M5 Max MacBook Pro paired with RTX 5090 in an eGPU dock — runs Cyberpunk 2077 at over 100 FPS at max settings with frame generation
A software engineer successfully ran an Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU with an M5 Max MacBook Pro via an eGPU dock, achieving over 100 FPS in Cyberpunk 2077 at max settings with frame generation. The setup required a Linux virtual machine, virtualization tools like QEMU, and the FEX translation layer to run x86-based games on ARM architecture. While performance rivals desktop systems, the process is complex and not officially supported by Apple or Nvidia.
- ▪The M5 Max MacBook Pro was paired with an RTX 5090 using an eGPU dock and virtualization to run modern AAA games.
- ▪Running the RTX 5090 required a Linux VM, FEX for x86-to-ARM translation, and manual configuration of PCI BAR and DMA settings.
- ▪Benchmark tests showed the M5 Max with RTX 5090 outperformed integrated GPU setups and approached desktop-level gaming performance when frame generation was enabled.
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Laptops Macbooks M5 Max MacBook Pro paired with RTX 5090 in an eGPU dock — runs Cyberpunk 2077 at over 100 FPS at max settings with frame generation News By Aaron Klotz published 16 May 2026 AAA gaming with an M5 MacBook and an RTX 5090 eGPU can work as long as you're willing to use a Linux VM and frame generation. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: scottjg.com) Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Apple’s M5 Max SoC flagship is one of the fastest pieces of silicon around and can compete with flagship consumer desktop chips from AMD and Intel in at…
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