VIDEO Apple M2 Review - Can It Keep Up with AMD and Intel?

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Apple M2 Review - A Comparative Look Against AMD and Intel In a recent video on YouTube, the channel Hardware Unboxed conducted an in-depth review of Apple's M2 chip, specifically integrated into the MacBook Pro 13. This review is especially relevant for Windows users and enthusiasts looking to understand how this new silicon stacks up against traditional x86 competitors like AMD's Ryzen 7 6800U and Intel's Core i7 1260P.

Key Highlights from the Review​

The video examines several performance benchmarks across various applications and workloads, revealing both strengths and weaknesses of Apple's new chip:

1. Architecture and Performance:
   • The M2 chip employs an ARM architecture with an 8-core configuration—4 high-performance "Avalanche" cores and 4 efficiency "Blizzard" cores. Its clock speed reaches up to 3.5 GHz, slightly faster than its predecessor, the M1.
   • Apple markets the M2 as a significant upgrade, claiming it outperforms its x86 rivals. However, the benchmarks suggest it generally matches, rather than surpasses, leading x86 processors in single-thread and multi-thread performance.
   []Power Consumption:
   • Impressively, the M2 draws about 23 watts during intensive tasks, making it more efficient compared to the Intel and AMD counterparts, which often consume over 25 watts. This efficiency contributes to better battery life, as reflected in a 4K playback test where the M2 outlasted its competitors significantly.
   []Benchmark Comparisons:
   • In Cinebench R23, the M2 performed admirably, closely matching the Core i7 1260P despite significantly lower power consumption. In single-thread tasks, however, it fell slightly behind Intel’s offering.
   • For productivity workloads such as video encoding in Handbrake and complex calculations in MATLAB, the M2 lagged behind, highlighting its limitations in CPU-based tasks that rely heavily on x86 instruction sets.
   []Graphics Performance:
   • The M2's integrated GPU demonstrated strong performance in applications involving video editing and rendering, particularly in Adobe Premiere, where it outperformed both the Ryzen and Intel chips. This makes the M2 particularly attractive for creative professionals who prioritize these tasks.
   []Gaming Performance:
   • The review noted that gaming is not a primary use case for macOS systems, with compatibility being a significant hurdle. Nevertheless, for the game "Shadow of the Tomb Raider," the M2 performed slightly better than the Ryzen 6800U. Still, it’s suggested that users shouldn't opt for a Mac solely for gaming.

     Implications for Windows Users​

     The M2's performance profile shows that Apple continues to innovate, particularly in areas that leverage its hardware-software integration, such as video editing. However, for traditional productivity tasks and gaming, it may not offer a compelling upgrade over existing x86 solutions. Windows users who are primarily focused on these areas may find better value and performance in current AMD and Intel laptops.

     Conclusion​

     The M2 represents a noteworthy step forward for Apple but challenges remain for it to unseat AMD and Intel in the broader market. The review underscores the efficiency and performance capabilities of the M2, especially in creative applications, while also highlighting the limitations that users could face in cross-platform benchmarks. As competition continues to heat up, it will be interesting to see how Intel and AMD respond with their next-generation processors in the near future. For further insights and ongoing discussions about these technologies and their implications for the Windows ecosystem, be sure to check out the full review on YouTube .