First Benchmark Result Surfaces for MacBook Air With M3 Chip

[6749974]

Apple: 20% faster
real world usage: same sht

You're not wrong.

Yeah, 20% faster is a big deal for sustained performance, like a 30 minute process improves down to 24 minutes process, saving 6 minutes, and time is money. People doing that kind of time-laborious work need all the processing improvement they can get, to cut down on wait time.

But for a MacBook Air users—going from 3 seconds down to 2.4 seconds is still going to feel like 3 seconds. It doesn't matter. We're not doing long-term processing, we're opening documents and closing documents.

For MacBook Air users, I say wait for single core speeds to at least double or triple before considering an upgrade. Otherwise it won't feel like an upgrade.

 

[StoneJack]

I haven't owned a Mac in about 14 years but I have stopped thinking of them as laptops. I know they are still laptops of course lol but I just mean I see them more like a smartphone. Hardware is locked down with no way to upgrade it and finite life span because of OS support. Apps will stop working and you'll eventually not get security updates.

You could (can?) still find laptops that will let you upgrade the hardware and when Windows becomes too demanding you can install Linux. With Mac you are stuck with the hardware it came with and once Apple drops support with MacOS then you're out of luck. I get why they do it but it sucks.

In a way smartphones are disposable. You only expect to use one for 4-5 years. It's the same for Macs.

So yeah...get the highest spec you can afford.

The minimum I'd recommend is M2, 16GB, 256GB. 8GB is only acceptable if you are only browsing the internet, streaming music, watching videos. For everything else get 16GB. You'll know if you need 24GB RAM. If you need fast transfer speeds get 512GB SSD minimum even if you could deal with 256GB capacity.

I do a lot of Word, Pages, Keynote, Excel and Teams work, occasional Logic and Final Cut work and I can assure you 8GB is just fine for these tasks. The RAM limitations can be only felt if one composes 100+ track Logic Pro, in which case they would invest in RAM anyway. For 4k rendering and export, 8GB is also sufficient, watch Luke Miani video on YT for benchmarks, believe it or not. The usual mantra for 16GB is that future proof but I am not going to keep the notebook for decades. In 4-5 years it will probably replaced by something newer, so why spend money on something you won't need anyway?

 

[ThatGuyInLa]

I heard and smelled the fans in my M3 iMac for the first time the other day. While editing in FCPx. I dropped a vocal compressor from Logic on a 30m time line.

 

[outlawarth]

Plenty of iFool defenders in the threads these days I see.

 

[6749974]

I do a lot of Word, Pages, Keynote, Excel and Teams work, occasional Logic and Final Cut work and I can assure you 8GB is just fine for these tasks. The RAM limitations can be only felt if one composes 100+ track Logic Pro, in which case they would invest in RAM anyway. For 4k rendering and export, 8GB is also sufficient, watch Luke Miani video on YT for benchmarks, believe it or not.

macOS + GPU will wire down about 2 GB of that 8 GB total. So you've got 6 GB of RAM available for Logic or Final Cut Pro and any other apps you want open simultaneously. 6 GB isn't a lot.

With memory compression and swap, that may be ok with Logic Pro if there is limited VST plug-ins, and you stick to Logic and not use a less efficient DAW not programmed by Apple engineers. Or just stick to Apple apps in general and don't veer into third-party apps.

But eventually you're going to feel a pinch and upgrade your Mac. You may have used it 3+ more years had you purchased 16 GB RAM.

So you both have a point. 8 GB RAM is sufficient. But maybe 16 GB would have extended your Mac for longer life. And maybe you don't care and like to upgrade every 5 years instead of every 10 years. Everybody's perspective has some validity.

EDIT: Looks like you edited your comment after the fact, confirming you're fine upgrading to a new Mac in 5 years. Your preference isn't wrong. No criticism here. Just saying they also have a point too for the people who don't treat computers as disposable (like me who keeps my Macs forever).

 

[6749974]

Plenty of iFool defenders in the threads these days I see.

Bring it down a notch. We're all friends here.

 

[switz]

The pair of 256GB chips that make up the 512GB SSD option should really be the minimum drive on any Apple computer related product.

 

[StoneJack]

I haven't owned a Mac in about 14 years but I have stopped thinking of them as laptops. I know they are still laptops of course lol but I just mean I see them more like a smartphone. Hardware is locked down with no way to upgrade it and finite life span because of OS support. Apps will stop working and you'll eventually not get security updates.

You could (can?) still find laptops that will let you upgrade the hardware and when Windows becomes too demanding you can install Linux. With Mac you are stuck with the hardware it came with and once Apple drops support with MacOS then you're out of luck. I get why they do it but it sucks.

In a way smartphones are disposable. You only expect to use one for 4-5 years. It's the same for Macs.

So yeah...get the highest spec you can afford.

