The best local LLM for a Mac Studio M5 Max (128 GB) is Qwen3.8-Flash-Next at 49 tok/s. With 128 GB of unified memory it runs 62 of the models we benchmark — from compact options up to 320B-class models. For everyday chat and coding, Qwen3.8-Flash-Next is the sweet spot. Full ranking below.
Considering this Mac?
Mac Studio M5 Max (128GB) on Amazon → · not sure? the Mac Advisor picks a config →
Ranked by LLMCheck suitability (capability balanced against speed on the M5 Max). Click a model for its full benchmark and setup. All speeds are index estimates (memory-bandwidth model, cross-referenced with sourced benchmarks where available) — submit a real run →
| # | Model | Size | License | Speed | Capability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Qwen3.8-Flash-Next | 125B | Qwen Custom | 49 tok/s | 47/50 |
| 2 | DeepSeek V4 Flash | 284B | MIT | 39 tok/s | 47/50 |
| 3 | DeepSeek V4 Flash Vision-Exp | 305B | MIT | 39 tok/s | 47/50 |
| 4 | GLM-5.3-Flash | 320B | MIT | 27 tok/s | 48/50 |
| 5 | Qwen3.8-27B | 27.8B | Apache 2.0 | 29 tok/s | 46/50 |
| 6 | Inkling-Small | 276B | Apache 2.0 | 22 tok/s | 46/50 |
| 7 | Qwen3-235B-A22B | 235B | Apache 2.0 | 18 tok/s | 46/50 |
| 8 | Qwen 3.6-27B | 27B | Apache 2.0 | 30 tok/s | 44/50 |
| 9 | Laguna S 2.1 | 118B | OpenMDW | 26 tok/s | 43/50 |
| 10 | Muse Glimmer 30B | 30B | Apache 2.0 | 27 tok/s | 42/50 |
| 11 | KAT-Coder-V2.5 | 35B | Apache 2.0 | 52 tok/s | 39/50 |
| 12 | Qwen 3.6-35B-A3B | 35B | Apache 2.0 | 48 tok/s | 38/50 |
Showing the top 12 of 62 models that fit in 128 GB. See the full leaderboard or all benchmarks.
The fastest way to get started is Ollama. Install it, then pull the top pick for your Mac:
Prefer a GUI? LM Studio gives you a one-click download and chat window. For step-by-step help see our Ollama install guide, or open the Qwen3.8-Flash-Next on M5 Max benchmark page for exact settings.
The Mac Studio M5 Max (128 GB) comfortably runs 62 of the models we benchmark, led by Qwen3.8-Flash-Next. Grab one and start running LLMs offline today:
As an Amazon Associate, LLMCheck earns from qualifying purchases. Affiliate links cost you nothing extra and never influence our rankings.
Qwen3.8-Flash-Next (125B, Qwen Custom) is the best all-round pick at 49 tok/s on the M5 Max. If you want maximum speed, Maple Preview 20B-A1B hits 288 tok/s; for maximum capability, GLM-5.3-Flash still fits in 128 GB.
About 62 of the 85 models in the LLMCheck leaderboard fit in 128 GB of unified memory, from compact models up to GLM-5.3-Flash (320B).
Yes. A 70B model in Q4 quantization needs roughly 40–44 GB of memory, which fits in 128 GB with headroom for context.
128 GB is plenty for local AI — you can run capable 30B–70B-class models. Because Apple Silicon uses unified memory, that figure is both your system RAM and your VRAM.