Tag: MacBook Pro 2018

Categories
Tech

New MacBook Pro Models to Incorporate AMD Radeon Vega 16 and Vega 20 Graphics Cards

During its last event of 2018, where it presented the new MacBook Air, Mac mini, as well as the iPad Pro 2018 model, Apple also unveiled the new graphics configurations for the 15-inch MacBook Pro. For the first time in a long time, Apple incorporates an AMD graphics cards, more specifically the Radeon Pro Vega 16 and Vega 20.

The new 15-inch MacBook Pro variants with Radeon Pro Vega 16 and Pro Vega 20 graphics cards would come out somewhen in November. These new graphics configurations for the Apple MacBook Pro boast considerable improvements in performance, in comparison with the current versions. According to the benchmark tests, the new graphics cards offer a 60% increase in speed, if we were to compare them with the current Radeon Pro 560X, that we find in the top-end configurations.

As reported by AMD, the Vega 16 and Vega 20 are just the “starting units of the next generation of Vega graphics cards.” They both boast the Rapid Packed Math feature which speeds up the GPU, accelerating the processes and implying a lower resources consumption.

New MacBook Pro models to incorporate AMD Radeon Vega 16 and Vega 20 graphics cards

The second feature that gives us more speed, is the HBM2 memory. The performance is higher than the previous GDDR5, which we find in other more common graphics cards. The gain is produced by having more bandwidth compared to their predecessors. But at the same time, it consumes less energy. Finally, HBM2 is housed within the GPU and, therefore, takes up less space.

According to some rumors, the Vega 20 will boast the first GPU to run on 7-nanometer technology in the world. On the other hand, the desktop version of the Vega 20 will come with either 16GB to 32GB of HBM2 but requires between 150 and 300 watts, so it is unlikely that we will see this model running on a laptop.

Also, as rumored, the new version of MacBook Pro would come out on November 14th.

Categories
News Tech

MacBook Pro 2018 Update Available with New Features and Specs

According to 9to5Mac, customers who pre-ordered the new 2018 MacBook Pro models from Apple will start receiving their brand new laptops today. Several shipmen notification has popped up, with screenshots showing a time stamp of 13 July.

While Apple estimates that new orders will be honored starting from July 16, people who pre-ordered the standard versions of the new MacBook Pros have been charged and will receive them in the following days.

Those who opted for a custom configuration will have to wait until next week and order to get their hands on the shiny new iDevice.

As it was previously reported, the MacBook Pro line received a serious hardware update. The 15-inch models feature brand-new current generation Intel processors, available in either I7 or I9 variants, according to user preference. RAM capacity has also been ramped up, with a maximum capacity of 32 GB of DDR4 RAM. For the first time, customers can also opt for a quad-core processor on the 13-inch model. It is estimated that the performance gain is around 70% for the 15-inch models and almost double for the 3-inch models. According to Verge, the price for a maxed out 15-inch model, with all the premium options included gravitates around an eye-watering 6000$.

For those that want a more beefier graphical solution, an external GPU is also available. Based on Radeon 580 with 8 GB of memory, the Blackmagic Design eGPU offers VR ready capacities for tech-savvy users and the promise of increased graphical capabilities for image designers and video editors. A main attraction of the eGPU is its architecture. Featuring several ports and plug-and-play capabilities, the device is designed to be as silent as possible. At around 18 dB minimal noise, it is geared towards video production and audio engineering environments. The eGPU is available for 699$.

Will you pick up the new MacBook Pro? Tell us more in the comments below.

Categories
News Tech

MacBook Pro 2018 Leaks – Will It Have Significant Upgrades?

The MacBook Pro line has had various problems and complaints regarding its design and functionality. The new MacBook Pros could come either in June at WWDC or later this year in fall. The biggest problems have been the butterfly-switch key design and the lack of an USB Type A port. Many people are wondering what does Apple have in store for MacBook. However, according to DigiTimes, the processor upgrade will be the only update.

Design: A bezel-free MacBook?

According to Apple’s best and worst brands report, MacBook’s design is more of a downfall rather than a significant feature. The single problem a bezel-free design would have is the webcam position but other systems have already succeeded in shrinking the bezels while keeping the webcam in place (Dell XPS 13).

Keyboard: Getting rid of the butterfly-switch key design?

This type of keyboard design has been considered fragile and sometimes difficult to write properly – having to press multiple times on certain keys. Unfortunately, it isn’t bound to happen. However, Apple is working on a crumb-resistant keyboard.

The processor: The biggest obstacle

Apple will invest in Intel’s 8th Generation processors from which a quad-core Lake Kaby Lake R Core i5 or Core i7 is the most obvious choice. This would increase performance and double the number of cores. The second option is the Intel’s Kaby Lake G CPU with AMD Radeon Vega processors with a better graphic for Photoshop users, gaming and movie editing. Apple usually uses AMD’s graphics over Nvidia’s so Apple would choose the second.

Regarding chips, Apple would be ahead of its competitors and would fix their problems if the company adopted 10nm chips.  Intel has launched Cannon Lake but there are a few laptops with this CPU. This would support more RAM at lower power than the current CPU, maybe a reason why Apple didn’t choose an option with 32 GB RAM.

Exit mobile version