The minimum I'd recommend is M2, 16GB, 256GB. 8GB is only acceptable if you are only browsing the internet, streaming music, watching videos. For everything else get 16GB. You'll know if you need 24GB RAM. If you need fast transfer speeds get 512GB SSD minimum even if you could deal with 256GB capacity.

I do a lot of Word, Pages, Keynote, Excel and Teams work, occasional Logic and Final Cut work and I can assure you 8GB is just fine for these tasks.

macOS + GPU will wire down about 2 GB of that 8 GB total. So you've got 6 GB of RAM available for Logic or Final Cut Pro and any other apps you want open simultaneously. 6 GB isn't a lot.

With memory compression and swap, that may be ok with Logic Pro if there is limited VST plug-ins, and you stick to Logic and not use a less efficient DAW not programmed by Apple engineers. Or just stick to Apple apps in general and don't veer into third-party apps.

But eventually you're going to feel a pinch and upgrade your Mac. You may have used it 3+ more years had you purchased 16 GB RAM.

So you both have a point. 8 GB RAM is sufficient. But maybe 16 GB would have extended your Mac for longer life. And maybe you don't care and like to upgrade every 5 years instead of every 10 years. Everybody's perspective has some validity.

If I'd use Logic, I'd probably won't use anything else because of its single window operation mode. And yes it will be enough (strangely)

 

[hajime]

What are the SSD configurations?

 

[6749974]

If I'd use Logic, I'd probably won't use anything else because of its single window operation mode. And yes it will be enough (strangely)

I believe it. Apple-engineered apps work great on low-RAM.

 

[StoneJack]

What are the SSD configurations?

I use M3 Macbook Pro (same SOC as Macbook Air M2) with 512GB SSD

 

[roncron]

Why are we still comparing to an Intel Mac from so many years ago?!?

Because it makes the new chip seem amazing.

 

[johannnn]

... or actually worse when disk is used.

What do you mean?

 

[Student of Life]

Why are we still comparing to an Intel Mac from so many years ago?!?

Because they are the realistic target audience for this computer. If one has an M2 chip it’s very unlikely that you tempted to get this laptop. People with M1 chips might be tempted but on avg they are more than satisfied with their computers. That’s why people with intel chips are the real market for this air. Intel chip users will see big real day improvement, unlike people with M chips.

 

[6749974]

What are the SSD configurations?

Same as last gen:

• 256 GB
• 512 GB
• 1 TB
• 2 TB

If you're asking about speeds and NAND configuration:

Press embargos haven't been lifted on review units, so we haven't seen any confirmation on SSD speeds, but when we do I suspect it will confirm that 256 GB is still one NAND chip at 1500 MB/s, and 512 GB is still two NAND chips at 3000 MB/s.

But hey, Apple could surprise us. I honestly think 1500 MB/s is more than enough for anyone buying a 256 GB drive on a MacBook Air, but it would be nice for Apple to close that loose end.

 

[NT1440]

Why are we still comparing to an Intel Mac from so many years ago?!?

Because, and I know this may be hard to comprehend on a tech forums, *regular* people use their computers as appliances. It works until it doesn’t, or it doesn’t fit their needs anymore.

There are tens of millions of Intel based Mac’s out there, these comparisons are for people who may be looking to upgrade from their 4+ year old machine.

It’s relevant. The world doesn’t revolve around us tech nerds.

 

[Motorola68000]

So 8Gb is equal to 16Gb (tic), yet we always seem to see speeds based on the 16Gb set up?
So obviously someone believes 16Gb should be the base set up.

 

[MNGR]

I need a new Mac after my M1 MBA died and I'm genuinely torn between getting an M2 and an M3. My general computing needs are very basic and I'm getting corporate discount on the M2, but not on the M3.

On the other hand I do like the occasional game, although the Mac is my tertiary gaming device after the PS5 and the Steam Deck. Primarily Baldurs Gate 3 and things like Civilisation.

The M3 would be a no-brainer if RAM and storage upgrades wouldn't bite so much. Any thoughts on how much of a real world impact increased speed and GPU capabilities will actually have? My prices, including discounts, below.

M2 MBA with 16/512 £1,315
M3 MBA with 16/256 £1,299
M3 MBA with 16/512 £1,499

Don't forget to factor in how long you will use it and it will be supported.
Personally, I will usually get the latest even though it obviously will cost more
Good luck.

 

[MNGR]

M2 16/256.

You can't buy for the "now" (needs/uses). You have to think about the future. Right now, either can do the things you list but do you have confidence that 3 years from now... 5 years from now... 7 years from now... those are still the kinds of things you want to do on your Mac? As soon as you have to step up with any more demanding app(s), you'll likely discover you wish you would have gone with the added RAM.

Unlike the "good old days," you can't alter this product to fit future needs. You have to best guess them now and buy accordingly. Else, you will be replacing this Mac with another one should/when needs evolve... even if that is only a year from now.

You might also want to read up on the "half speed" issue at 256 and consider going 512 for the SAME reasoning. People will argue that no one can notice the half speed effect even if it is real... but then who wants downgrades to computing speeds?

