Macbook Pro M1 Pro 16" Upgrade

[Benjenk126]

I currently have a Macbook Pro M1 Pro 16" which is great although I'm starting to hit some performance issues.

As it's the base spec and I use the laptop for development with 2 Apple Studio Displays, after I have a few applications open it significantly starts to slow down the computer to the point where there's a few seconds lag between each click and the storage isn't sufficient enough (Currently 512gb)

I'm heading to the US in a week and was looking to get a good deal (as US is cheaper even after including tax) on either a replacement laptop or another device.

Does anyone have a suggestion on what I should do:
1. Replace my current Macbook M1 Pro with the new M2 Pro one
2. Purchase a Mac Studio M1 Pro (Obviously it's not M2 Pro)
3. Purchase the new M2 Pro Mac Mini
5. Hold out for something else
6. Something else?

Taking into account that I use this device for 12+ hours a day usually at my desk, although sometimes whilst travelling (If I get a Studio or Mini I will continue to use my MacBook on the go, just not with the displays). I need to be able to connect 2 of the Studio Displays whilst running many apps (Adobe XD, DB Query Tools, Visual Studio Code which will be compiling code frequently and more...)

Thanks!

 

[lewchenko]

I currently have a Macbook Pro M1 Pro 16" which is great although I'm starting to hit some performance issues.

As it's the base spec and I use the laptop for development with 2 Apple Studio Displays, after I have a few applications open it significantly starts to slow down the computer to the point where there's a few seconds lag between each click and the storage isn't sufficient enough (Currently 512gb)

I'm heading to the US in a week and was looking to get a good deal (as US is cheaper even after including tax) on either a replacement laptop or another device.

Does anyone have a suggestion on what I should do:
1. Replace my current Macbook M1 Pro with the new M2 Pro one
2. Purchase a Mac Studio M1 Pro (Obviously it's not M2 Pro)
3. Purchase the new M2 Pro Mac Mini
5. Hold out for something else
6. Something else?

Taking into account that I use this device for 12+ hours a day usually at my desk, although sometimes whilst travelling (If I get a Studio or Mini I will continue to use my MacBook on the go, just not with the displays). I need to be able to connect 2 of the Studio Displays whilst running many apps (Adobe XD, DB Query Tools, Visual Studio Code which will be compiling code frequently and more...)

Thanks!

I think you need to get to the root cause of the performance issue there. Otherwise the M2 MacBook Pro might just be the same. Both the Studio and M2 MBP will have more GPU grunt but that might be the issue here.

When you are experiencing the lag is the CPU maxed out ? Or the GPU being pushed hard (ie not just pushing out to 2 displays but rendering or something ?)
How much memory is being used at the time ? Is it swapping to disk.

Is the laptop open or closed (clamshell mode) when this lag happens (otherwise it’s driving 3 displays)

 

[Benjenk126]

I think you need to get to the root cause of the performance issue there. Otherwise the M2 MacBook Pro might just be the same. Both the Studio and M2 MBP will have more GPU grunt but that might be the issue here.

When you are experiencing the lag is the CPU maxed out ? Or the GPU being pushed hard (ie not just pushing out to 2 displays but rendering or something ?)
How much memory is being used at the time ? Is it swapping to disk.

Is the laptop open or closed (clamshell mode) when this lag happens (otherwise it’s driving 3 displays)

Usually the memory is always pretty much 100%, even when lag doesn't show. This is usually just down to the nature of the apps I run (Probably doesn't help that I never shut down the laptop, instead I just put it to sleep)

CPU ranges depending on the task but sometimes does hit 100%.

GPU is rarely near 100%.

The laptop is always used as open (So 3 monitors). Memory likely is the big bottleneck here so if I was to upgrade I'd need 32GB

In your opinion is the upgrade/change worth it? Or would you suggest just to get back into a routine of shutting down the laptop after use, and closing non-used applications. Mac studio would bump memory up to 32GB and can be bought for a good deal, although is it worth it whilst it's still an M1 Max and not M2?

Thanks for your response!

 

[xraydoc]

Usually the memory is always pretty much 100%, even when lag doesn't show. This is usually just down to the nature of the apps I run (Probably doesn't help that I never shut down the laptop, instead I just put it to sleep)

CPU ranges depending on the task but sometimes does hit 100%.

GPU is rarely near 100%.

The laptop is always used as open (So 3 monitors). Memory likely is the big bottleneck here so if I was to upgrade I'd need 32GB

In your opinion is the upgrade/change worth it? Or would you suggest just to get back into a routine of shutting down the laptop after use, and closing non-used applications. Mac studio would bump memory up to 32GB and can be bought for a good deal, although is it worth it whilst it's still an M1 Max and not M2?

Thanks for your response!

The M2 Pro is faster for CPU tasks than the M1 Max. The M2 Max and M2 Pro are pretty close in speed GPU wise. Not going to be tremendously different unless each second saved costs you $$$.

All that said, your first post discussed the MacBook Pro versus a Mac Studio. You need to decide if you want a laptop or a desktop.

If you want a desktop, then the Mac Studio is probably where you need to look if you need more than two desktop displays (not including the built-in display on the MacBooks). The M1 Max (upgraded GPU version) is still very fast, and it can be had with 32GB or 64GB of RAM and your choice of SSD capacity. Of course the M1 Ultra is still king of the hill for now when it comes to GPU power, but the M2 Max is faster for CPU tasks, and at some point the M2 Ultra will likely come out depending on how soon you need to make the upgrade.

The Mac mini M2 Pro machine is very fast, but limited to two displays; not sure if that matters to you or not. But it will run two 5K Studio Displays. It's also limited to 32GB of RAM, in case you're looking for more.

If you want a laptop, and you're using up all the resources on your current machine, then you'll need to look at an M2 Pro model with 32GB or more of RAM and at least 1TB of storage. A 16" M2 Max MacBook Pro would be faster than the Mac Studio M1 Max, at least in short bursts (I don't know if there's any sustained stress benchmarks available yet; Mac Studio's cooling is bound to be better than the MacBook's, so that may come in to some play depending on your workload).

So, bottom line - if you prefer a laptop, then they're already out and you can make your selection (Pro vs Max). If you want a desktop, then consider waiting until the M2-based Mac Studios (Max/Ultra) come out unless you know the Mac mini M2 Pro will satisfy your needs. Again, the upcoming Mac Studio (presumably with an M2 Max or M2 Ultra) will have a better cooling system than the mini, will be available with the M2 Max (vs. M2 Pro in the mini), and can be configured with more RAM.

Don't forget, there may be bargains to be had for a 16" M1 Max MacBook Pro, so consider that as well (with upgraded RAM and SSD) if you find your current gear to be otherwise fast enough when not starved for RAM and SSD space.