Set to a relatively low 1280 x 800 pixel resolution, and with Normal detail settings, it averaged only 15 fps.
We tried the graphically testing new Tomb Raider (2013) game, which proved the match of the Intel Iris Graphics 5100 in this laptop. Retina MacBook Pro now has 8GB RAM, where it previously had 4GB, bringing it into line with the other 13in models. If you order your 13in MacBook Pro with 16GB RAM you’ll be charged an extra £160.
Macbook pro 2014 upgrade#
Note that it is not possible to upgrade the RAM at a later date as the RAM is soldered onto the motherboard, of if you think you might need more RAM than the 8GB standard in the 13-inch models, then you will have to specify the extra RAM in your order and factor in the extra expense. So even without the two-times speed up of write performance available with larger capacity drives, this notebook still benefits greatly from very rapid small file delivery to keep it feeling slick in operation.
Small-file transfers remained speedy though, averaging 176MB/s and 141MB/s for random reads and writes (4–1024 kB data). Write speeds were only half as fast though, reaching a maximum sequential figure of 322MB/s, and averaging 319 MB/s for the same data set. Those quad-core processors mean than the speedmark score of the 15in models is around 60 percent higher Speedmark 9 scores than their 13-inch counterparts. The key difference between the 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pro models is the fact that the 13in models have a dual core processor, while the 15in models have a quad-core processor. In the Cinebench 15 benchmark test we saw the same story: last year’s ‘best’ 2.6GHz model performance is now found in this year’s ‘good’ 2.6GHz MacBook Pro, with both scoring 113 points in single-core mode, and 280 and 281 respectively with all four virtual cores in this Hyper Threading Technology chip in operation.
Macbook pro 2014 software#
That version recorded 1.30 and 3.13 points respectively, so this year’s 2.6GHz model has effectively the same performance in this test, slightly faster in fact by a little under 1 percent, although that could be accounted for by experimental variables or even the change in the OS software between the original Mavericks and current 10.9.4. We don’t have figures for last year’s 2.3GHz model, but these number compare well with the ‘best’ model of that generation, also with a 2.6 GHz Intel Core i5, the earlier i5-4288U parts. In the Cinebench 11.5 benchmark test the 13-inch MacBook Pro scored 1.31 points with a single processor core, and 3.15 points in multi-core mode. Storage speed aside, you are getting the performance of last year’s best off-the-shelf model, for an entry-level price that’s also £50 less than its predecessor. Here in the entry model we did find storage a little slower in sequential write speed, although this will be of little impact in many daily tasks. The last upgrade in October 2013 introduced the world to the best all-round compact laptop we’ve tested and enjoyed using, with its 11ac wireless, extended battery life and flawless build quality. Looking at this 2014 revision of the 13-inch MacBook Pro, it’s difficult to find any fault. Of course the Retina MacBook Pro is heavier: 1.57kg compared to 1.08kg, and the MacBook Air is thinner and has longer battery life. The extra £150 (or in the case of the mid-range Retina MacBook Pro, the same price) is a reasonable price to pay for a faster machine.
The price drops are welcome, although it has closed the gap between the 13in MacBook Air models and the entry-level 13in MacBook Pro with Retina display.
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