If it's impossible to step up both, I'd prioritize the RAM (there's always external storage). But if it IS possible, I'd always suggest at least one hop up on both RAM and SSD.

If you don't have the money today, consider delaying the purchase to save up the extra money or wait a few months to get a discount in the refurb store to make both more affordable.

I agree that waiting a bit is likely to be a better choice. Need to plan for the future, as you pointed out.

 

[Churchman]

Why are we still comparing to an Intel Mac from so many years ago?!?

Why? Because there are still large volumes of Intel MBPs still on active duty. I am typing on an Intel MBP 15-inch now.

I have not had a need to upgrade my machine. Until now. Though my Intel MBP has been without issue since I bought it new - 11 years ago - I think this new M3 MBA 15 will be the replacement. The price is awesome... the spec is mostly great (though I would prefer more ports and not having to get a hub for SD cards and HDMI... and I would prefer 36GB of RAM... and the lack of a fan concerns me greatly. It's kind of like running an 800 HP Hemi engine without a radiator and coolant - a very bad problem to have. But then I would never run the M3 at loads that would require the fan to activate. My true concern is about what the interwebs and AI will require of that M3 chip in 3-4-5 years... will that demanding load require an M3 chip to benefit from a fan?).

Thanks!

 

[Reached]

Plenty of iFool defenders in the threads these days I see.

And plenty of mindless trolls as well

 

[NT1440]

Why? Because there are still large volumes of Intel MBPs still on active duty. I am typing on an Intel MBP 15-inch now.

I have not had a need to upgrade my machine. Until now. Though my Intel MBP has been without issue since I bought it new - 11 years ago - I think this new M3 MBA 15 will be the replacement. The price is awesome... the spec is mostly great (though I would prefer more ports and not having to get a hub for SD cards and HDMI... and I would prefer 36GB of RAM... and the lack of a fan concerns me greatly. It's kind of like running an 800 HP Hemi engine without a radiator and coolant - a very bad problem to have. But then I would never run the M3 at loads that would require the fan to activate. My true concern is about what the interwebs and AI will require of that M3 chip in 3-4-5 years... will that demanding load require an M3 chip to benefit from a fan?).

Thanks!

If the internet requires new hardware in 3-5 years then all that means is we’ve poisoned the promise of it and should just give up.

Luckily, that’s not happening because the AI bubble will have burst by then, leaving only useful AI tools in its wake (alongside the wiping out of billions in stupid bets)

An M3 is definitely going to be a good replacement for you. This might even be the year I move on from my 13” 2015 MBP as well. From a *usability* standpoint I expect even the M1’s will easily match the lifespan of the Intel line they replaced.

The M3 in the Air isn’t even capable of generating the heat a pinned out Intel MBP can, you have no need to worry about a fan being required.

 

[Churchman]

What does ‘BTO Upgrade” mean?

Build to order.

 

[Urban Splash]

We use maxed out MacBook Pros at work, except for leadership who have Airs.

We are heavy ML and analytics users. For many ML/AI tasks we see almost zero difference between the M2Max/96GB and the M3Max/128GB.

Running workloads on the Apple Neural Engine is still a pain (PyTorch and Candle have Metal backends, but this is GPU only - CoreML conversion is fiddly for anything other than the most basic of models). The CPU and GPU is marginally faster in the newer machine, but the truth is that these machines are so fast already there are few tasks where you'll observe a difference. Of course, the airs are slower, smaller RAM means they struggle with LLMs. And for all general ML/AI tasks, CUDA is still king - so we have a mix of Jetsons/workstations and cloud machines for this.

Over time I would expect better support for using the ANE and better support for making use of the raytracing on the M3. The new MacBooks are thus likely to have better longevity. However, for those coming from m2 or m1 these will just be incremental upgrades. Frankly I'm surprised that anyone expects anything else.

As a personal project I've been trying to build a low power, high performance portable ARM machine. It isn't easy. The edge that Apple has over alternatives is enormous. We'll see whether the new Qualcomm chips can compete (X Elite), but given power management in their existing offerings I doubt this will be the case.

I completely agree. My user case is safari and WhatsApp. Sometimes an excel spreadsheet. Oh, and YouTube (premium no less!)

 

[nikhsub1]

You're the first person in the wild I've seen mention this. Hardware accelerated ray tracing is huge in the graphics and gaming world. Big leap for Apple as a platform.

No doubt, but if you are someone using that then the Air likely isn't the best choice of machine for you anyway no? One would have gotten an M3 MBP by now. This goes to my point, the 15" air (I have the M2 obv) is literally the best machine apple has ever made IMO. As mentioned the updates to CPUs and GPUs are going to be incremental going forward as you would expect, upgrading from an M2 to an M3 Air would most likely be a lateral move as in you'd really not notice one bit of difference unless you are using some software that can use ray tracing etc.