M5 MacBook Pro SSD Speed Shatters Expectations at 6,000+ MB/s
▼ Summary
– The M5 MacBook Pro’s SSD achieved read speeds of 6,323 MB/s, over three times faster than the M4’s 2,031 MB/s.
– Write speeds on the M5 SSD reached 6,068 MB/s, an 84.31% improvement over the M4’s 3,293 MB/s.
– Overall, the M5 MacBook Pro’s SSD is approximately 2.5 times faster than the M4 model when averaging read and write speeds.
– The speed boost may result from an improved controller and PCIe lane configuration, benefiting professionals in tasks like video editing.
– Both M4 and M5 models share identical internal layouts with dual NAND modules, avoiding the single-chip speed issues seen in earlier M2 Pro models.
The new M5 MacBook Pro delivers on its promise of dramatically faster storage, with independent testing revealing SSD speeds that actually exceed Apple’s official claims. Read speeds have surged to an impressive 6,323 MB/s, a performance leap that significantly outpaces the previous M4 model. For creative professionals and power users who move large files regularly, this upgrade translates into tangible workflow improvements and noticeably snappier system responsiveness.
In a direct comparison conducted by Max Tech, the M5 MacBook Pro’s solid-state drive demonstrated remarkable performance gains across the board. While the M4 model recorded read speeds of 2,031 MB/s, the new M5 chip propelled that figure beyond 6,300 MB/s. Write performance showed similar advancement, with the M5 reaching 6,068 MB/s compared to the M4’s 3,293 MB/s. When averaged across both metrics, the M5’s storage operates approximately 2.5 times faster than its predecessor.
These extraordinary speeds likely stem from architectural improvements, including a more advanced storage controller and potentially wider PCIe lane allocation. While consumer PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs can achieve comparable numbers, Apple’s tight hardware-software integration ensures these speeds benefit the entire user experience. The performance boost extends beyond sequential tasks, enhancing random read and write operations that make everyday computing feel more immediate and fluid.
Internal examination revealed both laptops share identical physical layouts, including cooling systems with a single fan and heatpipe. Both models utilize two 256GB NAND modules, a design choice that contrasts sharply with Apple’s controversial single-chip configuration in the base 2023 M2 Pro MacBook Pro. That earlier decision had severely hampered storage performance, making the current two-module approach a welcome return to optimal design principles.
For professionals working with high-resolution video streams, large raw photo libraries, or complex project files, these storage improvements are far from theoretical. The ability to read data at over six gigabytes per second means shorter load times and smoother playback during editing sessions. While the previous generation certainly wasn’t sluggish, the M5’s storage performance creates new headroom for demanding applications and future software advancements.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)
