I am planning on purchasing a new MacBook Air and have seen m4 computers with both 8 core and 10 core gpu. Overall, what is the difference in operations (speed, multi-tasking capability, etc) between the two and is it worth going with the 10-gpu vs the 8? I don't do any gaming or hardcore analysis. Thanks.
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 12.7
I would expect the 10-GPU-core variant to be about 20% faster on any task that depends heavily on GPU speed, especially gaming, applying Photoshop filters, or running certain AI image processing applications.
For a lot of everyday, non-graphics-intensive tasks, you might not see much difference.
Note that the model with an 8-core GPU only comes with a relatively small 256 GB SSD. That SSD is likely to fill quickly. You could spend $200 to custom-order the 8-core model with a 512 GB SSD, or use the $200 to jump to the next stock model, which would give you both a 512 GB SSD and a slightly fancier charger.
I would expect the 10-GPU-core variant to be about 20% faster on any task that depends heavily on GPU speed, especially gaming, applying Photoshop filters, or running certain AI image processing applications.
For a lot of everyday, non-graphics-intensive tasks, you might not see much difference.
Note that the model with an 8-core GPU only comes with a relatively small 256 GB SSD. That SSD is likely to fill quickly. You could spend $200 to custom-order the 8-core model with a 512 GB SSD, or use the $200 to jump to the next stock model, which would give you both a 512 GB SSD and a slightly fancier charger.
77AVblue wrote:
I don't do any gaming or hardcore analysis. Thanks.
Then the difference means nothing to you. If you do heavy 4K or 8K video editing then maybe.
Presumably the 10 GPU cores would generate a bit more heat while working, but would finish sooner, so for non-graphics-intensive applications, it would be a wash.
if you’re really concerned about working the CPU or GPU hard enough that active cooling would matter, there are the MacBook Pros.
As far as internal SSD options, if you custom-order from the Apple site, that might give you more choices than what Best Buy offers. Apple is going to be holding a Black Friday event, starting in a few days, where you can get a gift card with the purchase of selected Macs. So you might want to compare that with whatever Best Buy is offering.
Ugh, ur right!! I didn't look close enough at the Best Buy options to catch that. My bad. I thought there were 3 options with increasing SSD memory like with the 10-core gpu. Thanks for enlightening me. Had been planning on getting the 512 GB SSD. Hmmm. Any concerns with heat due to the 10 cores and passive cooling? Perhaps not if I don't stress the computer?
Ugh, ur right!! I didn't look close enough at the Best Buy options to catch that. My bad. I thought there were 3 options with increasing SSD memory like with the 10-core gpu. Thanks for enlightening me. Had been planning on getting the 512 GB SSD. Hmmm. Any concerns with heat due to the 10 cores and passive cooling? Perhaps not if I don't stress the computer?
Saw that. Excellent suggestion since I plan to upgrade my phone shortly as well! Thanks for the dialog SoC. Very much appreciated! : )
Macbook Air with M4, 10 vs 8 gpu
