13" non-Touch Bar Thermal Design

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

One of the key design changes between the non-Touch Bar and Touch Bar versions of the new MBP is the thermal architecture. The Touch Bar version features two fans and two inlets on the sides of the case, whereas the non-Touch Bar version features just the one fan and no inlets.

I find this very intriguing as the difference in performance between the two models should only be around 5-10% for the CPU, and perhaps less for the graphics (OpenCL: 28,000's versus 30,000's). Obviously the CPU can be configured for higher clock speeds, but this applies to both models.

So apart from talking through this decision, can anyone explain how the non-Touch Bar model takes in fresh air? Some feedback from new customers would be very insightful with regards to how hot it gets.

 

[Yoshimura]

The nTB gets its air from where the TB has is second fan outlet.

Now stop showing me how much nicer the TB interior is.

 

[mikeo007]

I find this very intriguing as the difference in performance between the two models should only be around 5-10% for the CPU, and perhaps less for the graphics (OpenCL: 28,000's versus 30,000's). Obviously the CPU can be configured for higher clock speeds, but this applies to both models.

The extra cooling is due to the significantly higher max TDP on the TB MBP. Performance between the two is similar for short-term tests, but longer workflows where the CPU and GPU are constantly utilized are going to have a larger performance gap that's going to push that higher TDP, requiring more cooling.

Is there not any airflow from the screen hinge in these models as well? That's where it was in some previous MBPs.

 

[supajam]

Is there not any airflow from the screen hinge in these models as well? That's where it was in some previous MBPs.

Yes two vents on either side.

 

[Macalway]

There's the large left side rear vent that is open for air. The right side is the fan.

We can thank iFixit for this stuff. God bless them

note: the speakers on the non TB are awesome, BTW

 

[Freyqq]

no touch bar version has a 15watt tdp processor touch bar version has a 28watt tdp processor. Needs more cooling.

 

[Yoshimura]

I find this very intriguing as the difference in performance between the two models should only be around 5-10% for the CPU, and perhaps less for the graphics (OpenCL: 28,000's versus 30,000's). Obviously the CPU can be configured for higher clock speeds, but this applies to both models.

They have similar performance when they run at their Turbo clock rate. However, TDP is the required cooling capacity to run the CPU as it base clock rate indefinitely. Here're the clock and TDP of the Skylake CPUs (mobile, dual core). As you can see, TDP is directly related to base clock rate.

Something interesting to notice is that the 28W can run indefinitely at 3.3 GHz (as per last row). This mean that the 2.9 (3.3) in the TB can run at its Turbo clock rate indefinitely.

Regarding the 2.0 (3.1), it's almost as powerful as 2.7 (3.3) at Turbo speed but because it doesn't have the required cooling capacity, it will need to throttle back after a while.

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

Thanks for all the input, I wasn't aware that the TB model had a higher wattage CPU. And the news that the non-TBs speakers are good is very reassuring!

I use CAD programs for my work and so I'm starting to think that the non-TB will be fine for my needs. My current machine is a 2010 i5 iMac (I know, it's done well) but it's starting to slow down now, so I can't wait to see the differences.

 

[Macalway]

Something interesting to notice is that the 28W can run indefinitely at 3.3 GHz (as per last row). This mean that the 2.9 (3.3) in the TB can run at its Turbo clock rate indefinitely.

Regarding the 2.0 (3.1), it's almost as powerful as 2.7 (3.3) at Turbo speed but because it doesn't have the required cooling capacity, it will need to throttle back after a while.

Thanks for that. That is very interesting and explains pretty much exactly what's going on.
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And the news that the non-TBs speakers are good is very reassuring!

I've read reviews that the non-touchbar sounds better (for some reason) than the touch bar 15", which doesn't make any sense, but you never know. It looks like the non-TB has upward firing speakers with rather large chambers, while the others have side vent usage. Of course that's a single user review I read, and most likely the 15" can go louder, etc. Whatever it is, these audio systems are really something. A lot of thought went into this stuff.

Apple asks for a lot of money but it's probably worth it, for some people. I personally would rather pay a premium for this kind of detail.