Review Apple MacBook Pro 15 Retina 2.3 GHz Mid 2012
Apple uses the WWDC (World Wide Developer Conference) to showcase new products and technologies. This year, CEO Tim Cook and SVP Philip W. Schiller not only introduced a completely reworked notebook portfolio and various other products, but also unveiled a MacBook Pro with 15-inch Retina display. asus u41jf-wx089 battery Apple uses this marketing term to refer to devices with a very high resolution and pixel density. The Retina display made its debut on the iPhone 4s and is also found in the iPod Touch and iPad 3. The previous high-resolution version of the 15-inch MBP only offered a maximum resolution of 1680 x 1050 pixels. The new 15.4-inch screen now packs a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels and a pixel density of 220 DPI. asus u41jf-wx125 battery New Intel Ivy Bridge processors, a slimmer chassis, a revised cooling system, and a changed speaker system are all features that distinguish this new model from the regular MacBook Pro (which will stay on sale alongside the new offering - although the 17-inch version has been discontinued).
Two models with different configurations are offered at launch. Our test system is the base model and features the Intel Core i7-3615QM Quad-Core processor (2.3 GHz), 8 GByte RAM and a 256 GByte SSD. asus u41jf-wx149v battery The higher-end version includes the 2.6 GHz Intel Core i7-3720QM processor and a 512 GByte SSD. Both models are equipped with the high resolution Retina display and the integrated / dedicated graphics combination with Intel GMA HD 4000 and Nvidia GeForce GT 650M (1 GByte GDDR5-RAM). For those looking to soup up their notebook even further, Apple offers BTO (Build-to-Order) options. 16 GByte RAM (onboard) or a 768 GByte SSD will set you back an additional 200 or 500 Euro, respectively. asus u41sv battery The larger SSD is only an option for the more expensive model retailing at 2889 Euro (MSRP). In this review we will focus on the 2279 Euro (MSRP) expensive base model with no optional upgrades selected.
In this review we will take an in-depth look at the performance of the components, the new display, and the overall features. The new MacBook Pro now comes with USB 3.0 and HDMI and offers two Thunderbolt ports. asus u41sv-wx031v battery Both FireWire and Ethernet are only offered via adapter. So what are the pros and cons of the newest family member?
Case
Apple still uses a aluminum unibody chassis
18 millimeters high and a weight of two kilogram
Phil Shiller didn't spare any superlatives when describing the chassis of the new MacBook Pro. Apple continues to use a unibody chassis milled from solid aluminum. The design feels great and conveys both high-end aesthetics and superb build quality. asus u41sv-wx036 battery The chassis resists deformation and remains rock solid even when concentrated pressure is applied. Compared to the "normal" MacBook Pro, the Retina model is both slimmer and lighter. The height is a uniform 18 millimeter (0.71 inches), the weight about 2 kilogram (4.46 pounds). This means that the new model is six millimeter (0.24 inches) thinner and about 500 grams (1.1 pounds) lighter than the Apple MacBook Pro 15 Late 2011. asus u41sv-wx036v battery The wedge-like MacBook Air 13 has a maximum thickness of about 17 millimeter (0.67 inches) and is only marginally slimmer. The similarly equipped Asus N56VZ is much heavier and downright clunky (height of 37 millimeter / 1.46 inches). On the other hand, the price of admission is only about half.
One of the features contributing to the lower weight is the missing glass cover over the display. The new model only has two layers, a design feature that is also supposed to reduce glare (more on that later). asus u41sv-wx049d battery Despite the thin construction, the display lid offers very high torsional rigidity. The display hinge is located in the middle and is hidden under black plastic. It holds the display in place without allowing it to rock back and forth and is firm enough to allow working in a car or on a train.
The design of the notebook is evolutionary and not a departure from the past. The thin chassis caught our eye during the unpacking process, while the display lid still sports the familiar big apple logo. asus u41sv-wx050d battery Although the laptop's chassis feels quite resilient, it was not designed for extreme outdoor use. Scratches and dings don't occur easily but we would still recommend a soft sleeve and some care while handling the notebook. All things considered, Apple was able to design a slimmer chassis with no apparent weaknesses. Overall this is one of the thinnest and lightest notebooks in its class.
