Apple’s latest MacBook Pro featuring the M5 chip showcases notable advancements in both performance and efficiency, particularly in multi-core processing and storage capabilities. The M5 maintains a 10-core CPU layout that mirrors the M4 used in the 14-inch MacBook Pro, yet it boasts around a 17 percent improvement in multi-core performance without increasing the core count. For users seeking even greater multi-core capabilities, the upcoming M5 Pro or M5 Max may be a better fit.
Despite the performance upgrades, one noticeable change is the fan noise. While the M5 MacBook Pro is designed to operate quietly, engaging the fan can result in significant noise, similar to that of the M4. Nonetheless, this has not negatively impacted thermal performance; testing showed that the maximum CPU temperature reached 89 degrees Celsius, a much lower figure compared to previous models that could peak at 105 degrees Celsius under heavy load.
Another key improvement is in storage performance. The M5 utilizes the latest PCIe Gen 5 standard, effectively doubling SSD read and write speeds when compared to its predecessors. Users can expect average read speeds around 6,500 MB/s and write speeds of approximately 6,728 MB/s, slightly outperforming the M4 Pro. Additionally, users can now configure the M5 with up to 4 terabytes of storage, a considerable upgrade from the 2 terabyte limit on previous models.
A significant highlight of the M5 is its enhanced capabilities in graphics and artificial intelligence (AI). The chip features a faster Neural Engine, improving AI processing tasks by an average of 29 percent compared to the M4 and 40 percent over the M3. This speeds up background operations and enhances overall performance in AI-driven applications. Furthermore, the inclusion of Neural Accelerators in the GPU cores, a feature initially introduced in Apple’s A19 chip, allows for improved handling of intensive AI workloads, akin to Nvidia’s Tensor Cores. Particularly in scenarios involving video editing, the optimized performance translates to real-world efficiency.
Overall, the M5 chip represents a substantial leap forward for the MacBook Pro line, effectively combining improved storage speeds, better thermal management, and enhanced AI processing capabilities. As Apple continues to innovate in this space, users can anticipate even more powerful tools for creativity and productivity in future models.