI-P3
Weight
1.85–1.95 kg
Battery (watt-hours)
90

Sources

  1. Tom's Guide · Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 (2026) review: Improved (and much more expensive)13h45 Wi-Fi battery at 150 nits; $3699 start / $4799 RTX 5080 64 GB as tested; CPU multi improved vs 2025.
  2. Ultrabook Review · Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 detailed review (2026 GU606 – Intel Panther Lake, RTX 5080)386H + RTX 5080 160 W, 64 GB, 90 Wh, 240 Hz 2560×1600 OLED 500/1100 nits, ~1.85 kg.

16

LaptopNotable challenger

Framework Laptop 13 Pro (Panther Lake)

The first Framework that is actually premium — 18-hour Panther Lake battery, haptic pad, 700-nit 3:2 touch — at 2026 RAM-crisis prices that undercut the mission.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

8.0Overall score
out of 10

  • Performance8.0
  • Display8.2
  • Build8.5
  • Battery8.9
  • Thermals7.2
  • Value6.2

Price USD 1,599 as of 27 July 2026

Key specifications

System on chip
Intel Core Ultra X7 358H (Panther Lake) + Arc B390; AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 board also sold
Memory reviewed
LPCAMM2 LPDDR5X, 32 GB class (up to 64 GB)
Display
13.5-inch 2880×1920 3:2 LTPS touch, 30–120 Hz, 700 nits typical
Weight
1.4 kg
Battery (watt-hours)
74

Sources

  1. Ars Technica · Framework Laptop 13 Pro review: Much better battery, much worse pricePCMark 10 Modern Office ~18 h at 200 nits; 74 Wh; 30 W PL; LPCAMM2 32 GB $800.
  2. Tom's Hardware · Framework Laptop 13 Pro review: It cleans up nice15h55 mixed battery at 150 nits; CNC aluminum + haptic pad; ~$3272 as tested.

17

DesktopNew this edition

Lenovo Yoga AIO i 32 Aura Edition (Gen 11)

A Windows all-in-one with a 31.5-inch 4K 165 Hz OLED that Windows Central calls the best display on any AIO. It has competent Panther Lake performance but some rough edges.

Full assessment
Scores, specifications & sources

8.1Overall score
out of 10

  • Performance7.8
  • Display9.0
  • Build8.3
  • Thermals7.8
  • Value6.8

Price USD 2,870 as of 24 September 2026

Key specifications

CPU
Intel Core Ultra X7 358H (Panther Lake)
GPU
Intel Arc B390 (integrated)
Memory
32 GB
Display
31.5-inch 4K 165 Hz OLED, 99% DCI-P3, up to 1,000 nits HDR peak (vendor spec)
Weight
About 8.5 kg

Sources

  1. Windows Central · Lenovo Yoga AIO i 32 Aura Edition reviewCalls it the best display on any AIO. Geekbench 2,851/16,964; Cinebench 501/4,927; Time Spy 7,793; CrystalDiskMark 7,008/5,807 MB/s. Speaker hiss on two units; no Ethernet or SD; $3,097.99 at Lenovo.
  2. How-To Geek · Lenovo Yoga All-in-One i 32 Gen 11 Aura Edition review8.5/10. Geekbench 7 2,555/18,250, GPU 55,825; Cinebench 2026 504/4,553. Speakers good; fans spin up under light loads; clear stand scuffs; $2,870 as reviewed (dual 1 TB).

Watchlist

On the radar

  • Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M6)

    October or early November 2026 (rumored)

    A base-M6 14-inch that runs cool could fill the compact pro slot. The 14-inch M5 Max throttles, and M7 Pro/Max models are not expected until 2027.

  • Apple iMac (M6)

    October or early November 2026 (rumored)

    Would replace the M4 iMac once two labs review it.

  • NVIDIA RTX Spark (N1X) laptops and mini PCs

    October 2026 launch

    Brings an Arm CPU plus Blackwell GPU with up to 128 GB unified memory to Windows laptops and small desktops (e.g. Lenovo Yoga 9n, Acer SFF shown at IFA). It could challenge both the laptop and personal AI slots once reviewed.

  • ASUS ROG NUC 16

    2026 (no lab reviews yet)

    Successor to the listed ROG NUC 2025 with a Core Ultra 9 290HX and up to RTX 5080. Only hands-on coverage exists so far.

  • Framework Desktop (Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 495, 192 GB)

    Listed on Framework's store page (Sept 2026); no independent reviews yet

    The 192 GB configuration would close much of the capacity gap to high-memory Mac Studios for local LLMs if independent tests confirm it.

Since the last edition

No longer listed

  • Apple Mac Studio (M4 Max, 2025)

    Superseded by the Mac Studio (M5 Max), which shipped 2026-09-22 and was reviewed by Macworld, PetaPixel, Ars Technica and AppleInsider. Apple discontinued the M4 Max Studio, and PCMag moved its Editors' Choice to the 2026 Studio.

  • Apple Mac mini (M4 Pro, 2024)

    Superseded by the Mac mini (M5 Pro), which shipped 2026-09-22 and was reviewed by Macworld and The Verge.

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