Emissions
System Noise
asus u41sv-wx051v battery One of the new features of the MacBook Pro Retina is the redesigned cooling system. It now uses two asymmetrical fan units, which are supposed to reduce the tonal impact. At least subjectively, the system should appear more quiet that way. During idle, we measured a constant 29.4 dB(A) with the fans spinning at an inaudible 2000 rpm. This value is equivalent to the base noise level of a room without any additional sources. The fans are the only source of noise in the MacBook Pro. asus u41sv-wx056v battery When we played a YouTube flash video the system remained quiet, although the fans did reach a slightly higher 2300 rpm intermittently.
Under load, the fan system spins at up to 6000 rpm. The notebook reaches 47.4 dB(A) and is now pretty audible. This noise level is fortunately not very annoying, since the frequency remains low. The MacBook Pro 15 Late 2011 is comparatively quiet at 44.1 dB(A). Normally, noise level doubles for every 7 to 10 db(A). Because of the new fan design, the perceived increase is less. Asus U41JF-A1 battery
Temperature
Apple's aluminum chassis have been criticized for reaching somewhat higher temperatures on the surface. We decided to take an in-depth look at this particular combination of slimmer chassis and potent hardware. During office duties, the fan operates only around 2000 rpm and a good portion of the heat is transferred into the chassis (passive cooling). Asus U31SD-A1 battery At a room temperature of 27 degrees Celsius (80.6 degrees Fahrenheit), we measured a maximum of 38.4 degrees Celsius (101.1 degrees Fahrenheit) near the keyboard. Even though the chassis is warm to the touch, we don't feel it's a reason for concern. Since the keys are island-style, they don't get that warm. The palm rest stays at an acceptable 33.6 degrees Celsius (92.5 degrees Fahrenheit). Both the MacBook Pro 15 Late 2011 and the even slimmer MacBook Air 13 Mid 2012 stay a bit cooler, although ambient temperature always has to be taken into consideration. Asus U31JG-A1 battery
Under load, the heat dissipation of the components and the outside temperature of the unibody chassis increase significantly. We measured 50.1 degrees Celsius (122.2 degrees Fahrenheit) above the keyboard. However: this area doesn't get touched much (if ever) during every-day use. The bottom of the MacBook also gets quite warm, so placing it on the lap could get uncomfortable after a while. ASUS G73 battery The predecessor (with a slightly thicker chassis) stayed a bit cooler at 43 degrees Celsius (109.4 degrees Fahrenheit) at a room temperature of 22 degrees Celsius (71.6 degrees Fahrenheit). Comparing the results to the measurements taken under Windows, we noted a small advantage for the Mac OS. This is not necessarily a surprise, since Apple is able to fine-tune hard- and software. The differences were actually larger when we tested the MacBook Air 11 Mid 2012. ASUS G73J battery
Power Consumption
Aside from decent processor performance, power efficiency is an important factor. The new Intel Ivy Bridge processors are able to achieve better performance while requiring the same or even less power. The processor we tested here (Intel Core i7-3615QM), was designed to dissipate an average maximum power (TDP) of 45 watts. ASUS G73JH battery Running the MacBook Pro Retina under Mac OS X, we measured between 8.8 and 17.6 watts during office-type duties. The MacBook Pro 15 Late 2011 needs more power, specifically at the upper end of the spectrum. Minimum power consumption is on a comparable level. When the monitor is turned off, the power consumption only drops by 0.2 watts (down to 8.6 watts). Although the ULV processor equipped MacBook Air 13 Mid 2012 consumes only a maximum of 10.7 watts, it has to be noted that it offers less performance. ASUS G73JH-A1 battery
Under load, the power requirements increase and reach a maximum of 77.2 watts. For this test, we used a combination of the tools Unigine 3.0 and Prime. The previously mentioned MacBook Pro from 2011 required quite a bit more power here (89.2 watts). We have to take into consideration that this notebook was subjected to slightly different loads under Mac OS X, though. ASUS G73JH-A2 battery The included 85-watt power supply has not been changed, although it now features a MagSafe 2 connector. The new MacBook does not exceed the power limits of the adapter even when under heavy load. Only when we ran Windows, we were able to push the new notebook to its limit of 82.3 watts average (Prime 95 + Furmark).
