More Monitors = SLOWER MacBooks

Summary

In this intriguing video, the creator conducts an extensive performance analysis of Apple's latest MacBook lineup, including the M3 Max, M2 Max, M3, M3 Pro, and a MacBook Air with an M2 chip. By connecting multiple external displays, ranging from 4K monitors to portable screens and iPads, they explore the impact on CPU, GPU, and memory performance. Through a series of benchmarks and tests, the video unravels the intricate interplay between display setups and hardware capabilities, shedding light on the trade-offs and potential limitations. With a touch of humor and practical insights, the creator provides a comprehensive evaluation that caters to developers, tech enthusiasts, and anyone curious about maximizing their MacBook's potential in a multi-display environment.

Takeaways

• 👨‍💻 The video tests the performance impact of connecting multiple external displays to various M-series MacBook models (M2 Air, M2 Max, M3 Pro, M3 Max) using different display configurations.
• 📺 Connecting more external displays generally leads to higher memory usage by the 'Windows Server' process on macOS and some performance degradation, especially for CPU-intensive tasks.
• 🖥️ The M2 Max and M3 Max MacBook Pros handled multiple external displays relatively well, with only minor performance hits.
• 💻 The M3 Pro and non-Pro M3 MacBook models showed more significant performance drops when connected to several external displays, particularly for CPU-intensive workloads.
• 🔥 The M2 MacBook Air struggled the most with multiple external displays, experiencing substantial performance slowdowns due to lack of active cooling.
• 📡 Using DisplayLink technology to connect additional displays beyond the Thunderbolt port limit further impacted performance across all models.
• 🖥️ Factors like display resolution, refresh rate, and video playback also influenced the performance impact of external displays.
• 📈 Memory usage and 'Windows Server' process resource consumption increased with more connected displays, reflecting macOS's dynamic resource management.
• ⚠️ Performance trade-offs exist when using multiple external displays, potentially affecting CPU, GPU, and memory-intensive workloads.
• 🤔 Balancing screen real estate and performance requirements is crucial for individual workflows when using external displays with M-series MacBooks.

Q & A

What is the purpose of testing different MacBooks with multiple external displays?

The purpose is to test the limits of the latest MacBook lineup by assessing their performance when connected to various types and numbers of external displays, including 4K monitors, portable displays, and high refresh rate displays.

What types of tests were conducted to evaluate the performance of the MacBooks?

Three main tests were conducted: a CPU-intensive Mandelbrot fractal generation test, a GPU-heavy whisper audio transcription test, and a memory-intensive merge sort algorithm test. These tests targeted different aspects of the MacBook's hardware performance.

How did the external displays affect the performance of the MacBooks, particularly the memory usage?

Connecting external displays generally increased the memory usage, with the 'Windows Server' process (responsible for managing UI windows) consuming more RAM as more displays were added. The exact impact varied across different MacBook models and configurations.

What was the maximum number of displays connected to a single MacBook, and how did it impact performance?

The maximum number of displays connected to a single MacBook Pro was seven (including the internal display), achieved using Display Link technology. This setup caused noticeable slowdowns in CPU, GPU, and memory tests, indicating the limits of the hardware when driving multiple high-resolution displays simultaneously.

How did the performance of the M3 Max, M2 Max, M3 Pro, and M3 MacBook Pro models compare when connected to external displays?

The M3 Max and M2 Max models generally handled external displays better than the M3 Pro and M3 MacBook Pro, with the M3 Max showing the best overall performance. The M3 Pro and M3 MacBook Pro experienced more significant performance drops, particularly when driving multiple high-resolution displays.

What was the impact of external displays on the MacBook Air M2 model, which lacks active cooling?

The MacBook Air M2, lacking an active cooling fan, experienced substantial performance degradation when connected to multiple external displays, especially in CPU-intensive tasks. The lack of active cooling caused the CPU to throttle significantly, leading to much longer test completion times.

How did the author test the capability of using other devices as external displays for the MacBooks?

The author discovered options in macOS to use other devices like Apple TVs and other MacBooks as external displays for his test MacBook. He tested this functionality and found that while possible, there was significant lag when using another MacBook as an extended display.

What was the author's overall conclusion regarding the impact of external displays on MacBook performance?

The author concluded that while adding external displays provides more screen real estate for productivity, it can significantly impact performance, particularly for CPU-intensive tasks. Finding the right balance between screen real estate and performance is essential based on individual workflow needs.

How did the author's testing methodology help provide a comprehensive evaluation of the MacBooks' capabilities?

The author conducted multiple tests targeting different hardware components (CPU, GPU, and memory) while systematically increasing the number and types of external displays connected. This comprehensive approach allowed for a thorough evaluation of the MacBooks' performance under various display configurations.

What was the purpose of mentioning the channel members and offering them early access to the full video?

The author extended a thank you to the channel members who had early access to the full video and provided feedback. This suggests that the channel members are a supportive community that helps improve the content, and the author values their input.