The Apple M1 Pro is a System on a Chip (SoC) that was introduced in late 2021 and is found in the latest MacBook Pro 14 and 16-inch models. This chip is designed to offer superior performance and power efficiency compared to its predecessor, the Apple M1. In this article, we will take a closer look at the features and specifications of the Apple M1 Pro and how it compares to previous Apple chips.
Core Configuration
The Apple M1 Pro offers all 10 cores available in the chip, divided into eight performance cores (P-cores) and two power-efficiency cores (E-cores). These cores are similar to the cores found in the Apple M1, but with some notable improvements. The entry-level model, however, only offers 8 cores.
The big cores, codenamed Firestorm, offer 192 KB instruction cache, 128 KB data cache, and 24 MB shared L2 cache, which is an increase from 12 MB in the M1. On the other hand, the four efficiency cores, codenamed Icestorm, are a lot smaller and offer only 128 KB instruction cache, 64 KB data cache, and 4 MB shared cache. Both the CPU and GPU can use the 24 MB SLC (System Level Cache). The efficiency cores clock with 600 - 2064 MHz, while the performance cores clock with 600 - 3228 MHz.
Memory and Bandwidth
The M1 Pro also features a unified memory architecture, which is connected to the chip by a 256-bit memory controller, offering 200 GB/s bandwidth. The memory options available are 16 or 32 GB LPDDR5-6400, which can be used by both the GPU and CPU.
Integrated Graphics and Neural Engine
The integrated graphics card in the M1 Pro offers all 16 cores, which provides significant improvements in graphics performance compared to the previous generation. Additionally, the SoC integrates a fast 16 core neural engine, which is designed to accelerate machine learning tasks.
Security and Connectivity
The M1 Pro also includes a secure enclave, which is used for encryption, Thunderbolt 4 controller, ISP, and media de- and encoders, including ProRes. This provides users with enhanced security and improved connectivity options.
Power Consumption and Manufacturing
The M1 Pro is manufactured in 5 nm at TSMC and integrates 33.7 billion transistors. The peak power consumption of the chip was advertised around 30W for CPU-intensive tasks. In the Prime95 benchmark, the chip uses in our tests (with a MBP16) 33.6W package power and 31W for the CPU part. In idle mode, the SoC only reports 1W package power.
Comparison with Previous Apple Chips
When compared to previous Apple chips, the M1 Pro offers several improvements in terms of core configuration, memory, and graphics performance. The data below shows a comparison of the M1 Pro with other Apple chips in the M-series:
Series:
- Apple M-Series Apple M2 Max compare 2.42 - 3.48 GHz 12 / 12 cores 48 MB L3
- Apple M2 Pro compare 2.42 - 3.48 GHz 12 / 12 cores 24 MB L3
- Apple M1 Max compare 2.06 - 3.22 GHz 10 / 10 cores 48 MB L3
- Apple M1 Pro « 2.06 - 3.22 GHz 10 / 10 cores 24 MB L3
- Apple M2 Pro 10-Core compare 2.42 - 3.48 GHz 10 / 10 cores 24 MB L3
- Apple M1 Pro 8-Core compare 2.06 - 3.22 GHz 8 / 8 cores 16 MB L3
- Apple M2 compare 2.42 - 3.48 GHz 8 / 8 cores 8 MB L3
- Apple M1 compare 2.06 - 3.22 GHz 8 / 8 cores 8 MB L3
As we can see, the M1 Pro offers a higher clock rate, more cores, and a larger L3 cache compared to previous generations. Additionally, it offers a higher memory bandwidth and improved graphics performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Apple M1 Pro is a powerful and efficient chip that offers significant improvements over its predecessor, the Apple M1. It offers a high number of cores, a large L3 cache, and improved memory bandwidth, which makes it a great choice for professionals and power users. Additionally, it offers a fast neural engine, improved graphics performance, and enhanced security and connectivity options. Overall, the M1 Pro is an excellent choice for users who demand the best performance and power efficiency from their MacBook Pro.
We would love to hear your thoughts on the Apple M1 Pro and its features. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and don't forget to use the hashtags #AppleM1Pro #MacBookPro #SystemOnAchip