Battery Life
ASUS G73JH-RBBX05 battery During duties away from any outlet, a large lithium polymer battery with a capacity of 95 watt-hours supplies the necessary juice for long run times. The regular MacBook Pro 15 only offers a capacity of 77.5 watt-hours (a difference of 19.4 percent). On the other hand, the new battery is now glued into the chassis, which makes replacing it both complicated and expensive. According to Apple's price list, an exchange now costs 199 Euro (MSRP) instead of 129 Euros. ASUS G73JH-X1 battery Considering the capacity, we think the cost is still acceptable, especially considering that the battery should last for at least 1000 recharge cycles.
The first test we conducted was the maximum possible run time. We set the screen to its lowest brightness (level 1, ambient light sensor and keyboard backlight deactivated) and turned off all connectivity options. Using a script, we then simulate reading a text document - something that doesn't tax the hardware at all. ASUS G73JH-X2 battery We used gfxCardStatus to disable graphics card switching, and selected the Intel GMA HD 4000 as the only option. With the above settings, we recorded a runtime of almost 18 hours. Since the brightness is very low and because of the highly reflective screen, this test does not simulate a very probable usage-scenario. The test "WLAN surfing" is more realistic. ASUS G53 battery Using a brightness of 150 cd/m² and with automatic graphics switching enabled, the browser navigates to a new website every 40 seconds. Under Mac OS X, we recorded 6 hours and 4 minutes - a respectable result. With the screen turned up to maximum brightness and keyboard backlight activated, we still got 5 hours and 35 minutes. The MacBook Pro 15 Late 2011 only lasted 4 hours and 45 minutes during the same test.
ASUS G53J battery To establish the minimum battery runtime, we use the Battery Eater Classic Test under Windows. This test taxes the hardware with the screen brightness set to maximum and the keyboard backlight active. The notebook lasted 1 hour and 28 minutes before we had to recharge it. The MacBook Pro 15 Late 2011 ran out of battery after only 52 minutes.
Performance
ASUS G53JW battery Apple offers three different Ivy Bridge processors for its slimmer new MacBook Pro. On the upper end, the user gets to pick either the Intel Core i7-3720QM (2.6 GHz, 6 MByte L3-Cache) or the Intel Core i7-3820QM (2.7 GHz, 8 MByte L3-Cache). The latter adds 250 Euro to the price of the top model. The entry-level version of the premium notebook comes with the Intel Core i7-3615QM. This CPU has a core frequency of 2.3 GHz and 6 MByte L3-Cache. ASUS G53S battery All processors are quad core units with four cores and eight threads, manufactured using the 22nm process and utilizing 3-D transistors. Our test model is able to overclock one single core to 3.3 GHz, and all four cores to 3.1 GHz using Turbo Boost 2.0 technology. During Idle, the system is able to downclock to a low 800 MHz using SpeedStep. Similar to graphics units, the system is able to choose its own power state. ASUS G53SW battery
Speaking of graphics: Apple uses a combo consisting of the integrated Intel GMA HD 4000 and a dedicated Nvidia GeForce GT 650M. Latter is an upper middle-class GPU and features the current Kepler architecture, 384 ALUs, 1024 MByte GDDR5 RAM, and a 128-bit bus. The GPU operates at a core frequency of 900 MHz and a memory speed of 1254 MHz. For the test, we used a Boot Camp installation of Microsoft Windows 8 (Release Preview). A functional test showed that Turbo Boost works just fine, but SpeedStep (800 MHz) does not (according to HWiNFO). Under the new OS, the new processor generation clocks between 3.1 and 3.3 GHz and loses its efficiency. ASUS G53 battery
Processor
In order to accurately determine the performance of the processor, we used the Windows 8 install for the benchmark tests. The Intel Core i7-3615QM in our test unit reached 21365 points running the CineBench R10 Multi Thread (64-Bit) test. This result puts the performance of the processor in the upper third of our database. The Samsung Series 7 700Z7C (same processor) or the MSI GT70PH with Intel Core i7-3610QM reach comparable scores here. The more powerful offereings for the MacBook Pro are the current cream of the crop and surpass our test configuration by 8.2 and 12.6%, respectively. The Apple MacBook Pro 15 Late 2011 with Intel Core i7-2760QM reached 18048 points in the same test (-15.5%). ASUS G53J battery
