Question re: MacOS performance w/ the M1 processor?

[thendrich]

Hi, all -

I am exploring getting a Macbook w/ the M1 processor.

Does anyone have any cautionary notes regarding how FGU performs on the M1 processor?

Thanks in advance for any insight.

Tom

[Valyar]

I have Mac mini M1 16GB RAM/256GB storage. The current FGU build uses Rosetta, but you won't guess it unless you check the Activity Monitor. I have 2k screen running at 144Hz. I compare it with my workstation class laptop using Intel i7, NVIDIA Quadro and all is on very fast NVMe storage.

In general, the program runs very well. Loading times are same as on Windows (therefore Unity is the bottleneck, not the hardware). There are slight differences when I measure it in the console - module load and ruleset load, but they are minimal and irrelevant. But if you are fanatic that counts few seconds or milliseconds - yeah, it is slower sometimes.

Most of the images I use are following the SW recommendations and biggest maps and effects I used are maybe 2k. The M1 handled them quite well, I haven't seen any delays. The GPU usage increased, but it was less compared to equivalent on Foundry, which makes the mini to start the fans much earlier than anything else.

The only grief I have is when you drag windows with a lot of text or image around. Dragging is more sluggish compared to Windows.

If I can make general recommendation for M1 hardware - since it can never be upgraded and you have to live with it until it dies or you replace it, if you can buy the 8-core GPU and get Pro with active cooling.

[thendrich]

Thanks for the insight @valyar! Appreciate that.

[Ulric]

I have nothing but great things to say about FGU and the M! Macs. I have the Mac mini M1 with 8GB and the Macbook Pro M1 and everything works better than on my Intel Macs.

[Imagix]

I've got an M1 Max Macbook Pro, works _way_ better than my 2015-era Macbook Pro (and my even older iMac). Sadly my online group hasn't been getting together much, life has been getting in the way.

[thendrich]

I've got an M1 Max Macbook Pro, works _way_ better than my 2015-era Macbook Pro (and my even older iMac). Sadly my online group hasn't been getting together much, life has been getting in the way.

Thanks all for your experience with the M1 processor! I'm sold, going to order.

[bmos]

Thanks all for your experience with the M1 processor! I'm sold, going to order.I do IT support and have run into VERY few M1 complications. Apple seems to have done a great job with Rosetta.