Apple is making waves with its new in-house M5 chipsets in products like the M5 MacBook Pro. Unlike previous models that struggled with overheating, the M5 shows promising improvements in thermal performance. Recent tests revealed that under heavy load, the M5 managed to reach 99 degrees Celsius, significantly cooler than its predecessor, the M4. This improvement suggests that Apple has made subtle adjustments to its cooling system while keeping the same design.
In a recent comparison video by Max Tech, both the 14-inch M5 and M4 MacBook Pros were put to the test. The M4 often exceeded the 100-degree mark during demanding tasks, while the M5 stayed within safer limits. However, both models still rely on a single fan and heat pipe for cooling, which struggles to keep temperatures low during intensive tasks.
Interestingly, running Cinebench 2024 revealed that while the M5 does run cooler, it also consumes a bit more power than the M4. This raises questions about the effectiveness of Apple’s current cooling strategy. Experts suggest that Apple might have improved the fan’s responsiveness or used better thermal paste like PTM7950, which has been shown to outperform liquid metal in some cases.
Here’s a quick comparison of their performance:
- M4 Average Temperature: 100.9 degrees Celsius
- M5 Average Temperature: 98.95 degrees Celsius
Both models perform well, but the M5 demonstrates a marked improvement. Even when playing demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 with ray tracing, the M5 managed to maintain its temperature effectively, showcasing Apple Silicon’s strong synergy between CPU and GPU.
For those who aren’t ready to upgrade but want to improve their M4 MacBook Pro’s performance, investing in high-quality thermal paste could make a difference. Products like PTM7950 can help lower temperatures if you’re comfortable with disassembling your device.
This ongoing evolution in Apple’s chip design emphasizes the importance of thermal management and how it affects user experience. As Apple continues to refine its technology, it will be interesting to see how future models incorporate even more advanced cooling solutions.
For further insight, check out the full video by Max Tech.