In the newer CineBench R11.5 the Intel Core i7-3615QM scored 5.52 points. The predecessor reached 5.49 points - an almost identical score. The newer processor doesn't manage to pull ahead in this test. The more powerful Intel Core i7-3720QM and Intel Core i7-3820QM end up with 6.5 (+17,8 %) and 6.7 points (+21,4 %). The tools SuperPI and WPrime confirm that our test configuration is very powerful indeed and deserves its spot in our performance database. ASUS G53JH battery
With the two top processors, Apple manages to cover all needs. We are not sure if the additional money for the Intel Core i7-3820QM over the i7-3720QM is money well spent. The difference in performance to the models of the previous Sandy Bridge generation is pretty minor. What has to be taken into consideration though is the increased efficiency and integrated graphics unit the Ivy Bridge processor offer. ASUS G53JQ battery
Performance under Mac OS X 10.7.4 Lion
Processor performance is also a determining factor in evaluating performance under Mac OS X. A command line check confirmed that Turbo Boost is active. Depending on load, either three or four cores at 3.1 GHz, two cores at 3.2 GHz, or one core at 3.3 GHz are active. The base model reached 18241 points in the CineBench R10 Multi Thread test. The difference to the Boot Camp install (21365 points) is -17.1%. CineBench R11.5 under Mac OS X 10.7 had our test system ahead by 9.8%, however (OS X: 6.12 points, Windows: 5.52 points). ASUS G53JW battery
The tool GeekBench is a program for Macs, which is also available (as a free download) for Windows (32-Bit). In this particular comparison, the results were 11053 and 9633 points (Windows 12,9 % slower). The older notebooks MacBook Pro 15 Late 2011 with Intel Core i7-2670QM and the MacBook Air 13 Mid 2011 received 10435 (-5.6 %) and 5437 points (-50,8 %), respectively. The difference to the previous MacBook Pro is not particularly large, but the Air lags behind by quite a bit. ASUS G53JW-3D battery
Another tool we use is similar to the system benchmark application Futuremark and called Xbench. Since the results fluctuated somewhat from test to test, we recorded the maximum out of five test runs. The MacBook Pro Retina garners the top spot in many of the test segments, falling short only in the "Quartz Graphics Test". The tool QuartzDebug from Apple records the frame rates. Scrolling the Timeline of Notebookcheck.com on Facebook, we record rates from 18 to 24 fps. According to Anandtech, the regular MacBook Pro 15 achieves rates of 50 fps. We did indeed encounter a slight stickiness due to the lower framerate. Mountain Lion is supposed to mitigate this issue. ASUS G53JW-3DE battery
Gaming Performance
The list of current games designed for Mac OS X is not very long. Examples are Diablo III, StarCraft II, and Civilization V. Most users will probably use a Windows install instead. We sampled a few titles and recorded the performance. The attached table reveals that most games run smoothly even at 1920 x 1080 pixels. For a few games it's better though to reduce the level of details. Diablo III runs smoothly (at least initially) even at the native resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels and anti-aliasing turned on. We recorded an average frame rate of around 28 fps. ASUS G53JW-A1 battery During our test we could induce glitches when we used the "high" preset settings for Diablo III and SC II, but those settings are above what the Nvidia GeForce GT 650M was designed for. Overall, gaming performance is more than adequate even for the more demanding casual player. Native resolution is not recommended since only a few games remain playable. The GT 650M is perfectly usable though for playing without any loss of detail quality at a resolution of 1440 x 900.
Throttling
ASUS G53JW-IX159V battery This test wouldn't be complete if we didn't address the subject of throttling. Prime 95 and Furmark can extract the maximum performance out of the hardware. When both programs are run simultaneously, the core frequency drops (caused by Prime 95) to 1.2 Ghz. Running Prime 95 alone, we measured temperatures between 92 and 104 degrees Celsius (197.6 and 219.2 degrees Fahrenheit), and the word "Throttling" flashes repeatedly in HWiNFO. Furmark on its own cycles through all available Turbo Boost steps. After about one hour, the temperature settled at a fairly consistent 85 degrees Celsius (185 degrees Fahrenheit) with the fan system running. We never measured above 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit) with Furmark. ASUS G53JW-IX160V battery This limitation might be due to the power adapter: in the above scenario, the system would require 86.6 watts - but the power adapter can only supply a maximum of 85 watts. Immediately after running our different tests, we subjected the system to 3DMark 06 and CineBench R11.5. The results were identical to after a cold boot.
