14” M5 Max to M5 Pro & Temp M5 Air

[DeanCorp]

Hi Guys,

I have a unique case and wanted to seek an outsiders opinion, I had an M4 Max 36GB 1TB and traded it in on launch day for M5 Max 36GB 2TB (cost approx $2000 AUD to upgrade). It is my primary device I use to run my ecommerce company and often have several AI instances open and tend to use more RAM with lots of Safari tabs open.

I returned the M5 Max primarily due to the heat it was producing, fans running at full speed and as such battery was draining fast. I then ordered 14” M5 Pro 64GB 2TB and while that arrives I ordered a 15” 24GB 1TB MacBook Air and apart from the screen size (should’ve got a 13”) LOVE it that it is fanless and runs so quietly, I noticed that I only had 2GB free and got the memory low a couple of times. But I’m wondering if I just go for a 13” M5 32GB 2TB Air.

It sounds odd that I would go from an M5 Max to an M5 Air but the heat and fans really bother me when it’s on my lap. This air is quiet so I’m torn.

I did also intend on buying the redesign MacBook Pro at the end of the year and pay the difference.

The money is not a factor in my decision.

Please help me, thanks in advance 🙏

 

[dizmonk]

One key factor... when the MBP's heat up... how long are they hot? Depending on what you're doing, it may be tolerable but the Air might slow down your processing. I totally understand the dilemma... Kinda thinking about going from the Pro back to the Air also. Another issue you mention is the battery life. How important is that to you?

I originally (and kinda still) like the Mac with the longest battery life... (which in that case is the base M5). Why not do an Air and maybe get a refurbed Mac Mini for more intensive stuff???

 

[throAU]

You can set the max (or pro) to low power mode and it will still be faster than any lower end mac whilst being basically silent.

IF you need the power for something, set it to auto or high power mode and it will rip through it albeit with some noise.

 

[DeanCorp]

Thanks for your reply. This was doing “lite” work on the couch with the M5 Air 24GB. I am thinking since I ordered the M5 Pro 18C 20 GPU 64GB / 2TB it’s the best move as I found the M5 Max to run fans too often in the 14” and will have same CPU specs.

 

[DeanCorp]

One key factor... when the MBP's heat up... how long are they hot? Depending on what you're doing, it may be tolerable but the Air might slow down your processing. I totally understand the dilemma... Kinda thinking about going from the Pro back to the Air also. Another issue you mention is the battery life. How important is that to you?

I originally (and kinda still) like the Mac with the longest battery life... (which in that case is the base M5). Why not do an Air and maybe get a refurbed Mac Mini for more intensive stuff???

I’m glad im not the only crazy person here! A fanless laptop is truly remarkable. Unfortunately, with two young kids we don’t have the space for a home office anymore so I work off a laptop.

My only hesitation with the Air is speccing to 36GB and 2TB seems like such a waste of money that if I ever try and sell or trade it in it will be a horrible ‘investment’

 

[Makisupa Policeman]

Hi Guys,

I have a unique case and wanted to seek an outsiders opinion, I had an M4 Max 36GB 1TB and traded it in on launch day for M5 Max 36GB 2TB (cost approx $2000 AUD to upgrade). It is my primary device I use to run my ecommerce company and often have several AI instances open and tend to use more RAM with lots of Safari tabs open.

I returned the M5 Max primarily due to the heat it was producing, fans running at full speed and as such battery was draining fast. I then ordered 14” M5 Pro 64GB 2TB and while that arrives I ordered a 15” 24GB 1TB MacBook Air and apart from the screen size (should’ve got a 13”) LOVE it that it is fanless and runs so quietly, I noticed that I only had 2GB free and got the memory low a couple of times. But I’m wondering if I just go for a 13” M5 32GB 2TB Air.

It sounds odd that I would go from an M5 Max to an M5 Air but the heat and fans really bother me when it’s on my lap. This air is quiet so I’m torn.

I did also intend on buying the redesign MacBook Pro at the end of the year and pay the difference.

The money is not a factor in my decision.

Please help me, thanks in advance 🙏

The M5 Pro is going to run significantly cooler than the Max. Even the M1 Max got hot and noisy under heavy load. The Pro chip is probably more than capable for what you need. You could also consider the base M5 MBP which probably runs even a bit cooler.

 

[Makisupa Policeman]

View attachment 2619802
Thanks for your reply. This was doing “lite” work on the couch with the M5 Air 24GB. I am thinking since I ordered the M5 Pro 18C 20 GPU 64GB / 2TB it’s the best move as I found the M5 Max to run fans too often in the 14” and will have same CPU specs.

View attachment 2619803

Man…if you’re creeping up on 24GB RAM with “light” work I don’t see how an Air with 32GB will benefit you all that much. The M5 Pro with 64GB is probably your go-to for compromise between cool/quiet operation and performance.

 

[TheRealAlex]

Hi Guys,

I have a unique case and wanted to seek an outsiders opinion, I had an M4 Max 36GB 1TB and traded it in on launch day for M5 Max 36GB 2TB (cost approx $2000 AUD to upgrade). It is my primary device I use to run my ecommerce company and often have several AI instances open and tend to use more RAM with lots of Safari tabs open.

I returned the M5 Max primarily due to the heat it was producing, fans running at full speed and as such battery was draining fast. I then ordered 14” M5 Pro 64GB 2TB and while that arrives I ordered a 15” 24GB 1TB MacBook Air and apart from the screen size (should’ve got a 13”) LOVE it that it is fanless and runs so quietly, I noticed that I only had 2GB free and got the memory low a couple of times. But I’m wondering if I just go for a 13” M5 32GB 2TB Air.

It sounds odd that I would go from an M5 Max to an M5 Air but the heat and fans really bother me when it’s on my lap. This air is quiet so I’m torn.

I did also intend on buying the redesign MacBook Pro at the end of the year and pay the difference.

The money is not a factor in my decision.

Please help me, thanks in advance 🙏

Same here I run 2 AI agents that are helping to run my 2 businesses with 2 other AI agents supervising them and reporting back daily. For redundancy I use my M4 Pro personal laptop and my M5 MAX with 64GB of Ram to Run the AI side on things. Appointments, Calls, Inventory, Activity Logs, Clock Ins, PayRoll and more.

 

[DeanCorp]

Same here I run 2 AI agents that are helping to run my 2 businesses with 2 other AI agents supervising them and reporting back daily. For redundancy I use my M4 Pro personal laptop and my M5 MAX with 64GB of Ram to Run the AI side on things. Appointments, Calls, Inventory, Activity Logs, Clock Ins, PayRoll and more.

Wow my twin! Now just waiting for my M5 Pro 64GB 2TB to arrive. Says 28/04/2026 😭