The performance of the M1 CPU was already fully convincing in the benchmark test last year. Similar to the mobile models from AMD or Intel, a graphics chip set (GPU) is always integrated in Apple’s M1 processors – only with a different performance. This year, the Apple CPUs in connection with the GPUs are available in different performance levels. With the M1 Pro 8 core (6 performance and 2 efficiency cores with 14 core GPU), we tested the smallest variant. Since Apple always keeps a low profile when it comes to technical developments, we cannot make a definitive statement as to whether the CPU architecture has changed. We think this is unlikely, rather we assume that more cores of the chipset are activated. However, the memory bandwidth has changed: while this was around 70 GBit per second in the predecessor, it now reaches 200 GBit per second.
In our Geekbench 5 CPU benchmark, the processor achieves a single-core score of 1,764 points and a multi-core score of 10,002 points. Last year’s 13.3-inch model clocked in at 1,715 (single-core) and 7,560 (multi-core). The improved performance of the new CPU is already evident here. What is impressive is that the performance remains stable and does not collapse under sustained load. Even when the notebook is working at full capacity, the fan remains quiet. It kicks in when the GPU is also required.
The equipment is rounded off by 16 GB RAM and a 512 GB SSD, which works very quickly thanks to PCIe 4.0 support. You can connect external devices to one of the three Thunderbolt 4 ports. There are two on the left side of the case and one on the right.
The biggest surprise, however, is Apple’s return to the SD card reader and HDMI 2.0 port. The card reader in particular was repeatedly requested by users, since many creative minds had to laboriously transfer their recordings from the digital camera to their MacBook. And Apple is also returning to the tried and tested when it comes to the power supply and uses a MagSafe 3 connection.
You can connect a headset to the notebook using the 3.5 mm headphone jack. You can connect the MacBook to the network thanks to Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax standard) and version 5.0 is available for Bluetooth connections. The equipment package is rounded off by an excellent FaceTime webcam (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) and a small sound system consisting of six speakers including woofers that even support Dolby Atmos. There are also three microphones that transmit the voice clearly and distinctly.
The biggest point of criticism remains the lack of native software support for the M1 processors – especially for games. Here you usually have to take the detour via the “Rosetta 2” program. This makes it possible to run software originally written for Intel CPUs on the Apple M1 machines. A lot of software for software developers or creative people, such as Adobe Photoshop, DaVinci Resolve, Postman or Homebrew, can be used without any problems.
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