Apple

Out of context: Reply #2690

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  • kingsteven1

    Apple's implementation of Thunderbolt on the current M1s is actually pretty scuffed. I didn't realise how much of 'Thunderbolt' is specific to the implementation of intel hardware. Turns out 'Thunderbolt support' means very little in guaranteeing it's speed advantages over USB - for example: Apple make a decision to integrate graphics in to the chip because it'll make M1s look good in benchmarks = no GPU accelerators will ever work with the current batch of M1s.

    In a similar way other TB hardware may be 'fully compatible' but loose any speed advantage over USB due to reliance on intel specific instructions (this may be the case with low-latency audio/ DSP over TB). Also haven't seen much mention that the Apple thunderbolt controller can only run a single external monitor - vs 4 on the intel MBP!?

    Saying that, there are redesigned MBPs expected next year, I just bought a 16" intel but I'll probably jump on second revision of redesigned apple chip MBPs (mid 2022?) - While the speed of the M1 is impressive, there's a lot more to consider...

    kingsteven 1Permalink
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    • I was wondering about this. I figured Apple would sort it out, but it makes sense that there's issues. Maybe best to wait for USB4 Macs.section_014
    • It's TB, but I believe it's also USB C and will give good bandwidth as a result. What's a GPU accelerator?monospaced
    • Also, my understanding all 3 of the M1 machines can easily support 3 external displays, and I believe at beyond 5K resolution as well.monospaced
    • @mono https://www.engadget…kingsteven
    • https://appleinsider…kingsteven
    • i had read that elsewhere but it seems it does support 2 x 4k with the internal monitor turned offkingsteven
    • "GPU accelerator" = eGPU. And no, not supported in this first generation (if ever?).evilpeacock
    • But honestly I wouldn't need an eGPU for the very capable laptops; Performance is that good. Maybe the Mini 'tho.evilpeacock
    • NO. IT IS MAGIC. DO NOT DOUBTdkoblesky
    • ok, so it's the mini that can do 3 screens at once. And support for an eGPU is a weird criticism for this.monospaced
    • If your'e the kind of person that needs an eGPU on a Mac, you're probably not in the market for their entry level gen 1 modelmonospaced
    • I'm still with you though, it's best to wait until 2nd gen while they work out the kinks on beta testers who jump right in.monospaced
    • I wanna see the 128Gb M2.5 versionNairn
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