To simulate daily use, we ran DiRT Showdown under Windows at the maximum settings at a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. After one hour o playing, we recorded all five minutes of one round using Fraps. After a fairly slow start (16 fps), the frame rates stabilized at 21 fps. We did not notice a decrease in performance at any time. ASUS G53JW-IX162V battery
Verdict
The hype surrounding the new Apple MacBook Pro 15 with Retina display immediately after the WWDC 2012 was immense. After several weeks of testing, we are able to draw our own conclusion and share our opinion. The now even slimmer aluminum unibody chassis still manages to impress and is the de-facto standard in this category. We appreciate the inclusion of HDMI and the USB 3.0 and two Thunderbolt ports. Compared to other notebooks, the port selection is still a bit meager. Additional ports require the use of an adapter - something else that needs to be packed. ASUS G53JW-MA1 battery
The launch of the new notebooks sees the introduction of the Intel Ivy Bridge processor generation. The application and graphics performance of the Intel Core i7-3615QM quad-core CPU in combination with the dedicated Nvidia GeForce GT 650M is quite impressive. The RAM on the Retina-version is now soldered onto the motherboard, the SSD is located on a proprietary PCB, and the battery is glued into the chassis. In that respect, the new model is similar to members of the Air-family. Since Apple uses special pentalobe screws, maintenance is more difficult now. ASUS G53JW-QHDA1-CBIL battery The screws are very delicate and we can't recommend opening the notebook. A warranty extension is comparatively expensive at 349 Euro (MSRP) or 249 Euro (for students). Since the notebook is not easily user accessible and the starting price a steep 2279 Euro, the warranty extension is something to seriously take into consideration.
ASUS G53JW-SX145V battery Our (base) test notebook was equipped with the entry-level 256 GByte SSD. The drive is now addressed using the SATA III protocol and appropriately quite speedy. The bigger SSDs are not available for the base model. The next model up (2899 Euro MSRP) offers the 512 GByte version. For professional users working with photos or videos, 256 GByte are not going to last very long.
ASUS G53JW-SX278V battery The deciding factor for many considering the purchase is the new 15.4-inch Retina display. Our measurements and the IPS technology leave us with a very good overall impression. Although the panel is a glare-type, reflections are not quite as noticeable as on the older models due to omission of the outer glass layer. Unfortunately there is no model with a matte screen. The resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels with an aspect ratio of 16:10 is a distinguishing feature. The resolution is not offered natively. Ideal resolution for the system is 1440 x 900 pixels, which offers quadruple pixel density (220 DPI). ASUS G53JW-SZ098V battery During our testing phase, we most often used 1920 x 1200 pixels, which sometimes pushes the hardware to its limits. The slight hesitation encountered during scrolling is something we got used to quickly. We did not notice a yellow cast or observe issues with a burn-in on two different models. A disadvantage is the fact that many applications from third-party vendors are not optimized for the display yet. Apple has released HiDPI updates for several of its own programs.
ASUS G53JW-SZ105V battery Temperatures under load remain an issue. The re-designed cooling system with asymmetrical fans and improved speakers, which function as an air duct, leaves a good impression. The fact that the system distributes tonal impact to different frequencies doesn't make the notebook any more quiet, but the noise level is less intrusive. The bigger battery with 95 watt-hours offers a distinct advantage as far as battery life under Mac OS X is concerned. During every day use, the battery lasts between five and ten hours, depending on use. ASUS G53JW-SZ144V battery All in all a very impressive notebook, which offers cutting-edge in many areas. The new Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion is supposed to improve performance and presentation. Users looking for a time-tested model without any "teething" problems (or those who require a non-glare display) should take a look at the regular MacBook Pro 15. This model also has new and updated hardware from Intel and Nvidia and can be expanded more easily. Unfortunately, its not really any less expensive. Especially when equipped with the high resolution display and SSD, the Retina model almost appears to be a bargain.