I can't seem to find an answer anywhere. I know that the MacBook Air and 2 port MBP models used 2x2 wifi chipsets but the Mac minis all had 3x3 from 2011-2018.
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Are the new M1 Macs using 2x2 or 3x3 wifi?
- Thread starter satinsilverem2
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Im not surprised about that one. The 2016-2020 (intel) two port models were 2x2 as well.
I don't see this as an issue really. Ofcourse 3x3 would be "better" but 2x2 gives plenty of bandwidth. Whenever you need more bandwidth I would recommend using a cable which is what I'm using when working from home.
Otherwise, believe me you will love the M1. I'm coming from an MacBook i9 8core and this M1 runs circles around it. Been in Zoom/remote sessions all day attached to a 4k display and the system was super responsive and the fan never came up. The MacBook also stayed cool to the touch. My i9 heats up instantly when using zoom or when using the 4k display.
And remember, this is only the beginning. Early next year Apple will introduce the higher end MacBooks with even better performance and they will also include 3x3 wifi antennas.
after combing over the teardown pics that have been released of the Mac mini earlier today I think its using a 3x3 chipset. I can see three UFL connectors along the edge of the board. As for why I dont use ethernet. when Im on my MacBook Pro editing a lot of drone footage off a server, I cant always be next to a ethernet jack so fast wifi is a big one for me.
That's your router talking. You get a bit more with 2x2 when WiFi 6 is available at both ends.
Apple expect everyone to move to WiFi 6, not to mention no one seems to be interested in 3x3 WiFi anymore apart from Apple. And they get to share WiFi Parts with iPhone and iPad.
And hopefully, once the 6Ghz Spectrum settled around the world, with 160Mhz Channel even a 2x2 gives you a theoretical 2400Mbps speed.
I am still waiting for confirmation on Mac mini though. I am betting it is 2x2. But love to be wrong.
And hopefully, once the 6Ghz Spectrum settled around the world, with 160Mhz Channel even a 2x2 gives you a theoretical 2400Mbps speed.
I am still waiting for confirmation on Mac mini though. I am betting it is 2x2. But love to be wrong.
I’m a big fan of these $20 gigabit adapters. I can push 950mbit through no problem. They work with every Mac I’ve connected them to (including my M1), and with the Apple USB camera adapter they work on iPads and iPhones as well! No drivers needed.
Anker USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter, USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, Aluminum Portable USB-A Adapter, Compatible with MacBook Pro 2015, MacBook Air 2017, and More
From ANKER, the Choice of 50 Million+ Happy Users Industry-Leading Technology 18-Month Warranty 99% Positive Feedback Unibody Aluminum USB 3.0 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter Instant Gigabit-Speed Ethernet Connectivity High-Speed Internet Obtain stable connection speeds up to 1 Gbps. Don't waste time wa...
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You will also need a USB-C to USB dongle to make it work. These usually cost less than $10. Be careful of width (might be better to get the style with a short cable attached).
Stay away from the USB-C version of the Anker gigabit adapter because it oddly needs a driver. It has a different chipset.
$35 gets you 2.5G, if you happen to have a switch or router that supports it.
TRENDnet 2.5G USB-C to RJ-45 Ethernet Adapter, 2-in-1 Adapter Compatible with USB C/Thunderbolt 3 or USB 3.1, Windows Compatible, USB-C to USB-A Adapter Included, Black, TUC-ET2G
TRENDnet’s USB-C 3.1 to 2.5GBASE-T Ethernet Adapter, model TUC-ET2G, is equipped with a 2.5GBASE-T RJ-45 port that provides higher gigabit speeds capable of up to 2.5Gbps over existing Cat5e or better cabling. This USB-C to 2.5G Ethernet adapter features a USB-C 3.1 interface, and includes a USB-...
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Have you tested it? I tested the Startech 5G adapter and it was a total nightmare. I get the feeling a lot of the multigig adapters are half baked (too new).$35 gets you 2.5G, if you happen to have a switch or router that supports it.
TRENDnet 2.5G USB-C to RJ-45 Ethernet Adapter, 2-in-1 Adapter Compatible with USB C/Thunderbolt 3 or USB 3.1, Windows Compatible, USB-C to USB-A Adapter Included, Black, TUC-ET2G
TRENDnet’s USB-C 3.1 to 2.5GBASE-T Ethernet Adapter, model TUC-ET2G, is equipped with a 2.5GBASE-T RJ-45 port that provides higher gigabit speeds capable of up to 2.5Gbps over existing Cat5e or better cabling. This USB-C to 2.5G Ethernet adapter features a USB-C 3.1 interface, and includes a USB-...www.amazon.com
Not yet, but I may end up picking one of these up sooner than later; home network runs off of a switch that does 0.1/1/2.5/5G, and only having 866Mbps WiFi may yet drive me to using Ethernet for my MBA while it's on the desk — and if I'm going to be using Ethernet anyway, I may as well use an adapter that lets me take full advantage of my internet connection.
I’d recommend this:
OWC Thunderbolt 3 10G Ethernet Adapter
Connect your Thunderbolt 3 equipped Mac or PC to high-performance wired networks delivering up to 10x the performance of Gigabit Ethernet.
I ended up getting a great deal on a used thunderbolt PCI external chassis with a pro 10G card installed, so went that route. A local movie producer was getting rid of equipment because of work-at-home changes.
You went from an i9 16" to a 13" M1 Pro? what made you switch if you don't mind me asking? Did you have only 16GB before on your i9? Wondering about moving myself from a 16" but not sure I would like the reduction in screen size.
I've tested MSC9 2x2 @ 80MHz and the link is a solid 960Mbps with good transfer rates of around 800Mbps.