Apple’s transition to its proprietary M-series chips, starting with the M1, marked a significant shift in the Mac landscape. This move promised substantial performance and efficiency gains compared to Intel-based Macs. But how significant are these improvements? This article compares a 2020 Intel-based MacBook Pro with the newer M2-powered MacBook Air to answer the question: How Does M2 Compare To Intel?
M2 vs Intel: A Head-to-Head Comparison
To illustrate the differences between the M2 and Intel chips, we’ll analyze the results of benchmark tests conducted on two machines:
- A 2020 MacBook Pro with a quad-core Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM.
- A MacBook Air with an 8-core M2 chip and 8GB of RAM.
These tests cover CPU performance, graphics capabilities, web browsing speed, and even operating temperature, providing a comprehensive comparison of the two architectures. The MacBook Pro relies on fans for cooling, while the M2’s efficiency allows the MacBook Air to operate fanless.
CPU Performance: Geekbench Benchmark
Geekbench, a widely used CPU benchmark, measures the raw processing power of a chip. Higher scores indicate better performance. In this test, the M2 significantly outperformed the Intel Core i5.
Graphics Performance: Cinebench Benchmark
Cinebench evaluates graphics processing capabilities by tasking the system with rendering complex 3D scenes. The M2-equipped MacBook Air rendered almost double the number of environments compared to the Intel-based MacBook Pro, demonstrating a substantial advantage in graphics performance. The test ran for 10 minutes, pushing both systems to their limits.
Web Browsing Performance: Speedometer Benchmark
Speedometer assesses web browsing performance by measuring how quickly a system can execute common web-based tasks. The M2 achieved a dramatically higher score, indicating significantly faster and more responsive web browsing compared to the Intel system. This translates to a smoother and more efficient online experience.
Gaming Performance
The difference in gaming performance between the two chips is striking. The Intel Mac exhibited noticeable lag, even in simple mouse movements, struggling to maintain a playable frame rate. The M2 Mac, on the other hand, delivered smooth gameplay at significantly higher frame rates, showcasing its superior graphics processing capabilities. The frame rate difference was substantial, with the M2 achieving approximately 25-30 frames per second compared to the Intel system’s less than 10.
Conclusion: The M2’s Clear Advantage
The benchmark results clearly demonstrate the M2’s superior performance compared to the Intel chip in various tasks, from everyday productivity to demanding applications like gaming and video editing. This performance leap translates to faster processing speeds, smoother graphics, and a more responsive overall user experience. The M2’s efficiency also allows for fanless designs in devices like the MacBook Air, leading to quieter and cooler operation. The transition to Apple silicon has significantly improved the Mac experience.
