Apple M1
Apple M1: A Revolution in Mobile Processors
Introduction
With the release of the Apple M1 processor in 2020, the company made a breakthrough, challenging traditional x86 architectures from Intel and AMD. This ARM-based chip combined high performance with unprecedented energy efficiency. In this article, we’ll explore how the M1 is structured, who it’s suitable for, and why it remains relevant three years after its launch.
1. Architecture and Process Technology: Innovations at the Chip Level
Hybrid Cores: Firestorm and Icestorm
The M1 is built on a hybrid architecture with 8 cores:
- 4 High-Performance Firestorm Cores
Operating at a base frequency of 2.1 GHz, with turbo boost up to 3.2 GHz. Designed for resource-intensive tasks: video rendering, 3D modeling, code compilation.
- 4 Energy-Efficient Icestorm Cores
Running at up to 2.1 GHz. Responsible for background processes (updates, downloads) and basic tasks (browsing the web, text editing).
All cores share a common L3 cache (16 MB), which speeds up data exchange. Unlike competitors, the M1 does not support hyper-threading—each core handles a single thread, totaling 8 threads.
5nm Process Technology: Density and Efficiency
The chip is manufactured using TSMC's 5nm technology. This allows for 16 billion transistors to be placed on a 120 mm² chip. In comparison, the Intel Core i7-1165G7 (10 nm) contains about 4.5 billion transistors.
Integrated Graphics
The M1 features an 8-core GPU with Metal 2 support. The graphics can handle 4K video, light editing in Final Cut Pro, and gaming at medium settings (for example, Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 1080p/30 FPS).
2. TDP 15W: How Apple Saves Energy
The M1's TDP (Thermal Design Power) is 15W, which is 2-3 times lower than comparable Intel/AMD chips. This has been achieved through:
- Dynamic Task Distribution between Firestorm and Icestorm. For instance, only the energy-efficient cores are activated while working in Safari.
- Optimization of macOS—the OS is tailored for ARM architecture, minimizing overhead.
- Unified Memory Architecture—CPU, GPU, and the neural core share common RAM, reducing latency.
Even under load (e.g., rendering in DaVinci Resolve), the chip rarely heats up above 45°C, allowing passive cooling in the MacBook Air.
3. Performance: Numbers and Real Scenarios
Synthetic Tests
- Geekbench 6: 2318 (Single-Core), 8142 (Multi-Core). In comparison, the Intel Core i7-1165G7 scores around ~1800/5500.
- Cinebench R23: 1500 (Single), 7800 (Multi).
Everyday Tasks
- Office Work: Simultaneously handling 20+ tabs in Chrome, Excel (spreadsheets with 10,000 rows), Zoom conference—without lag.
- Multimedia: Converting 4K video to H.265 (HandBrake) is 30% faster than with Intel i5-1135G7.
- Gaming: In Civilization VI (1080p, medium settings)—steady 60 FPS. However, AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077 require lowering the resolution to 720p.
Turbo Mode: When Speed Matters More than Battery Life
When turbo mode is activated (up to 3.2 GHz), CPU performance increases by 25-30%, but battery life decreases by 1-2 hours. For example, rendering a 10-minute video in Final Cut Pro will finish in 8 minutes instead of 11.
4. Use Cases: Who is the M1 Suitable For?
- Students and Office Workers—long battery life (up to 18 hours in MacBook Air), instant wake from sleep.
- Creative Professionals—editing 4K video, working in Adobe Lightroom.
- Travelers—light laptops (MacBook Air weighs 1.29 kg) with no need for a power outlet.
- Not suitable for: Hardcore gamers, engineers using CAD software (AutoCAD), and those needing Windows applications.
5. Battery Life: How the M1 Redefined Standards
The MacBook Air with M1 can operate up to 18 hours during web surfing. This is achieved through:
- Load Prediction Algorithm—the system pre-allocates tasks between cores.
- Dedicated Power Controller—turns off unused modules (e.g., part of the GPU in idle mode).
- Energy-Efficient Retina Display with peak brightness of 400 nits.
Even with active use (e.g., editing in iMovie), the laptop lasts 6-8 hours.
6. Comparison with Competitors
Apple M1 vs Intel Core i5-1135G7
- Performance: The M1 outperforms by 40% in Multi-Core (Geekbench).
- Energy Efficiency: At the same TDP (15W), the M1 consumes 50% less energy at idle.
Apple M1 vs AMD Ryzen 7 5800U
- In synthetic tests, Ryzen wins in Multi-Core (Geekbench ~9000), but loses in Single-Core (1500 vs 2318).
- Battery life on Ryzen 7 laptops averages up to 10 hours versus 18 hours for the MacBook Air.
Apple M1 vs Previous Generations (Intel MacBook Pro 2020)
- Video rendering in Premiere Pro finishes 2.5 times faster.
- Heat generation is reduced by 60% due to the absence of a fan in the Air.
7. Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- Record battery life.
- High performance per watt.
- Quiet operation (in MacBook Air).
- Integration with the Apple ecosystem (AirDrop, Continuity).
Weaknesses:
- Limited upgrade options (memory and SSD are soldered).
- Incompatibility with some Windows software (only through emulators like Parallels).
- No support for external GPUs.
8. Laptop Selection Recommendations
- Ultrabooks: MacBook Air (M1) is ideal for mobility.
- Workstations: MacBook Pro 13" (M1) has active cooling for prolonged workloads.
- Key Considerations:
- SSD capacity (at least 512 GB for video editing).
- Version of macOS (support for new features).
- Peripheral compatibility (e.g., Thunderbolt 3).
9. Final Conclusion
The Apple M1 is the perfect processor for those who value a balance between power and battery life. It is suitable for:
- Freelancers working in cafes or airports.
- Photographers and videographers needing portable editing capabilities.
- Users tired of constantly recharging their laptops.
Key Benefits:
- All-day unplugged operation.
- Sufficient power for most tasks (except AAA games and engineering software).
- Quiet and cool system even under load.
If you are not tied to Windows and do not plan to play the latest games, the M1 is an excellent choice in 2024, especially considering the drop in device prices following the release of M2/M3.