How does the MBP/rMBP GPU compare?

[jedolley]

I apologize if this has been asked before, but I could not find anything specific to my question.

I currently have a 2011 27" iMac with 2GB 6970M GPU. I was considering switching to either a MBP or rMBP with the 1GB GeForce GT 650M GPU and using an external monitor. I feel comfortable enough in comparing the other components, but not sure on how the two GPUs compare. I love my iMac, but would love the ability to take my "desktop" on the go without sacrificing the performance.

 

[nontroppo]

The 6970M should certainly be faster than the 650M, it certainly is for games:

http://www.barefeats.com/gam12.html

But the vagaries of professional apps (OpenCL vs. CUDA support etc.) mean that the 650M may perform better depending on the app. They seem to trade blows in photoshop:

http://www.barefeats.com/mbp12cp.html

So the answer to the performance difference depends on what you do and what you need.

 

[jedolley]

The 6970M should certainly be faster than the 650M, it certainly is for games:

http://www.barefeats.com/gam12.html

But the vagaries of professional apps (OpenCL vs. CUDA support etc.) mean that the 650M may perform better depending on the app. They seem to trade blows in photoshop:

http://www.barefeats.com/mbp12cp.html

So the answer to the performance difference depends on what you do and what you need.

Thanks You! Bare Feats was the site I was looking for, but could not remember the name! I think I may have to wait it out and see what to new iMac looks like and either get a 13" MBP or MBA for mobility.