Many computing experts were skeptical when Apple launched its M1 processor for laptops and desktops. How could a chip derived from a smartphone processor be powerful enough to run computers?
These questions were all that tech enthusiasts and reviewers could talk about in the lead-up to the release of the first computers with the Apple M1 processor. The latest uproar concerns AMD and its latest offerings. How does it match up to competitors and will it blow the M series chip out of the water? Below is our comparison of the Apple M2 Processor to the latest offerings from AMD concerning gaming performance.
Apple M2 leads the way
The Apple M2 chip is one of the best you can use to play online poker games or use a computer for work. Whether you open up 20 tabs on Safari or only do a bit of light word processing and email work, you will have no issues with the M2 computers.
It is safe to say that all the doubters have been proven wrong by Apple. The M Series of processors are powerful enough to run demanding applications on laptops and desktops. The M2 processor shows that Apple may even have a viable gaming option for enthusiasts.
The MacBook Air is the budget option within this lineup. You can find it for reasonable prices when there are sales during holidays and special events. There is also the option of going up to the MacBook Pro, which gives you a slightly better processor version and better cooling.
The M2 chip is such a superior computer processor, as compared to the competition from AMD and Intel, because of the value that it offers. Not only do you get such a powerful chip, but you get one that is very power efficient. You do not have to use much energy to run these devices; they have excellent battery life.
How does AMD compare?
One of the most surprising results from recent computer tests was that AMD needs offerings that can match up against the Apple M2 chip. When tested, the Ryzen 6000 and Ryzen 5000 lineups were beaten in Cinebench R23 Single-threaded tests. This means that when you are doing basic tasks, such as opening applications or games, you will perform better with the Apple chip.
Where AMD shines is in its multi-threaded performance. Given that the systems use more power than the M2, they can go to a higher level of multi-threaded performance for longer. That is very useful for people running extensive tasks or doing heavy-duty gaming.
The issue for AMD is that when they are getting that performance, it comes at a cost. They have to give up power efficiency, which means that any laptop with the Ryzen 5000 or Ryzen 6000 chips will have far worse battery life than the Apple M2 chip.
Finding the best device for your needs
When choosing between computers in 2023, you must consider your needs. If you are already within the Apple ecosystem, you should have no qualms about picking up a laptop with the M2 chip. Given its performance and battery efficiency, there is little doubt this chip will still be relevant in five or six years.
You only need to think about going up to a powerful MacBook Pro if you are doing a lot of intensive work on your laptop. The MacBook Air is an excellent choice for regular users, given its balance between power, lightness, great battery life, and affordability.
People who are more comfortable with the Windows operating system may stick with the offerings from AMD. They are very budget-friendly, compared to Intel machines, while they also improve efficiency significantly. If you go with an ultrabook that has an AMD chip, then you will get solid performance and good battery life.
The Apple M2 Processor is another generational leap from the company that showcases its commitment to high-end computing. While most of the sales for Apple are the result of its iPhone lineup, the Mac set of computers is still very important to the company.
Not only do the MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac Mini sell very well, but they are also a way for Apple to get into other computing niches. For instance, the company is developing a Virtual Reality headset that will use its M2 Processor in some capacity.
The M2 shows that Apple can not only give people a great laptop that runs applications and does not use much battery but also deliver excellent gaming performance.